Diversity and Ethnobotany of Wild and Semi Wild Edible Plants and their Marketability in Central Zone of Tigray, Ethiopia

Thousands of species of wild fruits, leaves, seed, root and tuber are consumed as food and source of income in developing countries. The objective of this study was to identify the wild and semi wild edible plants, factors that threat, marketability, and, to document phenology and management of wild and semi wild edible plants. The study area were classified in to three agro-ecology lowland (<1500), midland (1500-2300) and high land (2300-3200 m.a.s.l.). From each agro-ecology three representative kebeles were selected purposefully based on the existence of wild and semi wild edible plants. Household survey, key informant and focus group discussion were held to collect the required data. A total of 28 wild and semi wild edible plants were identified as edible plants. The identified wild and semi wild edible plants 75 % were trees, 14.3 % were shrubs, and 10.7 % were shrubs/Tree. From the identified edible plants as food source: 23 (82.1%) were fruit, 2 (6.9%) root, 1 (3.4%) seed, 1 (3.4%) young shoot and 2 (6.9%) gum (exudate) or sap. The major threats of wild and semi wild edible plants are shortage of viable seed and poor natural regeneration, deforestation, disease, drought, agricultural expansion, free grazing, poor management and protection/fencing activities, and settlement. Ziziphus spina Christi, Cordia africana, Balanities aegyptiaca, Diospyros mespiliformis, Tamarindus indica, Mimusops kummel and Ximenia americana are the only identified marketable wild and semi wild edible plants. The available wild and semi wild edible plant lacks intensive management activities.