Wild edible plants in Ethiopia: A review on their potential to combat food insecurity

Abstract

This work reviews literature on ethnobotanical knowledge of wild edible plants and their potential
role in combating food insecurity in Ethiopia. Information on a total of 413 wild edible plants
belonging to 224 genera and 77 families was compiled in this review. Shrubs represented 31% of
species followed by trees (30%), herbs (29%) and climbers (9%). Families Fabaceae (35 species),
Tiliaceae (20) and Capparidaceae (19) were found to be represented by the highest number of edible
species. About 56% (233) of species have edibility reports from more than one community in
Ethiopia. Fruits were reported as the commonly utilized edible part in 51% of species. It was found
that studies on wild edible plants of Ethiopia cover only about 5% of the country’s districts which
indicates the need for more ethnobotanical research addressing all districts. Although there have
been some attempts to conduct nutritional analyses of wild edible plants, available results were
found to be insignificant when compared to the wild edible plant wealth of the country. Results
also show that wild edible plants of Ethiopia are used as supplementary, seasonal or survival food
sources in many cultural groups, and hence play a role in combating food insecurity. The presence
of anthropogenic and environmental factors affecting the wild plant wealth of the country calls
for immediate action so as to effectively document, produce a development plan and utilize the
plants.

Full text

[ 71 ]
afrika focus — Volume 24, Nr. 2, 2011 — pp. 71-121
Wild edible plants in Ethiopia: a review on
their potential to combat food insecurity
Ermias Lulekal (1), Zemede Asfaw (2), Ensermu Kelbessa (2),
Patrick Van Damme (1,3)
(1) Department of Plant Production, Ghent University, Belgium
(2) Department of Biology, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
(3) ICRAF, Nairobi, Kenya
This work reviews literature on ethnobotanical knowledge of wild edible plants and their potential
role in combating food insecurity in Ethiopia. Information on a total of 413 wild edible plants
belonging to 224 genera and 77 families was compiled in this review. Shrubs represented 31% of
species followed by trees (30%), herbs (29%) and climbers (9%). Families Fabaceae (35 species),
Tiliaceae (20) and Capparidaceae (19) were found to be represented by the highest number of ed-
ible species. About 56% (233) of species have edibility reports from more than one community in
Ethiopia. Fruits were reported as the commonly utilized edible part in 51% of species. It was found
that studies on wild edible plants of Ethiopia cover only about 5% of the country’s districts which
indicates the need for more ethnobotanical research addressing all districts. Although there have
been some attempts to conduct nutritional analyses of wild edible plants, available results were
found to be insignificant when compared to the wild edible plant wealth of the country. Results
also show that wild edible plants of Ethiopia are used as supplementary, seasonal or survival food
sources in many cultural groups, and hence play a role in combating food insecurity. The presence
of anthropogenic and environmental factors affecting the wild plant wealth of the country calls
for immediate action so as to effectively document, produce a development plan and utilize the
plants.
Key words: ethnobotany, cultural diversity, food insecurity, indigenous knowledge, nutritional analysis
Introduction
Ethnobotanical investigations into wild edible plants
Wild edible plants (WEPs) refer to species that are neither cultivated nor domesti-
cated, but are available from their wild natural habitat and used as sources of food (Be-
luhan and Ranogajec, 2010). Despite the primary reliance of most agricultural societies
on staple crop plants, the tradition of eating WEP products continues in the present day.
In addition to their role in closing food gaps during periods of drought or scarcity, WEPs
play an important role in maintaining livelihood security for many people in developing
countries (Afolayan and Jimoh, 2009).

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WEPs have been a focus of research for many ethnobotanists in recent decades. Cur-
rently, there is renewed global interest in documenting ethnobotanical information on
neglected wild edible food sources (Bharucha and Pretty, 2010). Since traditional knowl-
edge on WEPs is being eroded through acculturation and the loss of plant biodiversity
along with indigenous people and their cultural background, promoting research on
wild food plants is crucial in order to safeguard this information for future societies (As-
faw, 2009).
A major objective of ethnobotanical investigation into wild food plants is the docu-
mentation of indigenous knowledge associated with these plants. Comparative studies
on WEPs in different cultures or ethnic groups of a country or among different countries,
may contribute to the identification of the most widely used species for further nutri-
tional analysis (Termote et al., 2009; De Caluwé, 2010a and 2010b). Nutritional analysis
results provide clues to aid the promotion of those species that have the best nutritional
values which helps to to ensure dietetic diversity and combat food insecurity (Tardio et
al., 2006).
A considerable amount of research has been conducted worldwide on WEP ethno-
botany with an emphasis on field surveys and documentation, to cite but a few: Asfaw
and Tadesse (2001); Pieroni et al. (2002); Ertug (2004); Reyes-Garcia et al.(2005); Balemie
and Kibebew (2006); Tardio et al. (2006); Arenas and Scarpa (2007); Rashid et al. (2008);
Asfaw (2009); Giday et al. (2009); and Teklehaymanot and Giday (2010). Moreover, re-
search on nutritional value and health benefits of WEPs has been reported from Grivetti
and Ogle (2000); Ohiokpehal (2003); Heinrich et al. (2005); Balemie and Kibebew (2006);
Termote et al. (2009, 2010 and 2011), De Caluwé (2010a and 2010b); Beluhan and Ranoga-
jec (2010) and Feyssa et al. (2011). Regardless of the numerous efforts to document WEPs
and associated indigenous knowledge, underestimation of the value of these WEPs can
lead to the neglect of ecosystems that nurture them and the indigenous knowledge sys-
tems that are related to them (Pilgrim et al., 2008). Hence, we found it worthwhile to go
through ethnobotanical information on WEPs of Ethiopia and compile existing informa-
tion as a basis lead for further investigations into these plants.
Potential contribution to food security
When compared to domesticated plant food sources, wild plant foods tend to be
overlooked. However there is substantial evidence that indicates the importance of wild
edibles in terms of the global food basket. Since WEPs are freely accessible within natu-
ral habitats, indigenous people have knowledge of how to gather and prepare the foods
(Somnasang and Moreno-Black, 2000). According to Abermound (2009), about one bil-
lion people in the world use wild foods (mostly from plants) on a daily basis. Moreover,
over 300 million people obtain a substantial part of their livelihood in the form of Non-
Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) from wild forests (Belcher et al., 2005).
According to Jaenicke and Hoschle-Zeledon (2006), over 50 percent of the world’s
daily requirement of proteins and calories is obtained from only three crops: wheat, maize
and rice. The dependence on a few domesticated species limits dietetic diversity and leads

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to over dependence on limited resources. By contrast, ethnobotanical investigations on
WEPs suggest that more than 7,000 species have been used for food in human history
(Grivetti and Ogle, 2000). In countries such as China, India, Thailand and Bangladesh
hundreds of WEPs are still consumed along with domesticated species (Mazhar et al.,
2007). The document of Rathore (2009) shows the presence of 600 WEP species in India.
Moreover, Boa (2004) documented the presence of over 1000 species of wild edible fungi
(which do not belong to the plant kingdom but are closely related to it) worldwide. These
figures show the intimate link between WEPs and the diets of many people, hence wild
edibles can be considered to be useful resources in the efforts to achieve food security.
Further to their roles in food security, many WEPs such as Adansonia digitata L. (Malvace-
ae), Moringa stenopetala (Bak. f.) Cufod. (Moringaceae), Syzygium guineense (Willd.) DC.
(Myrtaceae) and Ximenia americana L. (Olacaceae) are acknowledged for their medicinal,
cultural, forage and economic values (Johns et al., 1996; Ogle et al., 2003; Reyes-Garcia et
al., 2005; Shrestha and Dhillon, 2006).
Nutritional value of WEPs
Leaves, stems, fruits, flowers, tubers, barks, seeds, roots, and so on, of lots of WEPs
are still consumed for their dietary value in many communities around the globe. Some
of these WEPs are used as primary food sources while others are used as secondary con-
diments in dishes prepared from domesticated cultivars (Lockett and Grivetti, 2000).
These plants play an important role as a source of energy and micronutrients (Afolayan
and Jimoh, 2009; De Caluwé, 2010a and 2010b). Currently, preliminary research results
on dietary analysis of many WEPs provide promising information (Table 1.)

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No WEP species Family Nutritional value Where? Source
1 Abrus precatorius L. Fabaceae Protein, Ca, Fe, K,
Na, Mg, Mn and Zn
Cameroun Glew et
al., 2010
2 Burnatia enneandra
Micheli
Alismataceae Protein, Ca, Fe, K,
Na, Mg, Mn and Zn
3 Cadaba farinosa Capparidaceae Protein, fat, Ca, Fe,
K, Na, Mg, Mn and
Zn
4 Agave salmiana Otto Agavaceae Protein Mexico Lopez-
Garcia &
Basurto-
Pena,
2007
5 Aloe vera L. Aloaceae
6 Arbutus xalapensis
Kunth
Ericaceae
7 Erythrina americana
Mill.
Fabaceae
8 Euphorbia radians
Benth.
Euphorbiaceae
9 Yucca filifera Chabaud Agavaceae
10 Ximenia americana L. Olacaceae Ca, P, Mg Niger Freiberger
et al., 1998
11 Amaranthus viridis L. Amaranthaceae Protein, Ca, Fe, P
12 Corchorus tridens L. Tiliaceae Protein, fat, P, Cu
13 Hibiscus sabdariffa L. Malvaceae Protein, fat, P
14 Maerua Crassifolia
Forssk
Capparidaceae Fat, Ca, P
15 Moringa oleifera Lam. Moringaceae Protein, fat, P
16 Leptadenia hastata
Decne
Asclepiadaceae Protein, fat, Ca, P
17 Borassus aethiopum
Mart.
Arecaceae Protein, zn Sahel
region
Glew et
al., 2005
18 Tamarindus indica L. Fabaceae Carbohydrate, pro-
tein and fat
19 Portulaca oleracea L. Portulacaceae Protein and fat India, Iran Aberou-
mand &
Deokule,
2009
20 Asparagus officinalis L. Asparagaceae Protein and fat
Table 1. Nutritional analysis reports on WEPs in some countries
In addition, Becker (1983) reported the presence of vitamins A, B2, and C in WEPs of
Senegal. Research on six WEPs from Spain also confirmed the occurence of lipids, fatty
acids and carotenes in the leaves of these species (Guill-Guerrero and Rodriguez-Garcia,

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1999). Protein content in a proportion that is comparable to the amount in domesticated
plants was also reported from a nutritional study of WEPs in South Africa (Afolayan and
Jimoh, 2009). A study on the dietary value of eight wild edibles in Iran and India also
showed the presence of sodium, calcium, potassium, iron, zinc, protein, and fat in a
ratio comparable to that found in cultivated plants (Aberoumand, 2009). Many wild leafy
vegetables of Poland are also mentioned for their rich source of vitamin C, natural anti-
oxidants, carotenoids and folic acid (Luczaj, 2010). Generally, the information available
from the nutritional analysis of WEPs shows their potential contribution to dietetic di-
versity and food security.
WEPs in Ethiopia
Ethiopia is a country with varied a topography and a wide spectrum of habitats
presenting a large number of endemic plants and animals. The country has about 6000
higher plant species of which about 10% are endemic (Hedberg et al., 2009). Ethiopia
also harbours two of the 34 global biodiversity hotspots (CI, 2004) and is recognized as
a Vavilov centre of origin and diversification for many food plants and their wild relatives
(Edwards, 1991). Forests, grasslands, riverine environments and wetlands are home to
numerous WEPs in the country (Asfaw, 2009). Local communities in Ethiopia are also en-
dowed with diverse indigenous knowledge, related to the rich biodiversity of the country.
In most parts of Ethiopia, wild edibles form integral parts of the feeding habits of
many communities (Balemie and Kibebew, 2006). However, consumption of wild edibles
is more common in food insecure areas than in other areas in the country (Teklehay-
manot and Giday, 2010). For example, the Konso people in southern Ethiopia managed
to endure three severe drought seasons of crop failure between 1996 and 1999 by con-
suming WEPs available in the region (Guinand and Lemessa, 2001). Despite the wide
availability and utilization of WEPs in Ethiopia, ethnobotanical information on cultural,
socio-economic and nutritional values of Ethiopian plants is limited. Hence, there is still
a need for documentation, nutritional analysis and domestication of WEPs to assist in
the nationwide effort to combat food insecurity and ensure dietetic diversity.
Objectives and methodology
The purpose of the present work is to review existing literature on ethnobotanical
knowledge of WEPs and their role in combating food insecurity in Ethiopia. Although
there are 85 cultural groups and a great number of WEPs in Ethiopia, past research has
only addressed a statistically insignificant proportion of them. This work intends to doc-
ument the status of available ethnobotanical information on WEPs in the country so as to
identify existing gaps in research and information on Ethiopian WEPs. Hence as offered
by Web of science (WOS), the authors have included all information on WEPs of Ethiopia
from published documents including journal articles, books, reports and proceedings.
The literature search also addressed online publications on WEPs from other countries
in order to point out useful research practices that could be used for future ethnobo-
tanical research on WEPs of Ethiopia. Databases comprising information on WEPs were

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browsed using the following main search terms: ‘wild edible plants’, ‘wild edible plants
of Ethiopia’, ‘ethnobotanical study of wild edible plants’ and ‘food security in Ethiopia’.
Data on Ethiopian WEPs with their scientific and local names, growth form, parts
used and specific cultural groups consuming the plants was gathered and compiled after
assessing all available Ethiopian ethnobotanical documents. Data was then entered in
an Excel spreadsheet and analysed using descriptive statistics to identify the number and
percentage of species, genera and families of WEPs, their growth forms and percentage
of commonly utilized plant parts. The output of this review can serve as a basis for future
ethnobotanical studies on WEPs of Ethiopia. Readers are referred to original articles on
Ethiopian WEPs for detailed analytical methods and interpretation of results; all resourc-
es used for this review are duly cited.
Results and discussion
Traditional knowledge on wild edible plants of Ethiopia
In total, ethnobotanical information on 413 WEPs belonging to 224 genera and 77
families was compiled (Appendix 1). About 17% of families were found to be represented
by more than 10 edible species, 18% had 5 to 10 species, 36% 2 to 4, whereas the re-
maining 29% of families were represented by single species only. Families Fabaceae (35
species), Tiliaceae (20) and Capparidaceae (19) were found to be represented by the highest
number of edible species (Fig. 1).
Figure 1. Families represented by highest number of WEP species in Ethiopia
Results show that the country is rich in WEP diversity. The wide utilization of wild
edible species of the family Fabaceae could be attributed to the highest number of species
in Ethiopian Flora residing in it besides their wider distribution.

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Growth form analysis of Ethiopian WEPs indicates that shrubs (129 species, 32%,)
represented the dominant growth form, followed by trees (127 species, 30%), herbs (121
species, 29%) and climbers (36 species, 9%), respectively. Fruits were the most com-
monly reported edible parts of about 51% (210 species) of plants reported for food, fol-
lowed by leaves (97 species, 23%) and seeds (43 species, 10%) (Fig. 2). Moreover, other
parts or products such as gum, nectar, bark, inflorescence, tubers or a combination of
two or more of these parts or products were also reported for edibility in different com-
munities. This indicates that the different cultural groups in Ethiopia make use of diverse
WEP parts as food sources.
Figure 2. The most commonly reported edible parts of Ethiopian WEPs
A total of 233 species (56%) were also reported as edible from more than one com-
munity in Ethiopia. This shows that the different cultural groups of the country share
relatively similar knowledge on WEPs utilisation. Moreover, it shows that the age-old
cultural practice of using WEPs brought people to share the knowledge regarding identi-
fication, preparation and consumption of similar WEPs.
Status of research into WEPs of Ethiopia
In this review, it was found that the existing ethnobotanical information on WEPs
of Ethiopia is very limited and fragmentary. The areas in Ethiopia for which at least some
information has been documented for their WEPs were: southwestern Ethiopia (Abbink,
1993; Guinand and Lemessa, 2001), Alamata, Cheha, Goma, Yilmana Densa districts
(Addis et al., 2005), Derashe and Kucha districts (Balemie and Kibebew, 2006), Dera
town in Dodotana Sire district (Wondimu et al., 2006), Hamar and Xonso districts (Ad-

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dis, 2009), Addi Arkay, Debark and Dejen districts (Fantahun and Hager, 2010), Kara and
Kewego people of South Omo zone in Kuraz and Hamar districts (Teklehaymanot and
Giday, 2010) and Fantalle and Boosat districts (Feyssa et al., 2011)(Fig. 3). Moreover, the
ethnobotanical writings by Getahun (1974), Asfaw and Tadesse (2001) and Asfaw (2009)
were found to give some general information on WEPs in the country. In addition, a book
by Teketay et al. (2010) was found to be the only one that provides information on 378
WEPs of Ethiopia of which only 262 were presented with specific locality information
where they are utilised, while the remaining 116 species were found to be listed in appen-
dices with no locality information. Hence, it was found that all available ethnobotanical
research outputs on Ethiopian WEPs address only about 5 percent of the 494 Ethiopian
districts which is an insignificant share when the immense geographic, ethnic and cul-
tural diversity of the country is taken into account. Moreover, research appears to focus
only on commonly known and widely available plants most of which occur in the central
and highland regions of the country.

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ADDI ARKAY
ADET
ALAMATA
BOSET
CHEHA
DEBARQ
DEJEN
DIRASHE
DODOTANA SIRE
FENTALE
GAMBELA
GOMA
HAMER
KONSO
KUCHA
KURAZ
LEGEND
Figure 3. Map showing Ethiopian Districts partly explored for ethnobotany of WEPs

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None of the available research outputs addressed the drier lowlands of Ethiopia
where many cultural groups live with indigenous knowledge of WEPs that are used du-
ring dry spells. Moreover, earlier research outputs on WEPs of Ethiopia were not syste-
matic and mainly only report names of plants. It was observed that current research on
Ethiopian WEPs is becoming more systematic focusing on indigenous knowledge of spe-
cific communities as noted in the writings of Addis (2009).
Among the list of WEPs, the species most commonly reported for utilization in-
clude Urtica simensis Steudel. (endemic species), Cordia africana Lam., Ximenia americana L.,
Tamarindus indica, L., Syzygium guineense (Willd. ) DC., Dovyalis abyssinica (A. Rich.) Warb,
Ficus sur Forssk, Ficus vasta Forssk, Physalis peruviana L., Rosa abyssinica Lindley, Rubus steud-
nerii Schweinf, Carissa spinarum L., Moringa stenopetala (Bak.f.) Cuf., Opuntia ficus-indica (L.)
Miller, and Solanum nigrum L. (Fig. 4) (Appendix 1) (Balemie and Kibebew, 2006; Addis,
2009; Teklehaymanot and Giday, 2010; Fantahun and Hager, 2010; Teketay et al., 2010).
However, we did not find any nutritional analysis of these commonly reported species.
Cordia africana Lam.
Utrica simensis Steudel

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Wild edible plants in Ethiopia
Figure 4. Some of the most commonly reported Ethiopian WEPs. (Photo source: http://database.prota.org)
Knocking at the gate of Ethiopian wild habitats
Many WEPs from other countries were also found reported for their occurrence in
Ethiopian wild habitats, but with no ethnobotanical information about their edibility. For
instance, wild plant species including Abutilon hirtum (Lam.) Sweet, Asparagus racemosus
Willd., Centella asiatica (L.) Urban, Chenopodium album L., Commelina africana L., Pennise-
tum purpureum Schumach. and Plantago lanceolata L. are documented for edibility in other
countries as noted in the writings of Ryan (2000); Ghirardini et al. (2007); Bandyopad-
hyay and Mukherjee (2008); Misra et al. (2008); Afolayan and Jimoh (2009); Okaraonye
and Ikewuchi (2009) and Binu (2010). However, despite their importance no information
on the edibility of these species was found in any of the Ethiopian ethnobotanical docu-
ments. This shows the need to carry out further comparative ethnobotanical studies on
WEPs of Ethiopia and other countries, so that the information could be used as a tool to
further research Ethiopian wild habitats to identify unexplored, but reportedly impor-
tant, WEPs in the country.
Ethiopian wild edibles and their role in combating food insecurity
According to FAO (2010), more than 35% of Ethiopian people are food insecure. The
country’s ever increasing population along with recurrent drought, war and poor agricul-
tural practices with low productivity, have pulled the country into a vicious circle of food
insecurity. In addition, over dependence on a limited number of food sources, and poor
efforts to diversify dietary sources aggravate the country’s food insecurity problem.
Many WEPs in Ethiopia were reported as emergency, supplementary or seasonal
food sources to avert food insecurity in households of Ethiopian cultural groups. For
example, the invasive Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller (Cactaceae), was found to be widely
exploited for its fruit in many parts of northern Ethiopia, playing a significant role in food
Tamarindus indica L.
Syzygium guineense (Willd.) DC.

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source diversification (Addis, 2009). The fruits of this plant are also sold in many local
markets in the Tigray regionof Ethiopia along with other cultivated food sources such as
potato, carrot, bean and maize. Amorphophallus gallaensis (Engl.) N. E. Br and Caralluma
sprengeri N. E. Br. were also reported for their role in fighting food insecurity during peri-
ods of drought and famine in Konso district (Guinand and Lemessa, 2000). This shows
the role that WEPs of Ethiopia play, at least at local levels, to combat food insecurity and
their potential to address existing food insecurity at national level if properly managed.
WEPs in Ethiopia that are reported to have nutritional and commercial properties that
are valued in other countries (for example, Adansonia digitata L., Tamarindus indica L., and
Ziziphus mauritiana Lam.) are found to be underutilized in the country. Hence it is important
that policy and decision makers consider all available ethnobotanical information on Ethi-
opian WEPs so as to develop regional and national plans for the conservation, management
and sustainable utilization of the country’s underused wealth of WEPs .
Conservation of WEPs in Ethiopia
Despite their importance, WEPs face serious anthropogenic and environmental
threats. Many threats are similar to those that affect plant diversity as a whole. The most
common threats reported were agricultural expansion, overgrazing/overstocking, defor-
estation and urbanization (Kelbessa et al., 1992; Addis, 2009; Asfaw, 2009; Teklehaymanot
and Giday, 2010). The reported anthropogenic pressures in the country have resulted in a
loss of thousands of hectares of forest that harbour useful WEPs. This loss was also report-
ed to limit benefits gained from the plants and indigenous knowledge associated with these
plants. The continuity of knowledge on the utilisation of WEPs has also faced problems
because of change in the feeding culture of the people (Teklehaymanot and Giday, 2010).
The reviewed research outputs on WEPs of the country indicate the need for conser-
vation as well as documentation (Balemie and Kibebew, 2006; Addis, 2009; Asfaw, 2009;
Teklehaymanot and Giday, 2010; Fantahun and Hager, 2010). Conserving Ethiopian WEPs
in situ (in their natural habitat as in nature reserves and parks) or ex situ (e.g. in field gene
banks, botanic gardens or cold rooms) is mandatory (Teklehaymanot and Giday, 2010).
Moreover, effective protection or sustainable management of the 58 National Forest Priori-
ty Areas (NFPAs) of the country will play a major role in conserving a great number of WEPs
that cannot be economically cultivated, require very specific habitats, and are exceptionally
difficult to reproduce in nurseries.
Lessons learnt from other countries
In the last decade, many countries have given priority to the documenting of WEPs and
the associated indigenous knowledge. In countries such as India, Mexico, Bolivia, Spain
and Turkey, in-depth ethnobotanical information on WEPs is available (Reyes-Garcia et al.,
2005; Tardio et al., 2006; Rashid et al., 2008). By contrast, in this review it was found that
research conducted on WEPs of Ethiopia was shallow and addressed only an insignificant
portion of the country. Hence, there is a need for extensive research to accumulate WEP
knowledge from all 85 cultural groups of the country.

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Existing dietary analyses in Ethiopia were found to be very limited and still to be at a
basic stage when compared to studies in other countries. In South Africa, Mexico, Niger
and India, for example, in-depth nutritional analyses of many WEPs have been reported
(Ogle and Grivetti, 1985; Frieberger et al., 1998; Lopez-Garcia and Basurto-Pena, 2007;
Afolayan and Jimoh, 2009; Rathore, 2009; Abdillahi et al., 2010). A report on nutritional
value assessment of Ziziphus spina-christi (L) Desf. (Rhamnaceae), Balanites aegyptiaca (L.)
Del. (Balanitaceae) and Grewia flavescens A. Juss (Tiliaceae) in Ethiopia shows that these
species are rich in carbohydrate, protein, and lipid (Feyssa et al., 2011). Further research
at least on commonly reported Ethiopian WEPs will help to identify more food supple-
ments with rich nutritional values that can help to avert food insecurity. In addition to nu-
tritional analyses, many research reports are also available documenting anti-nutritional
and toxicity studies of WEPs from different countries (Guill-Guerrero et al., 1997; Vander-
jagt et al., 2000; Lopez-Garcia and Basurto-Pena, 2007; Spina et al., 2008), which have not
been done for WEPs of Ethiopia except for a limited attempt made by Addis (2009).
Integrating WEPs into agricultural landscapes plays an important role in achieving
household food security and in the conservation of plants. The practice of integrating
fruit-bearing WEPs into agricultural landscapes has been reported in Uganda, Cameroon
and Nigeria (Degrande et al., 2006; Agea et al., 2007). In Ethiopia, Fantahun and Hag-
er (2010), reported the extent of integrating wild fruit-bearing species into agricultural
landscapes of the Amhara region, and indicated that about 17 species including Ziziphus
spina-christi (L) Desf., Cordia africana Lam.(Boraginaceae), Tamarindus indica L. (Fabaceae)
and Rosa abyssinica Lindley (Rosaceae) were found integrated in the agricultural settings
in the area. Despite such attempts, the overall practice of integrating WEPs into the agri-
cultural landscapes of Ethiopia is limited when compared to other countries, hence the
need to address the gap.
Although some WEPs including Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller, Moringa stenopetala
(Bak. f.) Cufod., Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich) Hochst. and Leptadenia hastata (Pers.) Decne,
were reported to be available in rural markets of Ethiopia (Balemie and Kibebew, 2006,
Addis, 2009), research on market chain analysis and economic value of these plants has
not yet been addressed. A lesson on exploring the economic use of WEPs to supplement
household income could be taken from the rational economic assessment of these plants
from other countries such as Thailand and India (Delang, 2006, Misra et al., 2008).
In many countries, edible forms of wild mushrooms have been identified, cultivated
and incorporated as staple foods (Boa, 2004). Extensive collections and herbarium data
have also been documented in different countries (Beluhan and Ranogajec, 2010). In con-
trast to this, in Ethiopia, a country that possesses numerous species of wild mushroom,
(Abate, 1999), there is very little information available on such species.
Tuno (2001) reported on the wild edible mushroom utilization by the Majanjir tribe
in Ethiopia, and this was found to be the only attempt to address a specific cultural group.
This indicates the need for further assessment and documentation of the wild edible
mushroom utilization of all other cultural groups in the country.
Some wild fruits that grow in the forests of Ethiopia were found to have important

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dietetic value in other countries. For example, Ziziphus mauritiana Lam. (Rhamnaceae) yields
a sweet edible fruit (Van Damme and Termote, 2008). This plant has now been improved
through grafting and genetic technologies to produce bigger, edible fruits with sweeter fla-
vours (Van Damme and Termote, 2008). In addition, Adansonia digitata L. (Malvaceae) is
serving as a source of sweet juice and is now widely available from markets in France and
Italy (Van Damme and Termote, 2008). Despite the presence of these useful WEPs in Ethio-
pia, no report was found on their promotion. Hence, to attain dietetic and economic benefit
from such useful WEPs in the country extensive promotion activities on target plants are
important.
The diverse groups of epiphytes and orchids available in Ethiopia were also found to
be unexplored, hence no ethnobotanical data was found on edible forms of these species.
A lesson in this respect could be taken from neighbouring Tanzania that possesses docu-
ments on 85 edible orchids and epiphytes (Davenport and Ndangalasi, 2003, Challe and
Struik, 2008).
Conclusions
Despite the wide utilization of WEPs in Ethiopia, ethnobotanical information re-
garding local knowledge of these plants is very limited. Available research information on
Ethiopian WEPs represents only about 5% of the country’s districts indicating the need for
further ethnobotanical research addressing unexplored regions of the country. Moreover,
taking inspiration from the experience of other countries and conducting applied research
on ecological distribution, nutritional analysis, toxicity, germplasm collection, promotion
and domestication of WEPs is a timely endeavour to utilise potential food sources.
Many people in Ethiopia are undernourished due to factors related to economic, en-
vironmental and/or political problems. The availability and utilization of about 413 WEPs
in the country, including those with high nutritional and market value, shows the food
resource potential that could play a role in averting the recurrent undernourishment and
also generate an economic gain.
Although about 413 WEPs have been investigated during the present work, this
number could have increased considerably if all Ethiopian cultural groups had been ad-
dressed through ethnobotanical investigations. Ethiopian WEPs are faced with threats
related to habitat loss and degradation; hence a complementary in situ and ex situ conser-
vation measure is vital to conserve the WEP wealth of the country.
Acknowledgements
We would like to thank Mr. Desalegn Chala from Natural History Museum, Oslo Uni-
versity, Norway, and Mr. Wouter Vanhove from University of Ghent for their assistance in
developing the map. Staff members of digital libraries of Economic Comission for Africa
(ECA), Addis Ababa University (AAU), Ghent University (UGent) and the National Herbari-
um of Ethiopia (ETH) are also acknowledged for providing available resources on WEPs.

afrika focus — 2011-12 [ 85 ]
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Appendix
Appendix 1 Wild edible plants of Ethipia
Abbreviations and Symbols Habit:T=tree, S=shrub, H=herb, C=Climber. Local
names: Afa-Afar, Amh-Amharic, Anu-Anuak, Awi-Awi, Ben-Bena, Bench-Bench, Ber-
Berta, D-Derashe, G-Gamo, Gum-Gumuz, Gur-Gurage, Had-Hadiya, Ham-Hamar K-
Kusume, KA-Kara, Kaf-Kafficho, Kon-Xonso, KW-Kwego, NM-Not mentioned, Maj-Ma-
janjir, Mur-Mursi, Nue-Nuer, Oro-Affan Oromo, She-Sheko, Sid-Sidamo, Som-Somali,
Tig-Tigray, Tse-Tsemay, Wel- Welaita, Zay-Zay. Source: 1- Balemie and Kibebew, 2006,
2- Teklehaymanot and Giday, 2010, 3- Teketay et al., 2010, 4- Addis et al., 2005, 5- Fanta-
hun and Hager, 2010, 6- Guinand and Lemessa, 2000, 7- Lulekal, 2009, 8- Addis, 2006,
9- Addis, 2009, 10- Asfaw & Tadesse, 2001, 11- Wondimu et al., 2006, 12- Awas, 2007,
13- Asfaw,1999.

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Source
10
3
5
3, 9
3
3
3, 13
3, 9
3, 9, 13
4
3
3
13
4
3
Where in Ethiopia
Central Ethiopia
Gamo Gofa
Adiarkay
Gamo Gofa
Benishangul Gumuz
Gamo Gofa
Kafa, Nuer
Gamo Gofa
Mursi, Majanjir
Yilmana Densa
Somali region
Mursi and Kaffa
Anuak
Yilmana Densa
Many parts of Ethiopia
Part used
Gum
Seed
Gum
Bark
Bark
Bark and
fruit
Gum
Seed
Fruit
Gum
Fruit
Leaf
Leaf
Nectar
Fruit
Habit
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
S
S
S
Local name
Grar
Grar (Amh)
Girar(Amh)
Chachana (Oro)
Tedecha (Oro)
Grar (Amh)
Gnuer (Nue)
Grara (Amh)
Lorkeyuee(Mur)
Nech-girar (Amh)
Timad (Som)
Keryaya Hola (Mur)
Atiyhomerpap (Anu)
Kusheshilie (Amh)
Merenz (Amh)
Family
Fabaceae
Fabaceae
Fabaceae
Fabaceae
Fabaceae
Fabaceae
Fabaceae
Fabaceae
Fabaceae
Fabaceae
Fabaceae
Euphorbiaceae
Euphorbiaceae
Acanthaceae
Apocynaceae
Scientific name
Acacia abyssinica Hochst. ex. Benth
Acacia albida Del.
Acacia etbaica Schweinf.
Acacia hockii De Wild.
Acacia negrii Pic.Serm.
Acacia nilotica (L.) Willd. ex Del.
Acacia polycantha Willd.
Acacia senegal (L.) Wild.
Acacia seyal Del.
Acacia sieberiana var. woodii (Burtt-
Davy) Keay and Brenan
Acacia tortilis (Forssk.) Hayne
Acalypha fruitcosa Forssk.
Acalypha ornata A. Rich.
Acanthus sennii Chiov.
Acokanthera schimperi (A. DC.)
Schweinf.
No
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15

afrika focus — 2011-12 [ 91 ]
Wild edible plants in Ethiopia
Source
3, 10,
13
3
9
13
13
4
3
2, 13
1, 3, 9
10, 13
3
1, 3
13
Where in Ethiopia
Waghumra and Tekeze
area, Berta
Hamar and Xonso
Hamar and Xonso
Gumuz
Anuak, Majanjir
Yilmana Densa
Awi Zone
Anuak, Kara and
Kwego
Derashe, Kucha, Xonso
and Gamo
Berta, Kefficho, Majan-
jir, Xonso
Gambella
Derashe and Kucha,
Gamo
Anuak, Komo, Nuer
Part used
Fruit
Leaf
Leaf
Fruit
Bark
Gum
Fruit
Fruit
Seed
Leaf
Young
shoots
Young
leaves
Leaf
Habit
T
H
C
H
T
T
T
T
H
H
H
H
H
Local name
Momret (Tig)
Kaguto (Kon)
Nama (Kon)
Ola (Gum)
Bamu (Anu)
Sessa (Amh)
Imbis (Amh)
Athow (Anu)
Gegebsa (G)
Tsunata (Ber)
Cayo (Som)
Horoqota (D)
Amugnaeder (Anu)
Family
Malvaceae
Passifloraceae
Passifloraceae
Zingiberaceae
Fabaceae
Fabaceae
Sapindaceae
Sapindaceae
Amaranthaceae
Amaranthaceae
Amaranthaceae
Amaranthaceae
Amaranthaceae
Scientific name
Adansonia digitata L.
Adenia ellenbeckii Harms
Adenia venenata Forssk.
Aframomum alboviolaceum (Ridl.) K.
Schum.
Albizia grandibracteata Taub.
Albizia schimperiana Oliv.
Allophylus abyssinicus (Hochst.) Radlk.
Allophylus macrobotrys Gilg
Amaranthus caudatus L.
Amaranthus hybridus L.
Amaranthus dubius Thell.
Amaranthus graecizans L.
Amaranthus spinosus L.
No
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28

afrika focus — Volume 24, Nr. 2[ 92 ]
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Source
3
3
10, 13
9
3
10, 13
13
3
1, 10,
13
3
9
3, 9
13
Where in Ethiopia
Xonso
Xonso
Anuak
Hamar and Xonso
Benishangul Gumuz
Anuak, Berta, Gumuz,
Komo
Majanjir
Gambella
Derashe and Kucha,
Gamo, Berta and Gumuz
Metu
Hamar and Xonso
Gamo
Gamo
Part used
Young shoots
Tuber
Tuber
Root
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit
Leaf
Fruit
Fruit
Seed
Tuber
Roots
Habit
H
H
H
H
H
C
T
H
T
H
H
H
H
Local name
Passa (Kon)
Bagane (Kon)
Luyano (Anu)
Pakanna (Kon)
Astigena (Gum)
Omok (Anu)
Gomu (Maj)
Aretekodo (Anu)
Monoqo (G)
Huda (Oro)
Dandaro (Amh)
Qoltso (G)
Qoltso (G)
Family
Amaranthaceae
Araceae
Araceae
Araceae
Vitaceae
Vitaceae
Sapotaceae
Commelinceae
Annonaceae
Euphorbiaceae
Papaveraceae
Araceae
Araceae
Scientific name
Amaranthus viridis L.
Amorphophallus abyssinicus (A. Rich.)
N.E. Br.
Amorphophallus gallaensis (Engl.) N.E. Br.
Amorphophallus gomboczianus Pic.Serm.
Ampelocissus bombycina (Bak.) Planch.
Ampelocissus schimperiana (Hochst. ex A.
Rich.) Planch.
Pouteria altissima (A. Chev.) Baehni
Aneilema beniniense (P. Beauv.) Kunth
Annona senegalensis Pers.
Antidesma venosum Tul.
Argemone mexicana L.
Arisaema flavum (Forssk. ) Schott
Arisaema schimperianum Schott
No
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41

afrika focus — 2011-12 [ 93 ]
Wild edible plants in Ethiopia
Source
3
9
4, 9
9, 13
1, 9, 10,
13
1, 2, 9
9
9
9
3
3, 9, 10
4
Where in Ethiopia
Sheko and Bench- menit
area
Hamar and Xonso
Cheha, Hamar and
Xonso
Anuak, Gumuz, Komo
Derashe and Kucha,
Anuak, Gamo, Komo,
Majanjir, Nuer
Derashe and Kucha,
Kara and Kwego
Hamar and Xonso
Hamar and Xonso
Hamar and Xonso
Tigray
Xonso
Cheha
Part used
Young shoots
Seed
Rhizome
Leaf
Fruit and leaf
Fruit
Flower/
nectar
Flower/
nectar
Flower/
nectar
Fruit
Fruit
Leaf
Habit
T
S
S
H
T
S
S
S
S
S
T
H
Local name
Kerkeha (Amh)
Hingarta (Kon)
Mertediye (Gur)
Mella (Anu)
Hangala (K)
Kurarta (K)
Boko (Ham)
Gaya-Oukunba
(Ham)
Bichbichat (Kon)
Tabab (Tig)
Qanantab (Kon)
Ade(Gur)
Family
Poaceae
Asparagaceae
Asparagaceae
Acanthaceae
Balanitaceae
Balanitaceae
Acanthaceae
Acanthaceae
Acanthaceae
Lamiaceae
Rhamnaceae
Asteraceae
Scientific name
Arundinaria alpina K. Schum.
Asparagus africanus Lam.
Asparagus scaberulus A. Rich.
Asystasia gangetica (L.) T. Anders.
Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del.
Balanites rotundifolia (van Tieghem)
Blatter
Barleria acanthoides Vahl
Barleria eranthemoides R. Br.
Barleria longissima Lindau
Becium grandiflorum (Lam.) Pic.Serm.
Berchemia discolour (Klotzsch) Hemsl.
Bidens borianiana (Sch. Bip. ex
Schweinf.) Cufod.
No
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53

afrika focus — Volume 24, Nr. 2[ 94 ]
e. lulekal, z. asfaw, e. kelbessa, p. van damme
Source
3
13
13
9
2,3, 13
3, 9
9
3
7
1,3
9, 10,
13
3
Where in Ethiopia
Kaffa
Anuak, Gumuz
Berta
Hamar and Xonso
Benishangul Gumuz,
Kara and Kwego, Anuak,
Komo
Dassanach, Xonso
Hamar and Xonso
South Ethio
Filikilik
Benishangul Gumuz,
Derashe and Kucha
Berta, Gumuz
Afar
Part used
Leaf
Leaf
Leaf
Fruit
Fruit, young
seedlings
and root
Fruit
Leaf
Fruit
Gum
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit
Habit
H
H
H
S
T
S
T
S
T
S
S
S
Local name
Chuqii (Oro)
Kaella (Anu)
Assegetsiya (Ber)
Lamtta (Kon)
Thuwa (Anu)
Geri (Som)
Mudaqelle (Ham)
Tubaqe (Tse)
Meker (Amh)
Welakoo (Sid)
Haragjello (Ber)
Madera (Afa)
Family
Asteraceae
Asteraceae
Asteraceae
Asclepiadaceae
Arecaceae
Capparidaceae
Capparidaceae
Capparidaceae
Burseraceae
Euphorbiaceae
Euphorbiaceae
Loganiaceae
Scientific name
Bidens pachyloma (Oliv. & Hiern) Cufod.
Bidens pilosa L.
Bidens prestinaria (Sch. Bip.) Cufod.
Blyttia fruticulosum (Decne.) D. V. Field
Borassus aethiopum Mart.
Boscia coriacea Pax
Boscia salicifolia Oliv.
Boscia senegalensis Lam. ex Poir.
Boswellia papyrifera (Del.) Hochst.
Bridelia micrantha (Hochst. ) Baill.
Bridelia scleroneura Muell. Arg.
Buddleja polystachya Fresen.
No
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65

afrika focus — 2011-12 [ 95 ]
Wild edible plants in Ethiopia
Source
13
2, 3, 13
7
3, 9
3
13
11
3
6
3
3
7
1, 10
Where in Ethiopia
Anuak
Xonso, Anuak, Nuer,
Kara and Kwego
Gursum
Zeyisse, Hamar and
Xonso
Wollo
Anuak
Dheeraa
Gambella
Xonso
Gambella
Many parts of Ethiopia
Bena
Derashe and Kucha
Part used
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit
Leaf
Young shoots
Fruit
Fruit
Leaf
Habit
T
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
H
S
T
H
Local name
Wado (Anu)
Anaedo (Anu)
Ajarse (Som)
Timir Lojir (Som)
Gumero (Amh)
Omono (Anu)
Qawisa (Oro)
Ungiero (Anu)
Baqibaqa (Kon)
Okoy (Maj)
Agam (Amh)
Ondorko (Tse)
Xomita (K)
Family
Sapotaceae
Capparidaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Capparidaceae
Capparidaceae
Capparidaceae
Capparidaceae
Asclepiadaceae
Brassicaceae
Apocynaceae
Rubiaceae
Resedaceae
Scientific name
Butyrospermum paradoxum (Gaertn. f.)
Hepper
Cadaba farinosa Forssk.
Canthium bogosense (Martelli) Penzig
Canthium pseudosetiflorum Bridson
Capparis decidua (Forssk.) Edgew.
Capparis erythrocarpos Isert
Capparis fascicularis DC.
Capparis tomentosa Lam.
Caralluma sprengeri N. E. Br.
Cardamine trichocarpa A. Rich.
Carissa spinarum L.
Catunaregam nilotica (Stapf ) Tirveng.
Caylusea abyssinica (Fresen.) Fisch. &
Mey
No
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78

afrika focus — Volume 24, Nr. 2[ 96 ]
e. lulekal, z. asfaw, e. kelbessa, p. van damme
Source
3
9
9
3, 13
1, 2, 3
2, 3, 13
13
8
9
10
13
9
1,3
Where in Ethiopia
Gambella
Hamar and Xonso
Hamar and Xonso
Xonso, Gambella,
Gumuz
Derashe and Kucha,
Kara and Kwego , Gam-
bella
Anuak, Kara and Kwego,
Komo
Anuak
Harar
Hamar and Xonso
Berta
Anuak, Komo
Hamar and Xonso
Derashe and Kucha,
Bench Menit
Part used
Tuber
Leaf
Leaf
Young shoots
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit
Stem
Fruit
Fruit
Habit
H
H
H
H
T
S
S
S
C
C
C
C
S
Local name
Daole (Mur)
Chicho (Ham)
Horbaita (Kon)
Torchata (Kon)
Dhawashya (D)
Laere (Anu)
Bado (Anu)
NM
Tsatsa (Ham)
Asinsidhi (Ber)
Gniallo (Anu)
Blass (Kon)
Funata (K)
Family
Vitaceae
Amaranthaceae
Amaranthaceae
Amaranthaceae
Ulmaceae
Ulmaceae
Ulmaceae
Cucurbitaceae
Menisper-
maceae
Vitaceae
Vitaceae
Cucurbitaceae
Rutaceae
Scientific name
Cayratia ibuensis (Hook.f.) Suesseng.
Celosia anthelminthica Asch. In Schweinf.
Celosia argentea L.
Celosia trigyna L.
Celtis africana Burm. f.
Celtis toka (Forssk.) Hepper & Wood
Celtis zenkeri Engl.
Cephalopentandra ecirrhosa (Cogn.) C.
Jeffrey
Chasmanthera dependens Hochst.
Cissus cornifolia (Bak.) Planch.
Cissus populnea Guill. & Perr.
Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum &
Nakai
Clausena anisata (Willd.) Benth.
No
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91

afrika focus — 2011-12 [ 97 ]
Wild edible plants in Ethiopia
Source
9
4
2, 3,
10,13
3
3
3
10,13
2, 3,
10, 13
3
9, 13
9, 10
1, 3
3
Where in Ethiopia
Hamar and Xonso
Goma
Nuer, Kara and Kwego,
Komo
Humbo
Bena
Many parts of Ethiopia
Nuer
Kara and Kwego, Mursi,
Anuak
Mursi, Xonso
Hamar and Xonso
Hamar and Xonso
Derashe and Kucha,
Gamo, Gambella
Mursi
Part used
Leaf
Leaf
Young shoots
Leaf
Leaf
Young
shoots,
tubers and
fruits
Fruit
Fruit
Seed
Gum
Roots and
leaves
Young leaves
Leaf
Habit
C
S
H
H
H
C
H
C
S
T
H
H
H
Local name
Erreso (Kon)
Armagussa (Amh)
Akiya (Anu)
Kedhi (Ben)
Doran (Som)
Anchote (Oro)
Thong-diit (Nue)
Buta (KA)
Kalawuri (Mur)
Sebe (Ham)
Geneya (Ham)
Welilo (G)
Surnate (Mur)
Family
Capparidaceae
Capparidaceae
Capparidaceae
Capparidaceae
Capparidaceae
Cucurbitaceae
Cucurbitaceae
Cucurbitaceae
Combretaceae
Combretaceae
Commelincaea
Commelincaea
Commeliaceae
Scientific name
Cleome allamanii Chiov.
Cleome gallaensis Gilg and Bened.
Cleome gynandra L.
Cleome hanburyana Penz.
Cleome monophylla L.
Coccinia abyssinica (Lam.) Cogn.
Coccinia adoensis (Hochst ex A. Rich)
Cogn.
Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt
Combretum aculeatum Vent.
Combretum molle R. Br ex G. Don
Commelina benghalensis L.
Commelina diffusa Burm. f.
Commelina erecta L.
No
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104

afrika focus — Volume 24, Nr. 2[ 98 ]
e. lulekal, z. asfaw, e. kelbessa, p. van damme
Source
9
9, 13
9
3, 13
3
7
3
9
9
9
3
9
9
2
Where in Ethiopia
Hamar and Xonso
Anuak, Komo
Hamar and Xonso
Gambella, Komo
Many parts of Ethiopia
Keyafer
Sidamo
Hamar and Xonso
Hamar and Xonso
Hamar and Xonso
Kelafo
Hamar and Xonso
Hamar and Xonso
Kara and Kwego
Part used
Leaf
Leaf
Leaf
Leaf
Leaf, fruit
and root
Fruit
Fruit
Root
Root, stem
Leaf
Young leaves
and shoots
Root
Root
Leaf
Habit
H
H
H
H
S
T
S
T
T
T
S
T
T
H
Local name
Qorde (Ham)
Aretekodo (Anu)
Korde (Ham)
Gnok (Nue)
Qahitta (Kon)
Hagar madow (Som)
Elawa (Kon)
Qeyi(Ham)
Mesh-Qeyi(Ham)
Kahatta-ata(Kon)
Dirraa (Oro)
Qeyi (Ham)
Kahatta-tima(Kon)
Bolok (KW)
Family
Commeliaceae
Commeliaceae
Commeliaceae
Commeliaceae
Burseraceae
Burseraceae
Burseraceae
Burseraceae
Burseraceae
Burseraceae
Burseraceae
Burseraceae
Burseraceae
Convolvulaceae
Scientific name
Commelina foliacea Chiov.
Commelina imberbis Ehrenb. ex Hassk.
Commelina petersii Haask.
Commelina zambesica C. B. Clarke
Commiphora africana (A. Rich.) Engl.
Commiphora baluensis Engl.
Commiphora boiviniana Engl.
Commiphora confusa Vollesen
Commiphora habessinica (Berg) Engl.
Commiphora kataf (Forssk.) Engl.
Commiphora rostrata Engl.
Commiphora schimperi (Berg.) Engl.
Commiphora terebinthina Vollesen
Convolvulus glomeratus Hochst ex Choisy
No
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118

afrika focus — 2011-12 [ 99 ]
Wild edible plants in Ethiopia
Source
9
3
13
3
1, 2, 10
3, 9
1, 3, 9
3
3, 10,13
3
1
2, 3
3
Where in Ethiopia
Hamar and Xonso
Mursi, Hamar and Xonso
Anuak
Gambella
Derashe and Kucha,
Kara and Kwego, Anuak,
Komo
Gambella, Hamar and
Xonso
Derashe and Kucha
Gamo
Ogaden
Many parts of Ethiopia
Derashe, Xonso, Ku-
sume
Derashe and Kucha
Borana, Xonso, Kara and
Kwego, Mursi, Somali,
Mursi
Gambella
Part used
Leaf
Whole
Leaf
Leaf
Young leaves
Leaf
Young leaves
seed
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit
Leaf
Habit
C
H
H
H
H
H
H
S
T
T
S
T
H
Local name
Danqesha (Ham)
Gnomai (Mur)
Awachuwaey (Anu)
Awachuwaey (Anu)
Awachuwaey (Anu)
Maero (Nue)
Shosha interse (G)
Yeheb (Som)
Wanza (Amh)
Adebot (Afa)
Luketa (D)
Maderra (Oro)
Miningi(Maj)
Family
Cucurbitaceae
Molluginaceae
Tiliaceae
Tiliaceae
Tiliaceae
Tiliaceae
Tiliaceae
Fabaceae
Boraginaceae
Boraginaceae
Boraginaceae
Boraginaceae
Asteraceae
Scientific name
Corallocarpus schimperi (Naud.)Hook. f.
Corbichonia decumbens (Forssk.) Exell
Corchorus aestuans L.
Corchorus fascicularis Lam.
Corchorus olitorius L.
Corchorus tridens L.
Corchorus trilocularis L.
Cordeauxia edulis Hems l.
Cordia africana Lam.
Cordia monoica Roxb.
Cordia ovalis R. Br. ex DC.
Cordia sinensis Lam
Crassocephalum montuosum (S. Moore)
Milne-Redh.
No
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131

afrika focus — Volume 24, Nr. 2[ 100 ]
e. lulekal, z. asfaw, e. kelbessa, p. van damme
Source
13
13
9
9
9
7
9
7
7
13
3, 9
3
9
4
Where in Ethiopia
Berta
Anuak, Komo, Nuer
Hamar and Xonso
Hamar and Xonso
Hamar and Xonso
Degahabur 38499
Hamar and Xonso
Somali
Degahabur
Berta
Tigray, Hamar and
Xonso
Tigray
Hamar and Xonso
Yilmana Densa
Part used
Leaf
Fruit
Leaf
Leaf
Leaf
Fruit
Leaf
Fruit
Fruit
Inflorescence
Bulb
Tubers
Root
Bulb
Habit
H
S
H
H
H
C
C
S
C
H
H
H
H
H
Local name
Shekaadona(Ber)
Bado (Anu)
Qulibush (Ham)
Denqesha (Ham)
Tekera (Ham)
Uneexo(Som)
Bequnba (Ham)
Qalfon (Som)
Qalfoon (Som)
Gnieera Woni (Ber)
Kunti (Tig)
Kwentii (Tig)
Kuntayle (Ham)
Engicha (Amh)
Family
Asteraceae
Capparidaceae
Fabaceae
Fabaceae
Fabaceae
Cucurbitaceae
Cucurbitaceae
Cucurbitaceae
Cucurbitaceae
Poaceae
Cyperaceae
Cyperaceae
Cyperaceae
Cyperaceae
Scientific name
Crassocephalum rubens (Juss. ex Jacq.)
S. Moore
Crateva adansonii DC.
Crotalaria incana L.
Crotalaria phillipsiae Bak.
Crotalaria polysperma Kotschy
Cucumella kelleri (Cogn.)C. Jeffrey
Cucumis dipsaceus Ehrenb ex. Spach
Cucumis jeffreyanus Thulin
Cucumis pustulatus Naud. ex Hook. f.
Cymbopogon caesiu (Hook. & Arn.) Stapf
Cyperus bulbosus Vahl
Cyperus esculentus L.
Cyperus rotundus L.
Cyperus usitatus Burch.
No
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145

afrika focus — 2011-12 [ 101 ]
Wild edible plants in Ethiopia
Source
2
4
9
3, 9
3
3, 13
3, 10
1, 13
3
3
1, 3, 9
3, 10
1, 2,
3, 9
Where in Ethiopia
Kara and Kwego
Yilmana Densa
Hamar and Xonso
Xonso
Kafa
Anuak, Gamo, Berta,
Komo
Gambella
Gamo and Anuak, Dera-
she and Kucha, Komo,
Majanjir
Kafa
Kafa
Derashe and Kucha,
Gamo, Hamar
Many parts of Ethiopia
Derashe and Kucha,
Kara and Kwego, Xonso
Part used
Root (peeled)
Nectar
Seed
Leaf
Tubers
Tubers
Root
Tubers
Tubers
Root
Fruit
Fruit
Seed
Habit
H
S
T
H
C
C
H
C
C
C
T
T
T
Local name
Okoto (KA)
Astenagir (Amh)
Merqaya(Ham)
Kogatu (Kon)
Boye (Sid)
Muwana (Anu)
NM
Modo (Anu)
Kuba (Oro)
Ankoruumbaa (Oro)
Dul’o (G)
Betre Musie (Amh)
Kerseta (K)
Family
Vitaceae
Solanaceae
Fabaceae
Amaranthaceae
Dioscoreaceae
Dioscoreaceae
Dioscoreaceae
Dioscoreaceae
Dioscoreaceae
Dioscoreaceae
Ebenaceae
Ebenaceae
Salvadoraceae
Scientific name
Cyphostemma adenocaule (A. Rich.) Wild
& Drummond
Datura stramonium L.
Delonix regia (Boj. ex. Hook) Raf.
Digera muricata (L.) Mart.
Dioscorea abyssinica Hochst. ex Kunth
Dioscorea bulbifera L.
Dioscorea dumetorum (Kunth) Pax
Dioscorea praehensilis Benth.
Dioscorea quartinana A. Rich.
Dioscorea schimperiana Kunth
Diospyros abyssinica (Hiern) F. White
Diospyros mespiliformis Hochst. ex A.
DC.
Dobera glabra (Forssk.) Poir.
No
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158

afrika focus — Volume 24, Nr. 2[ 102 ]
e. lulekal, z. asfaw, e. kelbessa, p. van damme
Source
9
3
9
3
3
1, 3
3
13
1
9
9
9
4
Where in Ethiopia
Hamar and Xonso
Kusume, Derashe and
Kucha
Hamar and Xonso
Many parts of Ethiopia
Sheko and Bench-Menit
Derashe and Kucha,
Hamar
Bench-Meinit
Majanjir
Derashe and Kucha
Hamar and Xonso
Hamar and Xonso
Hamar and Xonso
Goma
Part used
Fruit
Fruit
Root
Fruit
Young shoots
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit
Seed
Seed
Seed
Fruit
Habit
S
T
H
S
S
T
T
T
S
H
H
H
T
Local name
Kamil (Ham)
Akota (K)
Kuritata (Kon)
Koshim (Amh)
Shuda (Kaf )
Borborta (K)
Sheru (Bench)
Chogaey (Maj)
Inqoko (D)
Ginchile (Ham)
Qercha (Ham)
Buska (Ham)
Woshimela (Amh)
Family
Sterculiaceae
Sterculiaceae
Moraceae
Flacourtiaceae
Dracaenaceae
Boraginaceae
Meliaceae
Celastraceae
Myrsinaceae
Poaceae
Poaceae
Poaceae
Rosaceae
Scientific name
Dombeya longibracteolata Seyani
Dombeya torrida (G.F. Gmel.) P. Bamps
Dorstenia barnimiana Schweinf.
Dovyalis abyssinica (A. Rich.) Warb.
Dracaena afromontana Mildbr.
Ehretia cymosa Thonn.
Ekebergia capensis (Sparrm.)
Elaeodendron buchananii (Loes.) Loes
Embelia schimperi Vatke
Eragrostis cilianensis (All.) Vign. ex
Janchen
Eragrostis papposa (Roem. & Schult.)
Steud.
Eragrostis tremula Hochst. ex Steud
Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl.
No
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171

afrika focus — 2011-12 [ 103 ]
Wild edible plants in Ethiopia
Source
3, 10
3
3
11
9
13
1, 3, 9
3
4
9
3
3
3
Where in Ethiopia
Guji, Gamo, Wolaita
Gambella
Many parts of Ethiopia
Dheeraa
Hamar and Xonso
Anuak, Nuer
Bena, Derashe and
Kucha
Xonso, Abay Gorge,
Nefas Mewcha
Alamata
Hamar and Xonso
Many parts of Ethiopia
Many parts of Ethiopia
Many parts of Ethiopia
Part used
Root
Leaf and
stem
Leaf and
stem
Root
Fruit
Whole part
burned
Fruit
Fruit
Young shoot
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit
Habit
H
H
H
T
S
H
T
T
H
T
T
T
T
Local name
Silinga (Oro)
Bushkin (Maj)
Shimpa (Oro)
Korch (Amh)
Beskwi (Ham)
Apuda (Anu)
Unsi (Ben)
Dedaho (Amh)
Dog (Amh)
Hobanhobata (Kon)
Ageta (Anu)
Kilta (Oro)
Lugo (Som)
Family
Fabaceae
Brassicaceae
Brassicaceae
Fabaceae
Euphorbiaceae
Asteraceae
Ebenaceae
Ebenaceae
Apiaceae
Moraceae
Moraceae
Moraceae
Moraceae
Scientific name
Eriosema cordifolium Hochst. ex A. Rich.
Erucastrum abyssinicum (A. Rich.) R. E.
Fries
Erucastrum arabicum Fisch. & Mey.
Erythrina Brucei Schweinf.
Erythrococca abyssinica Pax
Ethulia gracilis Del.
Euclea divinorum Hiern
Euclea racemosa Murr.
Ferula communis L.
Ficus abutilifolia (Miq.) Miq.
Ficus capreaefolia Del.
Ficus glumosa Del.
Ficus ingens (Miq.) Miq
No
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184

afrika focus — Volume 24, Nr. 2[ 104 ]
e. lulekal, z. asfaw, e. kelbessa, p. van damme
Source
3
3
3
9
3, 9
1, 2,
3,13
9, 10,
12
3
1, 10
3
1
2, 3, 10
9
Where in Ethiopia
Gambella and Bench
Menit
Many parts of Ethiopia
Many parts of Ethiopia
Hamar and Xonso
Many parts of Ethiopia
Many parts of Ethiopia
Hamar and Xonso
Many parts of Ethiopia
Derashe and Kucha,
Gumuz
Many parts of Ethiopia
Derashe and Kucha,
Xonso
Kara and Kwego , Benis-
hangul Gumuz, Xonso,
Nuer & Komo
Hamar and Xonso
Part used
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit and
gum
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit
Seed
Fruit
Fruit
Habit
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
S
T
S
Local name
Shola (Bench)
Warka (Amh)
Yekola-Beles (Amh)
Leiya (Kon)
Worrka (Tig)
Wola (Wel)
Ata (Ham)
Boba (Zay)
Artyita(D)
Toleta (Kon)
Rarata (K)
Tanta (KA)
Shamper (Ham)
Family
Moraceae
Moraceae
Moraceae
Moraceae
Moraceae
Moraceae
Moraceae
Moraceae
Moraceae
Flacourtiaceae
Euphorbiaceae
Euphorbiaceae
Clusiaceae
Scientific name
Ficus mucuso Ficalho
Ficus ovata Vahl.
Ficus palmata Forssk.
Ficus platyphylla Del.
Ficus sur Forssk.
Ficus sycomorus L.
Ficus thonningii Blume
Ficus vallis-choudae Del.
Ficus vasta Forssk.
Flacourtia indica (Burm. f.)Merr.
Flueggea leucopyrus Willd.
Flueggea virosa (Willd.) Voigt.
Garcinia livingstonei T. Anders
No
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197

afrika focus — 2011-12 [ 105 ]
Wild edible plants in Ethiopia
Source
3
7
10
3
3
9
1,2, 3
3
3
3, 9
2
9
3, 10,13
Where in Ethiopia
Gambella & Metu
Wardheer
Benishangul Gumuz ,
Anuak, Komo, Shinasha
Darassa
Many parts of Ethiopia
Konso
Kara and Kwego,Xonso
& Kusume,Derashe and
Kucha
Hargeisa
Many parts of Ethiopia
Jijiga, Hamar and Xonso
Kara and Kwego
Hamar and Xonso
Many parts of Ethiopia
Part used
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit
Leaf
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit
Habit
T
S
S
H
T
T
T
S
T
S
S
S
T
Local name
Karawwayyuu (Maj)
Himir (Som)
Duwong (Anu)
Doba (Tig)
Wideir (Som)
Bereza (K)
Bereza (K)
Midho-Cas (Som)
Lenkwata (Amh)
Dhabi-Qurquraale
(Som)
Demak (KA)
Kocheta (Kon)
Tema (Wel)
Family
Clusiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Urticaceae
Tiliaceae
Tiliaceae
Tiliaceae
Tiliaceae
Tiliaceae
Tiliaceae
Tiliaceae
Tiliaceae
Tiliaceae
Scientific name
Garcinia ovalifolia Oliver
Gardenia fiorii Chiov.
Gardenia ternifolia Schumach. & Thonn.
Girardinia diversifolia (Link) Friis
Grewia arborea (Forssk.) Lam.
Grewia balensis Sebsebe
Grewia bicolor Juss.
Grewia erythraea Schweinfurth
Grewia ferruginea Hochst. ex A. Rich.
Grewia flavescens A. Juss.
Grewia kakothamnos K. Schum.
Grewia lilacina K. Schum.
Grewia mollis A.Juss.
No
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210

afrika focus — Volume 24, Nr. 2[ 106 ]
e. lulekal, z. asfaw, e. kelbessa, p. van damme
Source
1
3
4, 11
3
2,3, 9
3
2
13
13
3, 9
3, 9
3
13
Where in Ethiopia
Derashe and Kucha
Many parts of Ethiopia
Alamata, Dheeraa
Bena, Tsemay, Zeyse,
Xonso
Derashe, Kucha , Kara
and Kwego,Hamar
Gambella
Kara and Kwego
Anuak
Berta
Mursi, Hamar and Xonso
Deghabour, Hamar and
Xonso
Gambella
Gambella
Part used
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit
Young leaves
Fruit
Leaf
Leaf
Fruit
Roots
Whole dried
Leaf and
wood ash
Habit
S
S
T
T
S
H
T
H
H
S
H
H
S
Local name
Qorawaqo (K)
Kanatol (Tig)
Roboy (Tig)
Dhayita (Kon)
Rug (KA)
Gagie (Amh)
Gabo (KA)
Gnilorbey (Anu)
Wuya (Anu)
Kabushuie (Mur)
Likeh (Som)
Utiwaello (Anu)
Utiwaello (Anu)
Family
Tiliaceae
Tiliaceae
Tiliaceae
Tiliaceae
Tiliaceae
Asteraceae
Boraginaceae
Malvaceae
Malvaceae
Lamiaceae
Hydnoraceae
Acanthaceae
Acanthaceae
Scientific name
Grewia schweinfurthii Burret
Grewia tenax (Forssk. ) Fiori
Grewia trichocarpa Hochst. ex A. Rich
Grewia velutina (Forssk.) Vahl
Grewia villosa Willd.
Guizotia scabra (Vis.) Chiov.
Heliotropium steudneri Vatke
Hibiscus calyphyllus Cavan.
Hibiscus cannabinus L.
Hoslundia opposita Vahl
Hydnora johannis Becc.
Hygrophila schulli (Hamilt.) M.R. & S.M.
Almeida
Hygrophila spiciformis Lindau
No
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223

afrika focus — 2011-12 [ 107 ]
Wild edible plants in Ethiopia
Source
3
3, 9
3
3
3, 10
9
2, 9
2
9
9
9
9, 13
3
Where in Ethiopia
Mursi
Gambella
Metu
Kusume and Derashe
Gambella, Komo
Hamar and Xonso
Kara and Kewego , Afar,
Gambella
Kara and Kewego
Hamar and Xonso
Hamar and Xonso
Hamar and Xonso
Gumuz, Hamar and
Xonso
Metu
Part used
Fruit
Fruit
Leaf
Leaf
Leaf
Fruit
Root
Leaf
Leaf
Leaf
Leaf
Leaf
Nectar
Habit
T
T
H
H
H
H
S
S
S
H
H
H
S
Local name
Annui (Mur)
Bar (Som)
Hamshika (Oro)
Ononayta (D)
Tach (Nue)
Songoderderta(Kon)
Omborooke (Oro)
Boloko (KA)
Kamiwi (Ham)
Randolla (Kon)
Honnona (Kon)
Aelangiya (Gum)
Dhummuugaa (Oro)
Family
Arecaceae
Arecaceae
Acanthaceae
Acanthaceae
Convolvulaceae
Convolvulaceae
Convolvulaceae
Convolvulaceae
Convolvulaceae
Acanthaceae
Acanthaceae
Acanthaceae
Acanthaceae
Scientific name
Hyphaene compressa H. Wendl.
Hyphaene thebaica (L.)Mart.
Hypoestes aristata (Vahl) Roem. & Schult.
Hypoestes forskaolii (Vahl) R. Br.
Ipomoea aquatica Forssk.
Ipomoea coscinnosperma Hochst.ex Choisy
Ipomoea marmorata Britt. & Rendle
Ipomoea plebeia R. Br.
Ipomoea sinensis (Desr.) Choisy
Justicia calyculata Deflers
Justicia flava (Vahl) Vahl
Justicia ladanoides Lam.
Justicia schimperiana (Hochst. ex Nees)
T. Anders.
No
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236

afrika focus — Volume 24, Nr. 2[ 108 ]
e. lulekal, z. asfaw, e. kelbessa, p. van damme
Source
2, 9
9
3, 9
3
3,13
1
3, 9
3
3
3
3
13
4
Where in Ethiopia
Kara, Kwego ,Hamar
and Xonso
Hamar and Xonso
Gamo, Hamar and
Xonso
Kafa
Kafa, Shinasha
Derashe and Kucha
Omo, Hamar and Xonso
Somali
Many parts of Ethiopia
Mursi & Gambella
Somali, Waghmra
Anuak, Komo
Yilmana Densa
Part used
Leaf
Fruit and leaf
Leaf
Young fruit
Fruit
Seed and leaf
Root bark
Fruit and
seed
Fruit and
seed
Fruit
Root
Fruit
Fruit
Habit
C
C
C
C
C
S
T
T
T
T
S
T
S
Local name
Shunto (KA)
Garto (Ham)
Naja (Ham)
Khil (Kaf )
Yemo (Kaf )
Untaorayitate (D)
Gumedaa (Ben)
Wuh-Andri (Som)
Dobbe (Zay)
Kiringenni (Mur)
Waanri (Som)
Arim (Anu)
Yeregna genfo
(Amh)
Family
Cucurbitaceae
Cucurbitaceae
Cucurbitaceae
Cucurbitaceae
Apocynaceae
Verbenaceae
Anacardiaceae
Anacardiaceae
Anacardiaceae
Anacardiaceae
Anacardiaceae
Anacardiaceae
Verbenaceae
Scientific name
Kedrostis foetidissma (Jacq.) Cogn.
Kedrostis leloja (Forssk.) C. Jeffrey
Kedrostis pseudogijef (Gilg) C. Jeffrey
Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl.
Landolphia buchananii (Hall.f.) Stapf
Lantana rhodesiensis Mold.
Lannea humilis (Oliv.) Engl.
Lannea malifolia (Chiov.) Sacl.
Lannea schimperi (A. Rich. ) Engl.
Lannea schweinfurthii (Engl.) Engl.
Lannea triphylla (A. Rich.) Engl.
Lannea welwitschii (Hiern) Engl.
Lantana camara L.
No
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249

afrika focus — 2011-12 [ 109 ]
Wild edible plants in Ethiopia
Source
3
3
3, 10
13
2
13
1, 3
1,9,13
9
13
10
2
3, 9
Where in Ethiopia
Derashe
Xonso
Xonso, Komo
Berta
Kara and Kwego
Anuak
Gambella, Derashe and
Kucha
Derashe, Xonso, Ku-
sume, Anuak
Hamar and Xonso
Anuak
Majanjir
Kara and Kwego
Bena, Tsemay, Hamar
Part used
Leaf
Leaf
Leaf
Nectar
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit
Leaf
Leaf
Whole Ash
Fruit and leaf
Leaf
Leaf
Habit
S
H
H
H
T
T
T
C
S
H
C
T
S
Local name
Untaorayitate(Der)
Hankolayita (Kon)
Hangoleita (Kon)
Angesho (Ber)
Choro (KA)
Kijang (Anu)
Sembo (Amh)
Haila (Kus)
Ountinqama (Ham)
Tuytuy (Anu)
Lipa (Anu)
Doreda(KA)
Kadhii (Ben)
Family
Verbenaceae
Asteraceae
Asteraceae
Lamiaceae
Sapindaceae
Meliaceae
Sapindaceae
Asclepiadaceae
Lamiaceae
Alismataceae
Cucurbitaceae
Solanaceae
Capparidaceae
Scientific name
Lantana ukambensis (Vatke) Verdc.
Launaea intybacea (Jacq.) Beauv.
Launaea taraxacifolia (willd.) Amin ex C.
Jeffrey
Leonotis nepetifolia (L.) R. Br.
Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius Bak.
Lepidotrichillia volkensii (Gurke) Leroy
Lepisanthes senegalensis (Juss.ex Poir.)
Leenh
Leptadenia hastata (Pers.) Decne
Leucas glabrata (Vahl)Sm. In Rees
Limnophyton obtusifolium (L.) Miq.
Luffa cylinderica (L.) M. J. Roem.
Lycium shawii Roem. & Schult.
Maerua angolensis DC.
No
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262

afrika focus — Volume 24, Nr. 2[ 110 ]
e. lulekal, z. asfaw, e. kelbessa, p. van damme
Source
2,3
2, 9
13
10
2, 13
3, 9,
10,13
4
4, 13
9
2, 3, 9
4
13
1, 3
Where in Ethiopia
Kara and Kwego, Mursi
Kara and Kwego, Hamar
Anuak
Majanjir
Kara and Kwego, Berta,
Gumuz
Many parts of Ethiopia
Cheha
Yilmana Densa, Berta,
Komo
Hamar and Xonso
Kara and Kwego, Mursi,
Sidamo
Cheha
Anuak
Gamo, Derashe and
Kucha
Part used
Leaf
Fruit
Leaf
Fruit
Leaf
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit and
tuber
Fruit and leaf
Leaf
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit
Habit
S
T
S
T
S
T
S
S
C
T
S
T
C
Local name
Lecho (KA)
Kulup (KA)
Anaedo (Anu)
Wonni (Maj)
Lele (KW)
Ishe (Amh)
Geza (Gur)
Ye’kurra areg (Amh)
Kulo (Ham)
Haleko (KA)
Injori (Amh)
Ochik (Anu)
Mixaro (G)
Family
Capparidaceae
Capparidaceae
Capparidaceae
Sapotaceae
Celastraceae
Sapotaceae
Sapotaceae
Cucurbitaceae
Cucurbitaceae
Moringaceae
Moraceae
Moraceae
Rubiaceae
Scientific name
Maerua oblongifolia (Forssk.) A. Rich.
Maerua subcordata (Gilg) De Wolf
Maerua triphylla A. Rich.
Manilkara butugi Chiov.
Maytenus senegalensis (Lam.) Exell
Mimusops kummel Bruce ex A.DC.
Mimusops laurifolia (Forssk.) Friis
Momordica foetida Schumach.
Momordica rostrata A. Zimm.
Moringa stenopetala (Bak. f.) Cufod.
Morus alba L.
Morus mesozygia Stapf
Mussaenda arcuata Poir.
No
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275

afrika focus — 2011-12 [ 111 ]
Wild edible plants in Ethiopia
Source
1, 9
13
2
2, 3, 13
13
3
9
3
13
1, 3, 10,
13
1, 9
13
3
Where in Ethiopia
Derashe and Kucha,
Hamar
Nuer
Kara and Kwego
Kara and Kewego , Afar,
Gambella
Gumuz, Komo, Nuer
Gambella
Hamar and Xonso
Many parts of Ethiopia
Berta
Derashe and Kucha
Gamo, Anuak, Komo,
Shinasha
Many parts of Ethiopia
Komo
Tsemay
Part used
Fruit and
Seed
Fruit
Root
Tuber
Fruit
Inflorescence
Leaf and
nectar
Leaf
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit and leaf
Flower
Habit
T
H
H
H
S
H
H
T
T
S
H
S
S
Local name
Xinqitata (D)
Peet (Nue)
Kutako (KA)
Geleila (Af )
Anddha (Gum)
Meno (Anu)
Kurutattita (Kon)
Shemaho (G)
Bulumtsee (Ber)
Hagile (G)
Holeta (K)
Shibde (Tse)
Family
Myrsinaceae
Solanaceae
Nymphaeaceae
Nymphaeaceae
Ochnaceae
Lamiaceae
Lamiaceae
Oleaceae
Oleaceae
Flacourtiaceae
Cactaceae
Cactaceae
Fabaceae
Scientific name
Myrsine africana L.
Nicandra physaloides (L.) Gaertn.
Nymphaea lotus L.
Nymphaea nouchali Burm.f.
Ochna leucophloeos Hochst. ex A. Rich.
Ocimum americanum L.
Ocimum forskolei Benth.
Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata (Wall. ex G.
Don) Cif.
Olea capensis subsp. macrocarpa (C.A.
Wright.) Verdc.
Oncoba spinosa Forssk.
Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller
Opuntia stricta (Haworth)Haworth
Ormocarpum trichocarpum (Taub.) Engl.
No
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288

afrika focus — Volume 24, Nr. 2[ 112 ]
e. lulekal, z. asfaw, e. kelbessa, p. van damme
Source
13
13
9
9, 10
4, 9
3, 10
3
9, 11
1
3
9
Where in Ethiopia
Anuak
Anuak, Nuer
Hamar and Xonso
Hamar and Xonso
Alamata, Hamar and
Xonso
Benishangul Gumuz,
Berta
Xonso
Hamar and Xonso
Derashe and Kucha
Benishangul Gumuz
Hamar and Xonso
Part used
Seed
Seed
Fruit
Leaves,
flower and
seed
Leaf
Young
shoots,
fruits, Rhi-
zome, seeds
Young shoot
Fruit and
seed
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit
Habit
H
H
S
H
S
T
H
T
S
T
S
Local name
Alumo (Anu)
Alumo (Anu)
Wato (Kon)
Melgissa (Kon)
Chew-mirahut (Tig)
Enta (Gum)
Baqibaqa (Kon)
Defi (Ham)
Maduginata (K)
Yetsewuha (Gum)
Shambulo (Ham)
Family
Poaceae
Poaceae
Santalaceae
Oxalidaceae
Polygonaceae
Poaceae
Asclepiadaceae
Sapindaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Scientific name
Oryza barthii A. Chev.
Oryza longistaminata A. Chev. & Roehr.
Osyris quadripartita Decn.
Oxalis corniculata L.
Oxygonum sinuatum (Meisn.) Dammer
Oxytenanthera abyssinica (A. Rich.)
Munro
Pachycymbium sprengeri (N. E. Br.) M. G.
Gilbert
Pappea capensis Eckl. & Zeyh.
Pavetta abyssinica Fresen.
Pavetta crassipes K. Schum.
Pavetta gardenifolia A. Rich.
No
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299

afrika focus — 2011-12 [ 113 ]
Wild edible plants in Ethiopia
Source
1
4
3
3
1, 13
13
3
7
1, 10
4
1, 3, 10
Where in Ethiopia
Derashe and Kucha
Alamata
Kafa
Xonso
Derashe and Kucha,
Berta, Kefficho
Nuer
Mursi
Wonji
Derashe and Kucha,
Gamo, Majanjir
Goma
Derashe and Kucha,
South Omo, Gamo, Cha-
gorsa, Gumuz, Komo
Part used
Leaf
Fruit and
seed
Fruit
Leaf
Fruit
Leaves and
young shoots
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit
Leaf
Fruit, seed
and leaves
Habit
C
S
C
C
S
H
S
S
H
S
T
Local name
Kokorpha (D)
Guriso (Tig)
Tojo (Kaf )
Korroda (Kon)
Zamba (D)
Butbot (Nue)
Karacho (Mur)
Yefereng Awit (Amh)
Awxetecha (D)
Indod (Amh)
Qalqala (Gam)
Family
Asclepidaceae
Asclepiadacee
Cucurbiaceae
Asclepiadacee
Arecaceae
Euphorbiceae
Euphorbiceae
Solanaceae
Solanaceae
Phytolacaceae
Fabaceae
Scientific name
Pentarrhinum inspidum E. Mey
Pentarrhinum somaliense (N.E. Br.) Liede
Peponium vogelii (Hook. f.) Engl.
Pergularia daemia (Forssk.) Chiov.
Phoenix reclinata Jacq.
Phyllanthus boehmii Pax
Phyllanthus limmuensis Cufod.
Physalis micrantha Link
Physalis peruviana L.
Phytolaca dodecandra L. H´erit.
Piliostigma thonningii (Schumach.)
Milne-Redh
No
300
301
302
303
304
305
306
307
308
309
310

afrika focus — Volume 24, Nr. 2[ 114 ]
e. lulekal, z. asfaw, e. kelbessa, p. van damme
Source
3
3
3, 9, 10
1, 3,9
3
9
10, 11
3
3, 9
9
4
10
Where in Ethiopia
Kafa
Chercher
Jinka, Nuer, Hamar
Derashe and Kucha,
Jinka and Gambella
Gambella
Hamar and Xonso
Dheeraa
Bench-menit
Xonso
Hamar and Xonso
Cheha
Anuak, Komo
Part used
Rhizome and
leaves
Fruit oil
Leaves and
young shoots
Leaves and
young shoots
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit
Leaf
Leaf
Tubers
Habit
H
T
H
H
T
S
T
T
S
H
S
C
Local name
Ajo (Kaf )
Dagucho (Sid)
Adilagae (Anu)
Mereita (Kon)
Gomu (Maj)
Mermer (Ham)
Woyane Zaf (Amh)
Chachu (Bench)
Kaheltta (Kon)
Yedena (Ham)
Fanfua (Gur)
Appel(Anu)
Family
Lamiaceae
Podocarpaceae
Portulacaceae
Portulacaceae
Sapotaceae
Lamiaceae
Fabaceae
Rosaceae
Rubiaceae
Amaranthaceae
Lamiaceae
Icacinaceae
Scientific name
Plectranthus edulis (Vatke) Agnew
Podocarpus falcatus (Thunb.) R. Br. ex
Mirb.
Portulaca oleracea L.
Portulaca quadrifida L.
Pouteria altissima (A. Chev.) Baehni
Premna resinosa (Hochst.) Schauer
Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC.
Prunus africana (Hook.f.) Kalkm.
Psydrax schimperiana (A. Rich.) Bridson
Pupalia micrantha Hauman
Pycnostachys abyssinica Fresen.
Pyrenacantha kaurabassana Baill.
No
311
312
313
314
315
316
317
318
319
320
321
322

afrika focus — 2011-12 [ 115 ]
Wild edible plants in Ethiopia
Source
7
8
3
3
3
3
1, 3
3
11
1,3
3
3, 10
Where in Ethiopia
Gaara Dalacha
Many parts of Ethiopia
Many parts of Ethiopia
Gambella
Many parts of Ethiopia
Derashe, Gamo, Zeyise
Derashe and Kucha,
Gamo
Many parts of Ethiopia
Dheeraa
Derashe and Kucha,
Gamo, Benishangul
Gumuz
Gamo
Kafa, Berta, Hamar and
Xonso
Part used
Fruit
Leaf and
stem
Leaf and
stem
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit
Seed
Fruit
Fruit
Seed
Fruit
Fruit
Habit
S
T
T
C
C
T
S
T
T
S
S
S
Local name
Qoodho-Orgi (Som)
Gesho (Amh)
Teddo (Oro)
Daga-Cebsa (Oro)
Qashro (Tig)
Letata(D)
Ungafree (G)
Ongaprie (Wel)
Debeluca (Oro)
Qacawuleteta (D)
Dadaraiya (G)
Kemmo (Oro)
Family
Rubiaceae
Rhamnaceae
Rhamnaceae
Vitaceae
Vitaceae
Anacardiaceae
Anacardiaceae
Anacardiaceae
Anacardiaceae
Anacardiaceae
Anacardiaceae
Anacardiaceae
Scientific name
Pyrostria phyllanthoidea (Baill.) Bridson
Rhamnus prinoides L’Herit.
Rhamnus staddo A. Rich.
Rhoicissus revoilii Planch.
Rhoicissus tridentata (L.f.)Wild & Drum-
mond
Rhus glutinosa A. Rich.
Rhus longipes Engl.
Rhus natalensis Krauss
Rhus retinorrhoea Oliv.
Rhus ruspolii Engl.
Rhus tenuinervis Engl.
Rhus vulgaris Meikle
No
323
324
325
326
327
328
329
330
331
332
333
334

afrika focus — Volume 24, Nr. 2[ 116 ]
e. lulekal, z. asfaw, e. kelbessa, p. van damme
Source
9
9
3
3
3
1, 3
3
3
3
3
3
Where in Ethiopia
Hamar and Xonso
Hamar and Xonso
Kafa
Many parts of Ethiopia
Many parts of Ethiopia
Manyparts of Ethiopia
Many parts of Ethiopia
Many parts of Ethiopia
Many parts of Ethiopia
Many parts of Ethiopia
Awi
Part used
Fruit
Leaves,
flower and
seed
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit
Shoot and
root
Leaves,
Shoot and
Inner part of
stem
Habit
S
H
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
H
S
Local name
Holla (Kon)
Sharkuma (Ham)
Gabo (Kaf )
Kega (Amh)
Hinjaro (Had)
Gorra (Oro)
Henjoriya (Wel)
Garo (Kaf )
Yedega Injorii (Amh)
Sholsholo (Maj)
Abiche (Awi)
Family
Fabaceae
Fabaceae
Capparidaceae
Rosaceae
Rosaceae
Rosaceae
Rosaceae
Rosaceae
Rosaceae
Polygonaceae
Polygonaceae
Scientific name
Rhynchosia allaudii Sacl.
Rhynchosia minima (L.) DC.
Ritchiea albersii Gilg
Rosa abyssinica Lindley
Rubus aethiopicus R. A. Grah.
Rubus apetalus Poir.
Rubus erlangeri Engl.
Rubus steudneri Schweinf.
Rubus volkensii Engl.
Rumex abyssinicus Jacq.
Rumex nervosus Vahl
No
335
336
337
338
339
340
341
342
343
344
345

afrika focus — 2011-12 [ 117 ]
Wild edible plants in Ethiopia
Source
4
2, 3
1
10
4
2
3
4
4
9
1, 10
Where in Ethiopia
Goma
Kara and Kwego , Mursi,
Gambella
Derashe and Kucha
Komo
Alamata
Kara, Kwego, Hamar and
Xonso
Bena, Zeyisse
Cheha
Yilmana Densa
Hamar and Xonso
Derashe, Gamo, Kusue,
Mursi, Zeyise, Komo,
Majanjir, Nuer
Part used
Fruit
Fruit
Stem
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit
Leaf
Tuber
Fruit
Root
Fruit and
seed
Habit
T
T
H
S
S
S
S
H
S
C
T
Local name
Mitto (Oro)
Goriza (KA)
Maqesha (D)
Moyo (Anu)
Kichil agam (T)
Mero (Amh)
Gemuri (Ben)
Aziburt (Gur)
Qundo (Amh)
Potoro (Ham)
Pasha (D)
Family
Rubiaceae
Apocynaceae
Poaceae
Rubiaceae
Rhamnaceae
Salvadoraceae
Lamiaceae
Orchidaceae
Anacardiceae
Asclepiadaceae
Anacardiaceae
Scientific name
Rytigynia neglecta (Hiern) Robyns
Saba comorensis (Boj.) Pichon
Saccharum spontaneum L.
Sacrocephalus latifolius (Smith) N. E.
Bruce
Sageretia thea (Osbeck) M.C. Johnston
Salvadora persica L.
Satureja punctata (Benth.) Briq.
Satyrium aethiopicum Summerh.
Schinus molle L.
Schlechterella abyssinica (Chiov.) Venter &
R. L. Verh.
Sclerocarya birrea subsp. birrea (A. Rich.)
Hochst.
No
346
347
348
349
350
351
352
353
354
355
356

afrika focus — Volume 24, Nr. 2[ 118 ]
e. lulekal, z. asfaw, e. kelbessa, p. van damme
Source
3
11
9, 10
3
9
13
3
7
7
1, 2, 10
7
Where in Ethiopia
Menagesha
Dheeraa
Anuak, Komo, Nuer
Gambella
Hamar and Xonso
Anuak, Nuer
Metu
Shashamane
Shashamane
Derashe and Kucha,
Kara and Kwego, Gu-
muz, Kefficho
Dilla
Part used
Fruit
Fruit
Leaf
Seed
Seed
Leaves and
Young Shoot
Fruit
Fruit and leaf
Fruit
Leaf
Fruit and leaf
Habit
T
T
S
H
S
H
S
S
S
S
S
Local name
Kokofla (Oro)
Haraang (Oro)
Ajada (Anu)
Senemeki (Oro)
Hanqarar (Kon)
Adik (Anu)
Davesa (Tig)
NM
NM
Tsepo (Kaf )
NM
Family
Flacourtiaceae
Rhamnaceae
Fabaceae
Fabaceae
Fabaceae
Malvaceae
Sapotaceae
Solanaceae
Solanaceae
Solanaceae
Solanaceae
Scientific name
Scolopia theifolia Gilg
Scutia myrtina(Burm. f.) Kurz
Senna obtusifolia (L.) Irwin & Barneby
Senna occidentalis (L.) Link
Senna singueana (Del.) Lock
Sida collina Schlechtend.
Sideroxylon oxyacanthum Baill.
Solanum americanum Miller
Solanum memphiticum Gmel.
Solanum nigrum L.
Solanum tarderemotum Bitter
No
357
358
359
360
361
362
363
364
365
366
367

afrika focus — 2011-12 [ 119 ]
Wild edible plants in Ethiopia
Source
4
3
4
6
1, 3
1, 3
3
1,13
3
3
11
3
Where in Ethiopia
Alamata
Tigray
Goma
Seqa Choqorsa
Derashe and Kucha,
Gamo
Derashe, Xonso, Kuume
Bena, Tsemay
Derashe and Kucha,
Berta
Bale
Many parts of Ethiopia
Dheeraa
Mursi
Part used
Bark
Seed and
root
Seed
Seed
Seed
Seed
Seed
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit and
Leaf
Leaf
Leaf
Habit
S
H
H
H
H
T
S
S
T
T
H
H
Local name
Wulkifa (Amh)
Adagora Barracha
(Tig)
Muriye (Amh)
Harataa (Oro)
Girole (G)
Ourae (Ben)
Qeytso (Ben)
Ugugee (G)
Chatto (She)
Dokma (Amh)
Zwdearem (Amh)
Dongdongi (Mur)
Family
Tiliaceae
Fabaceae
Poaceae
Poaceae
Poaceae
Sterculiaceae
Sterculiaceae
Loganiaceae
Loganiaceae
Myrtaceae
Asteraceae
Portulacaceae
Scientific name
Sparmannia ricinocarpa (Eckl. and Zeyh.)
O. Ktze.
Sphenostylis stenocarpa (Hochst. ex A.
Rich.) Harms
Sporobolus africanus (Poir) Robyns and
Tournay
Sporobolus indicus (L.) R. Br.
Sporobolus pyramidalis P. Beauv.
Sterculia africana (Lour.) Fiori
Sterculia rhynchocarpa K. Schum
Strychnos innocua Del.
Strychnos mitis S. Moore
Syzygium guineense (Willd.) DC.
Tagetes minuta L.
Talinum portulacifolium (Forssk.)
Aschers.ex Schwein
No
368
369
370
371
372
373
374
375
376
377
378
379

afrika focus — Volume 24, Nr. 2[ 120 ]
e. lulekal, z. asfaw, e. kelbessa, p. van damme
Source
10
9, 10
9, 10
3
3
3
3
3, 13
3
3
4
3, 9
Where in Ethiopia
Many parts of Ethiopia
Hamar and Xonso
Hamar and Xonso
Many parts of Ethiopia
Harar
North Omo
Gambella
Majanjir and Sheko
Metu
Gambella
Cheha
Mursi, Hamar and Xonso
Part used
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit
Whole part
Fruit
Leaf
Seed
Fruit
Fruit
Leaf
Fruit
Fruit and
seed
Habit
T
S
T
H
S
H
T
T
S
H
H
S
Local name
Kore (G)
Bela (Ham)
Tsaki (Ham)
Yedega Tosign
(Amh)
Barbari-Burreed
(Som)
Qumputia (Wel)
Gereche (Anu)
Gabo (She)
Gashgano (Kaf )
Weeo (Anu)
NM
Ballai (Mur)
Family
Fabaceae
Rubiaceae
Rutaceae
Lamiaceae
Rutaceae
Zygophyllaceae
Meliaceae
Moraceae
Melastomaacee
Tiliaceae
Tropaeolaceae
Fabaceae
Scientific name
Tamarindus indica L.
Tarenna graveolens (S. Moore) Bremek.
Teclea nobilis Del.
Thymus serrulatus Hochst. ex Benth.
Toddalia asiatica (L.) Lam.
Tribulus terrestris L.
Trichilia dregeana Sond.
Trilepisium madagascariensis DC.
Tristemma mauritanum J.F. Gmel
Triumfetta rhomboidea Jacq.
Tropaeolum majus L.
Tylosema fassoglensis (Kotschy ex
Schweinf.) Torre & Hillc.
No
380
381
382
383
384
385
386
387
388
389
390
391

afrika focus — 2011-12 [ 121 ]
Wild edible plants in Ethiopia
Source
3
3
2
1, 13
9
3, 9
9
9
13
6
3
3
Where in Ethiopia
Many parts of Ethiopia
North Omo
Kara and Kwego
Derashe and Kucha,
Gamo and, Komo
Xonso
Xonso
Hamar and Xonso
Hamar and Xonso
Anuak, Berta, Komo
Xonso
Many parts of Ethiopia
Gambella
Part used
Leaf and
stem
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit
Tuber, Seed,
Pod, flower
and leaf
Fruit
Fruit
Leaf
Tuber
Root
Seed and
fruit
Habit
H
S
T
S
S
C
S
C
H
H
H
T
Local name
Sama (Amh)
Boyinya (Wel)
Chochum (KW)
Gurmase (G)
Mesho (Kaf )
Kullayya (Kon)
Tsaki (Ham)
Kena (Ham)
Bog Ajowm (Anu)
Shirshira (Kon)
Qwruh-Dibela (Tig)
Wado(Anu)
Family
Urticaceae
Annonaceae
Annonaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Fabaceae
Rutaceae
Rutaceae
Fabaceae
Fabaceae
Fabaceae
Sapotaceae
Scientific name
Urtica simensis Steudel
Uvaria angolensis Oliv.
Uvaria leptocladon Oliv.
Vangueria apiculata K. Schum.
Vangueria madagascariensis Gmel.
Vatovaea pseudolablab (Harms) Gillett
Vepris eugenifolia (Engl.) Verdoorn
Vepris glomerata (F. Hoffm.) Engl.
Vigna membranacea A. Rich.
Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.
Vigna vexillata (L.) A. Rich.
Vitellaria paradoxa Gaertn. f.
No
392
393
394
395
396
397
398
399
400
401
402
403

Source
3, 10
13
3, 10
3, 10
1
3, 13
1, 3
1, 3
1, 3, 9
1, 3,9,
13
Where in Ethiopia
Gojam, North Omo,
Gumuz
Berta
Many parts of Ethiopia
Many parts of Ethiopia
Derashe and Kucha,
Gamo
Many parts of Ethiopia
Harar
Derashe and Kucha, Afar
and Gamo
Derashe and Kucha,
Bena, Kusume, Xonso,
Zeyise
Many parts of Ethiopia
Part used
Fruit
Nectar
Fruit
Fruit
Seed and
Leaf
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit
Fruit
Habit
T
S
T
T
T
S
S
T
T
T
Local name
Jwelo (Anu)
Adibuch (G)
Inkoy (Amh)
Inginkada (Kon)
Ketata (K)
Lang (Anu)
Haamud (Som)
Gusura (Afa)
Kobta (K)
Bow (Nue)
Family
Lamiaceae
Acanthaceae
Olacaceae
Olacaceae
Rutaceae
Rhamnaceae
Rhamnaceae
Rhamnaceae
Rhamnaceae
Rhamnaceae
Scientific name
Vitex doniana Sweet
Whitfieldia elongata (P. De Beauv.)
De Wild. & T. Durand
Ximenia americana L.
Ximenia caffra Sond.
Zanthoxylum chalybeum Engl.
Ziziphus abyssinica Hochst. ex A. Rich
Ziziphus hamur Engl.
Ziziphus mauritiana Lam.
Ziziphus mucronata Willd.
Ziziphus spina-christi (L.) Desf.
No
404
405
406
407
408
409
410
411
412
413