The diversity of wild Tampoi (Baccaurea, Phyllantaceae) and their potential to improve the livelihoods of local people in Aceh, Indonesia

Abstract

Abstract Baccaurea are a group of tropical indigenous plants with a high potential of improving food security and public health, particularly in rural areas. The majority of them are found growing wild in the forest and have not been fully explored. Several reports also revealed that the increasing rate of deforestation in recent years, as well as the trend of decreasing knowledge among local people regarding wild species, pose a threat to their existence in nature. As a result, the aim of this study is to determine the diversity of Baccaurea and their relevance to local people in two districts: South Aceh and Southwest Aceh. The plant specimens were collected using an exploratory method, while information on their usage was obtained from literature studies as well as interviews with local people. A total of 9 species were found growing wild in the forests and farmland, such as Baccaurea brevipes Hook.F., B. deflexa Müll.Arg., B. lanceolata Müll.Arg., B. macrocarpa Müll.Arg., B. macrophylla Müll.Arg., B. parviflora Müll.Arg., B. polyneura Hook.F., B. racemosa (Reinw. Ex Bl) Müll.Arg., and B. sumatrana (Miq.) Müll.Arg. All the specimens have the potential to be a source of food, medicinal ingredients, and wood for construction.