Asian Pac J Trop Biomed 2014; 4(Suppl 1): S525-S538 S525

Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine

journal homepage: www.apjtb.com

Document heading doi:10.12980/APJTB.4.201414B36 2014 by the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine. All rights reserved. 襃 Ethno-botanical survey of edible wild in Benguet, Cordillera administrative region, the

* Racquel Tan Chua-Barcelo School of Natural Sciences, Saint Louis University, Bonifacio St., Baguio City 2600, the Philippines

PEER REVIEW ABSTRACT

Peer reviewer Objective: To conduct a survey on the common name/s, traditional uses and cultural importance Gaudelia A. Reyes, Ph.D, Dean in Methods:of the edible wild fruits in different municipalities of Benguet, Cordillera administrative region. School of Natural Sciences, Saint Interviews using questionnaires with barangay leaders and indigenous people were Louis University, Baguio City, the Results:conducted with 176 key informants from June 2011 to July 2013. Philippines. A total of 36 were found in different municipalities of Benguet. These fruit Tel: 06309228125474 species belong to 27 genera and 20 families. Among the 13 municipalities of Benguet, Kibungan Fax: (074) 442 2842 has the highest number of species. There are many uses of wild fruits which ranged from food E-mail: [email protected] (snack/dessert/table food), forage (especially for birds, monkeys and wild animals such as cloud Comments rat and grass eaters), offertory, processed/preserved (as jam, jellies, candies, juice and wine), condiment or ingredient (for cooking), source of dye or ink, decoration (to garnish food) and as T he research is an important medicine to commonGarcinia ailments binucao or health problems. Based on the inventory and calculated cultural contribution to biodiversity and importance index, (balokok) belonging to is the most abundant ethnobotanical studies. It shows the fruit, hence it is the commonly used fruitVaccinium for various myrtoides purposes such as food, forage, processing/ ( ) interrelationships of traditional and preservationSaurauia and condiment/ingredient; elegans ayusip bunius for offerings and as source ( ) ( ) cultural factors to the utilization and Conclusions:of dye/ink; uyok for decoration, and, bugnay for medicine. acceptance of the wild fruits as food. Benguet province in the Cordillera region provides a diversity of edible wild fruits. The distribution of the samples The data gathered from the study signifies that collection, processing and utilization of edible in the various municipalities may wild fruits are still part of the daily activities of the people in Benguet. also be considered in relation to environmental conditions in future studies. KEYWORDS Details on Page S536 Edible wild fruits, Benguet, Ethnobotanical knowledge, Cultural importance index

1. Introduction Wild fruits may be consumed during times when food source is scarce[3,4]. The term wild refers to non-cultivated Our growing population requires increasing food gathered in the field[5]. Wild fruits make up the sources. Food and Agricultural Organization reported greatest percentage of wild food plants[6]. Hence, many wild that 925 million people in the world are food insecure. fruits are eaten worldwide[1]. However, consumption of wild By definition, food security is a state where all people, at fruits has gradually decreased due to the introduction of all times, have physical, social and economic access to exotic fruits[4]. sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary Benguet province is richly endowed with forest lands needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life[1]. abundant in flora and fauna. About 66% to 80% of the Limited research on food security has been done in the land area is predominated by forest and shrub land. Philippines[2]. Unfortunately, there is a rapid decline in the number of

*Corresponding author: Racquel Tan Chua-Barcelo, School of Natural Sciences, Article history: Saint Louis University, Bonifacio St., Baguio City 2600, the Philippines. Received 26 Feb 2014 E-mail: [email protected] Received in revised form 4 Mar, 2nd revised form 10 Mar, 3rd revised form 16 Mar 2014 Foundation Project: Supported by Department of Science and Technology (Grant No. Accepted 25 Apr 2014 D 2009-15-00464). Available online Racquel Tan Chua-Barcelo/Asian Pac J Trop Biomed 2014; 4(Suppl 1): S525-S538 S526 2.2. Data collection and analysis forest resources[7]. At present, there are very limited studies conducted on wild fruits of Benguet[8-10]. Survey on the kinds, traditional Participatory approach involving survey through interview uses and cultural importance of edible wild fruits in in the local language with barangay leaders and indigenous different municipalities of Benguet namely Atok, Bakun, people, who are the original inhabitants of the area, was Bokod, Buguias, Itogon, Kabayan, Kapangan, Kibungan, La conducted in the 13 municipalities of Benguet province Trinidad, Mankayan, Sablan, Tuba and Tublay have not yet consisting of 140 barangays from June 2011 to July 2013, been undertaken. Therefore, this study aimed to identify with a total of 176 key informants. The informants were and classify the species of edible wild fruits found in each chosen through cluster sampling (Reference: Kerry S, Bland municipality, to record the uses of each edible wild fruit J. Statistics notes: the intracluster correlation coefficient 1998 316 1455 1460 ) to document the traditional knowledge of the people in the in cluster randomization. Br Med J ’ ; : - . . study area and to evaluate the cultural significance of each Selection was based on the informant s sound traditional species of fruit. knowledge of edible wild fruits. These key informants are most credible, informed, most experienced people on 2. Materials and methods the edible wild fruits found in the area. Informants were between the ages of 25 and 77 with an average age of 47 2.1. Study area years. Structured survey was carried out to gather qualitative and quantitative data related to traditional plant use. B C Q enguet lies southernmost in the ordillera administrative° ’ uestionnaires were distributed to facilitate the individual P (F 1) I 16 33 Q region, the hilippines ° igure’ . ° t is’ located between and group interviews. uestions addressed to the informants north latitude and 120 34 to 120 52 east longitude. On the about edible wild fruit consumption were mainly focused north, it is bounded by Mountain province, on the south on the common local name, knowledge about the past and by Pangasinan, on the east by Ifugao and Nueva Viscaya, present ethno-botanical and medicinal uses and place of and on the west by La Union and Ilocos Sur. This province collection. is composed of 13 municipalities namely Atok, Bakun, Voucher specimens were deposited at the Fr. Gerard Bokod, Buguias, Itogon, Kabayan, Kapangan, Kibungan, La Braeckman Museum of Natural History in Saint Louis Trinidad, Mankayan, Sablan, Tuba and Tublay. University, Baguio City. Identification was carried out using keys, online plant databases, pictorial flora, plant dictionaries and taxonomic references[11-19]. Further, this

Mankayan study did not deal with the cataloguing of edible wild fruits in Mt. Pulag, Kabayan, Benguet since this research Bakun primarily focused on the edible wild fruits present in Buguias different barangays inhabited by the local people and their traditional uses. In addition, abiotic and agronomic factors Kibungan such as light, soil type, amount of rainfall, soil pH and humidity, which could affect the geographical distribution Kapangan Kabayan of the fruits were not investigated and accounted for in the Atok study. 2.3. Food use categories of wild edible fruits based on folk Tublay Sablan perceptions Bokod

NORTE CAGAYAN L T a rinidad APAYAO ILOCOS ABRA Data were grouped into the following fruit use categories

ILOCOS KALINGA MOUNTAIN PROVINCE based on folk perceptions: food (snack/dessert/table food),

SUI IFUGAO

NUEVA ISABELA forage (food for animals), offertory (food for offerings), SENGUET

VIZCAYA Tuba NUEVA processed/preserved (in the form of jams, jellies, candy, I AURORA togon PANGASINAN QUIRINO

ECIJA juice or wine), condiment/ingredient, medicinal, dye/ink ZAMBALES TARLAC and decoration (garnish/ornament food). QUEZON

BATAANPAMPANGA RIZAL BULACAN 2.4. Estimation of cultural significance of each species LAGUNA Legend CAVITE N M River system Road Networkunicipal boundary WE Streams National road 0 2.5 5 10 15 20 S Creeks Kilometers Provincial road Reservoir After listing the fruits used per category, the cultural Map scale = 1:400 000 Municipal/Barangay road Figure 1. significance of each species was estimated for the entire Map of the study area showing Benguet province, Cordillera Benguet province following the formula used in the study P 13 et al administrative region in the hilippines and the survey municipalities. by Pardo-de-Santayana . where the summation of use report in every use-category mentioned for a speciesN was divided by the total number of survey participants ( )[20]. Racquel Tan Chua-Barcelo/Asian Pac J Trop Biomed 2014; 4(Suppl 1): S525-S538 S527 Every plant species mentioned by an informant within one- of families (CIf), the indices of the species from each family use category was counted as one-use-report. The cultural were added. The highest CI/CIf confirms the most widely importance index (CI) could be expressed through the used and most important fruit species/family for a given formula below: category of usage, while the fruit with the lowest CI/CIf indicates that it is least used or of minimum importance. i=NU =∑ URi T CI he ranking of fruit species and plant families was based i=1 N on the over-all cultural significance of each fruit and family arranged from the highest to the lowest using the Where i- varies from only one use to the total number of total CI of each fruit (sum total of CI in all use category) and NU N CI uses, mentioned for a species and Medinilla- total number pendula of computation of f for each family. F informantsM. pendula in the survey. or example, ( ) ( ) agubangbang in Benguet was reported as 3. Results used in food (snack/dessert/table food) by four informants, for forage by four, for decoration/garnish by one and for medicinal (treatment for cough and colds) by one. The A total of 36 fruit species are found in the different total number of respondents is 82. Therefore, the CI of municipalities of Benguet (Figure 2). These are classified agubangbang is 0.122. in 27 genera and 20 families (Table 1). Among the 13 This additive index takes into account the spread of use municipalities of Benguet, Kibungan has the highest for each species and versatility. The theoretical maximum number of species with a total of 16 followed by Sablan value of the index is the total number of the different use and La Trinidad with 14, and Kapangan as third with 12. categories. Meanwhile, to measure the cultural importance The lowest number is found in Kabayan (Figure 3). Figure

Table 1

Edible wild fruits in Benguet. Availability in Municipalities Family Scientific name Local name ABOUIKPNLMSTY Saurauia √ Actinidiaceae sp. Soybo (Igt) Saurauia elegans √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Uyok (Igt, Knk) Saurauia sp √√√√ √√√√√√ √ arsifolia Sapuwan (Igt)/Degway (Knk) Callamus manillensis √ √ √ Arecaceae Litoko (Ilk) binucao √√√ √√√√√√√√√ Clusiaceae Balokok (Igt) Rheedia edulis Garcinia intermedia √ or Chinese Santol (Tag)/Lemon drop mangosteen (Eng) Garcinia vidalii √ √ √ √ √ Bilis/Belis (Igt) Dillenia philippinensis √ √ Dilleniaceae Palali (Igt) Elaeagnus triflora √ √ √ Elaeagnaceae Bennaken/Banaken (Bon); Kopapey (Igt) Vaccinium barandanum √ √ √ √ Ericaceae Lusong (Igt) Vaccinium myrtoides √√√√√√ √√√√√√ Ayosep/Ayusip (Igt); Alumani(Bon); Gotmo (Knk) Flacourtia rukam √ √ √ Flacourtiaceae Kalominga/Kaluminga (Igt); Native Cherry (Eng) Medinilla pendula √ √ √ √ Agubangbang/Balanban/Ballangbang/Gubangbang (Igt) Melastomataceae Melastoma malabathricum √ Baksi/Dagaday/Tagad-ay (Igt) Ficus √ Moraceae sp. Aplas/Appas/Opdas (Igt) Ficus minahassae √ √ √ Alomit (Igt) Morus alba √ √ √ Moras (Tag) Muntingia calabura √ Muntigiaceae Sarisa (Ilk) Musa rosacea √ √ √ Musaceae Bayating/Amoting (Igt) Embelia philippinensis √ √ √ Myrsinaceae Bisolak/Bisudak (Igt) Psidium guajava √ √ √ √ Myrtaceae Wild Guava (Eng)/Bayabas (Tag/Ilk) Passiflora edulis √ √ √ √ Passifloraceae Masaplora/Masaflora (Ibl) √ √ √ √ √ √ Bugnay/Bignay (ManyLgs) Antidesma angustifolium √ or Balekesan (Igt) Photinia serratifolia √ Rosaceae Sugsuggat (Igt) Rubus ellipticus √ √ Batnak/Butnak (Igt); Bunut (Bon) Rubus fraxinifolius √√√√√√√√√√√ √ Pinit (Ilk); Doting/Luting/Buyot (Igt); Sapinit (Tag) Solanum betacea √ √ Solanaceae Dulce/Tamarillo (Sp) Physalis peruviana √ √ Gobbayas/Gumbais (Igt) Cape gooseberry (Eng) Solanum pimpinellifolium √ Marble Tomato (Eng) longifolia √ Ngamoy/Ngamey (Ifg); Namey (Knk) Leucosyke benguetensis √ Lapsek/Lapsik (Igt) Tetrastigma √ Vitaceae sp. Ngalatngat (Igt); Ngaratngat (Neg) Alpinia vanoverberghii √ √ √ Zingiberaceae Akbab (Knk/Bon) Amomum lepicarpum √ √ √ √ Gadang (Igt) Leptosolena haenkei √ √ Poli (Igt); Panawil (Knk) √ : fruit is present. Local name languages: Bon-Bontok; Eng-English; Ibl-Inibaloi; Ifg-Ifugao; Igt-Igorot; Ilk-Ilokano; Knk-Kankana-ey; Neg-Negrito; Sp-Spanish; Tag-Tagalog; ManyLgs-Many Languages. Municipality: A-Atok; B-Bakun; O-Bokod; U-Buguias; I-Itogon; K-Kabayan; P-Kapangan; N-Kibungan; L-La Trinidad; M-Mankayan; S-Sablan; T-Tuba; Y-Tublay. Racquel Tan Chua-Barcelo/Asian Pac J Trop Biomed 2014; 4(Suppl 1): S525-S538 S528

1 2 3 4

7

8 5 6

9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16

18

17 19 20

23

21 22 24 Figure 2. Photographs of edible wild fruits in the different municipalities of Benguet. Saurauia . Saurauia elegans Saurauia sparsifolia Calamus manillensis Garcinia binucao Garcinia 1: sp (soybo), 2: (uyok), 3: (degway), 4: (litoko), 5: (balokok), 6: intermedia Garcinia vidalii Dillenia philippinensis Elaeagnus triflora Vaccinium barandanum (Chinese santol), 7: (belis), 8: (palali), 9: (bennaken), 10: (lusong), 11: Vaccinium myrtoides Flacourtia rukam Medinilla pendula Melastoma malabathricum Ficus (ayusip), 12: (kaluminga), 13: (agubangbang), 14: (dagad-ay), 15: sp. Ficus minahassae Morus alba Muntigia calabura Musa rosacea Embelia philippinensis (aplas), 16: (alomit), 17: (moras), 18: (sarisa), 19: (bayating), 20: (bisudak), 21: Psidium guajava Passiflora edulis Antidesma bunius Antidesma montanum (bayabas), 22: (masaplora), 23: (bugnay), 24 (balekesan). Racquel Tan Chua-Barcelo/Asian Pac J Trop Biomed 2014; 4(Suppl 1): S525-S538 S529

25 26 27 28

29

30 31 32

33 34 35 36 Figure 2 (continued). Photographs of edible wild fruits in the different municipalities of Benguet. Photinia serratifolia Rubus ellipticus Rubus fraxinifolius Tetrastigma Solanum betacea 25: (sugsuggat), 26: (batnak), 27: (pinit), 28: sp. (ngalatngat), 29: (dulce), Physalis peruviana Solanum pimpinellifolium Debregeasia longifolia Leucosyke benguetensis 30: (gobbayas), 31: (marble tomato), 32: (ngamey), 33: (lapsek), 34: Alpinia vanoverberghii Amomum lepicarpum Leptosolena haenkei (akbab), 35: (gadang), 36: (poli).

Saurauia 4 (P ) ( ) K (T ) shows the distribution of edible wild fruits based on the Muntigiaudong , calabura sp.M. calaburasoybo in ibungan acadang , ( ) ( ) S (P ) total number of location sites barangays in the different Tetrastigma in ablan oblacionSolanum, B ( ) T (T ) municipalities where the fruits can be found in enguet. pimpinellifoliumsp. S.ngalatngat pimpinellifolium in ublay uel , ( ) K (P ) 18 Leucosyke benguetensis L. benguetensis in apangan aykek , 16 ( ) in La Trinidad 16 Melastoma malabathricum M. malabathricum 14 14 (S ) ( ) hilan , Rheedia edulis R. edulis 14 in Kapangan (Pudong), ( ) in Sablan 12 Antidesma montanum A. montanum 12 11 11 (P ) ( ) L oblacion , Ficus in a 10 ( ) ( ) ( ) 10 9 9 Trinidad Shilan and sp. aplas in La Trinidad Shilan . 8 Table 2 summarizes the uses of edible wild fruits in 8 7 7 o. of fruit species o. of fruit Benguet. In terms of food, a total of 36 kinds of fruits N 6 5 were listed during the survey. Figure 5 shows the cultural 4 G. binucao importance index of the fruits used for food.S. sparsifolia has 0 451 (0 439) 2 the highestR. fraxinifolius CI value of . followed by . (0 390) O 0 and P. serratifolia. . n theSaurauia other hand, M.the calabura following K M T O B I A U Y K L S N Tetrastigmafruits such as S. pimpinellifolium, L. sp.,benguetensis M., Figure 3. Municipality malabathricum sp., R. edulis A. montanum, Ficus, Ranking of municipalities based on the number of fruit species present. , , , and sp. K: Kabayan; M: Mankayan; T: Tuba; O: Bokod; B: Bakun; I: Itogon; A: Atok; U: ( ) 0 012 23 aplas have the lowest CI of . . In forage use, aG. total binucao of Buguias; Y: Tublay; K: Kapangan; L: La Trinidad; S: Sablan; N: Kibungan. ( 6) 23 fruits were listed Figure . Among the fruits,R. fraxinifolius Garcinia binucao G. binucao 0 341 Out of the 140 barangays, ( ) has theVaccinium highest myrtoidesCI value ofV. .myrtoides followed by C and ( ) at 0.232 and 0.183 CI belonging to lusiaceae is the most abundant Saurauia fruit sparsifolia found in Benguet (37 barangays), followed by values respectively. S. sparsifolia Rubus fraxinifolius R. 10 ( ) (36 barangays) and ( V. I nmyrtoides this study, a total of fruits were listed for offerings.S. fraxinifolius 0 073 ) (32 barangays). On the other hand, several fruits sparsifolia hasPsidium the highest guajava CI valueP. guajava of . followed by Photinia ( ) 0 061 are limited to a specific barangay and municipality. and with both . serratifolia P. serratifolia CI (F 7) ( ) is only found in Kapangan value igure . Racquel Tan Chua-Barcelo/Asian Pac J Trop Biomed 2014; 4(Suppl 1): S525-S538 S530 Garcinia binucao (Balokok) 37 Saurauia sparsifolia (Degway) 36 Garcinia binucao Rubus fraxinifolius (Balokok) 0.341 (Pinit) 32 Vaccinium myrtoides Rubus fraxinifolius (Ayusip) 26 (Pinit) 0.232 Saurauia elegans (U ) 22 Vaccinium myrtoides Antidesma bunius yok (Ayusip) 0.183 (B ) 12 Psidium guajava ugnay Saurauia elegans ( ) 9 (Uyok) 0 171 Flacourtia rukam Wild guava . (Kaluminga) 8 Saurauia sparsifolia Passiflora edulis (Degway) 0.159 (Masaplora) 7 Vaccinium barandanum Antidesma bunius (L ) 7 (Bugnay) 0 098 Amomum lepicarpum usong . (Gadang) 7 Psidium guajava Garcinia vidalii (Wild guava) 0 098 (B ) 7 . Morus alba ilis Amomum lepicarpum (M ) 6 ( ) 0 073 Callamus manillensis oras Gadang . (Litoko) 6 Flacourtia rukam Ficus minahassae (K ) (A ) 6 aluminga 0.061 Embelia philippinensis lomit

dible wild fruits Vaccinium barandanum (Bisolak) 5 ( ) 0 049 E Elaegnus triflora Lusong . (B ) 4 dible wild fruits Musa rosacea ennaken E Ficus minahassae (B ) 4 (Alomit) 0.049 Medinilla pendula ayating (Agubangbang) 4 Medinilla pendula Rubus ellipticus (Agubangbang) 0.049 (Batnak) 3 Elaegnus triflora Alpinia vanoverberghii ( ) (Akbab) 3 Bennaken 0.037 Leptosolena haenkei (Poli) 2 Garcinia vidalii Dillenia philippinensis (Bilis) 0.024 (P ) 2 Debregeasia longifolia alali Musa rosacea (Ngamoy) 2 (Bayating) 0.024 Physalis peruviana (G ) 2 Saurauia Solanum betacea obbayas sp. (Soybo) 0.012 (D ) 2 Photinia serratifolia ulce Leptosolena haenkei (Sugsuggat) 1 (Poli) 0.012 Saurauia sp. (Soybo) 1 Passiflora edulis Muntingia calabura (Masaplora) 0.012 (Sarisa) 1 Tetrastigma . Leucosyke benguetensis ( ) 1 (Lapsek) 0.012 Solanum pimpinellifoliumsp Ngalatngat (Marble Tomato) 1 Physalis peruviana Leucosyke benguetensis (Gobbayas) 0.012 (Lapsek) 1 Melastoma malabathricum Rheedia edulis (D ) 1 (Chinese Santol) 0.012 Rheedia edulis agad-ay (Chinese Santol) 1 Rubus ellipticus Antidesma montanum (Batnak) 0.012 (Balekesan) 1 Ficus . Antidesma myrtoides sp (Aplas) 1 (Balekesan) 0.012 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 0 0.05 0.1 0.15 0.2 0.25 0.3 0.35 0.4 No. of location sites (Barangays) Figure 4. Cultural importance index (CI) Ranking of edible wild fruits based on distribution. Figure 6. Ranking of edible wild fruits used as forage/food for animals. Garcinia binucao (B ) Saurauia sparsifolia alokok 0.451 (D ) 0 439 Vaccinium myrtoides Rubus fraxinifoliusegway . (Ayusip) 0.073 (Pinit) 0.39 Saurauia sparsifolia Vaccinium myrtoides (Degway) 0.061 Saurauia elegans (Ayusip) 0.317 Psidium guajava ( ) 0 268 (W ) Antidesma bunius Uyok . ild guava 0.061 (B ) 0.146 Garcinia binucao Psidium guajava ugnay (Balokok) 0 049 ( ) 0.11 . Flacourtia rukam Wild guava Saurauia elegans ( ) 0.098 (Uyok) 0 037 Passiflora edulis Kaluminga . (M ) 0.085 Rubus fraxinifolius Vaccinium barandanum asaplora (Pinit) 0 024 ( ) 0.085 . Amomum lepicarpum Lusong Passiflora edulis (Gadang) 0.085 dible wild fruits (Masaplora) 0.012 Garcinia vidalii E ( ) 0.085 Callamus manillensis Bilis ( ) 0 012 Morus alba 0 073 Litoko . Callamus manillensis (Moras) . Garcinia vidalii 0 073 (B ) 0 012 Ficus minahassae (Litoko) . ilis . (A ) 0.073 Rubus ellipticus Embelia philippinensis lomit (Batnak) 0.012 Elaegnus triflora (Bisolak) 0.061 ( ) 0 0 02 0 04 0 06 0 08 Musa rosacea Bennaken 0.049 . . . . ( ) Medinilla pendula (Bayating) 0.049 Cultural importance index CI ( ) 0 049 Figure 7. Rubus ellipticusAgubangbang . Ranking of edible wild fruits used in offerings. (Batnak) 0.037 Alpinia vanoverberghii 0 037 Leptosolena haenkei (A kbab) . In food processing/preservation specifically making jams, (Poli) 0.024 dible wild fruits Dillenia philippinensis 24 19 14 13 E (Palali) 0.024 jelly, candy, juice and wine, a total of , , , and Debregeasia longifolia 0 024 G. Physalis peruviana (Ngamoy) . 22 fruits were listed respectively. Among these fruits, (Gobbayas) 0.024 binucao Solanum betacea 0 024 has the highest CI value in jam and wine with 0.427 Photinia serratifolia (Dulce) . R. Saurauia (Sugsuggat) 0.012 (Figure 8) and 0. 354 (Figure 9) respectively. Meanwhile, Muntingia calaburasp. (Soybo) 0.012 fraxinifolius ( ) has the highest CI value of 0.366 in jellies (Figure Tetrastigma Sarisa 0.012 ( ) Solanum pimpinellifoliumsp. Ngalatngat 0.012 10), 0.28 in candy (Figure 11) and 0.159 in juice (Figure 12). (M T ) Leucosyke benguetensisarble omato 0.012 In condiment/ingredient, there are 10 kinds of fruits listed. Melastoma malabathricum (Lapsek) 0.012 G. binucao S. ( ) 0 427 Rheedia edulis Dagad-ay 0.012 has the highest CI value of . followed by (C S ) 0 012 sparsifolia P. guajava Antidesma montanumhinese antol . and with 0.171 and 0.098 respectively (Balekesan) 0.012 Ficus ( 13) sp. (Aplas) 0.012 V.Figure myrtoides . In dye or ink, there are only three fruits listed. 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 has the highest CI value of 0.049 followed by Cultural importance index (CI) Moras alba R. fraxinifolius é Figure 5. (0.037) and (0.024). In food d cor, Ranking of edible wild fruits used as food. Racquel Tan Chua-Barcelo/Asian Pac J Trop Biomed 2014; 4(Suppl 1): S525-S538 S531

Table 2

Summary of uses of edible wild fruits in Benguet. Food (snack/ Processed/preserved Condiment/ Dye/ Local name/s Scientific name dessert/table Forage Offertory Decoration Medicinal use/s food) Jam Jellies Candies Juice Wine ingredient ink Saurauia √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Soybo (Igt) sp. birds √ Saurauia elegans √ birds, grass √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Uyok (Igt, Knk) lung problem eaters, wild rat “ √ flu, cough, hypertension, agas Saurauia sparsifolia √ birds, wild √ √ √ √ √ √ √ ” Sapuwan (Igt)/Degway (Knk) ti nginao - for conceiving animals ’ mother s cravings Callamus manillensis √ √ √ √ √ Litoko (Ilk) “ √ cough, flu, arthritis, agas Garcinia binucao √ birds, grass √ √ √ √ √ √ √ ” Balokok (Igt) ti nginao - for conceiving eaters ’ mother s cravings ( ) Rheedia edulis Garcinia Chinese Santol Tag /Lemon or √ √ intermedia birds source of vitamin C for flu drop mangosteen (Eng) Garcinia vidalii √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Bilis/Belis (Igt) birds Dillenia philippinensis √ Palali (Igt) √ Bennaken/Banaken (Bon); Elaeagnus triflora √ birds, wild √ √ √ √ √ cough Kopapey (Igt) animals Vaccinium barandanum √ √ √ √ √ √ Lusong (Igt) birds Ayosep/Ayusip (Igt); Alumani Vaccinium myrtoides √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ poor eyesight, diabetes, birds (Bon); Gotmo (Knk) antioxidant, flu, anti-cancer Kalominga/Kaluminga (Igt); Flacourtia rukam √ √ √ √ √ √ birds, bats Native Cherry (Eng) Agubangbang/Balanban/ Medinilla pendula √ √ √ birds cough, colds Ballangbang/Gubangbang (Igt) Melastoma malabathricum √ Baksi/Dagaday/Tagad-ay (Igt) Ficus √ Aplas/Appas/Opdas(Igt) sp. √ Ficus minahassae √ birds, cloud rat, √ √ Alomit (Igt) wild animals Morus alba √ √ √ √ √ √ Moras (Tag) Muntingia calabura √ √ √ Sarisa (Ilk) Musa rosacea √ √ √ √ Bayating/Amoting (Igt) birds, monkey Embelia philippinensis √ √ √ √ Bisolak/Bisudak (Igt) Wild Guava (Eng)/ Bayabas Psidium guajava √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ birds, goat (Tag/Ilk) Passiflora edulis √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Masaplora/Masaflora (Ibl) birds Antidesma bunius √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Bugnay/Bignay (ManyLgs) birds diabetes, body cleansing Antidesma montanum or √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Balekesan (Igt) A. angustifolium birds Photinia serratifolia √ Sugsuggat (Igt) Batnak/Butnak (Igt); Bunut Rubus ellipticus √ √ √ √ √ √ birds (Bon) √ Pinit (Ilk); Doting/Luting/ Rubus fraxinifolius √ birds, wild √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ stomachache, sore eyes, Buyot (Igt); Sapinit (Tag) animals urinary tract infection, cough Ngalatngat (Igt); Ngaratngat Tetrastigma √ sp. (Neg) Solanum betacea √ √ √ √ Dulce/Tamarillo (Sp) anti-cancer Gobbayas/Gumbais (Igt)Cape Physalis peruviana √ √ √ √ wild animals gooseberry (Eng) Solanum pimpinellifolium √ √ Marble Tomato (Eng) Ngamoy/Ngamey (Ifg);Namey Debregeasia longifolia √ (Knk) Leucosyke benguetensis √ √ √ √ √ Lapsek/Lapsik (Igt) birds Alpinia vanoverberghii √ √ Akbab (Knk/Bon) loose bowel movement Amomum lepicarpum √ √ √ Gadang (Igt) birds loose bowel movement √ Leptosolena haenkei √ birds, wild √ Poli (Igt); Panawil (Knk) animals √ : fruit is present. Local name languages: Bon-Bontok; Eng-English; Ibl-Inibaloi; Ifg-Ifugao; Igt-Igorot; Ilk-Ilokano; Knk-Kankana-ey; Neg-Negrito; Sp-Spanish; Tag-Tagalog; ManyLgs-Many Languages.

Saurauia elegans S. elegans Antidesma bunius A. bunius ( ) ( ) among the eight fruits, M. calabura has the medicinal use. These are V. myrtoides for (0 122) highest R.CI fraxinifoliusvalue . followedPassiflora by the fruits edulis S. diabetes and body cleansing; S. sparsifolia for good eye “sight, (0 012) (0 012) (0 012) sparsifolia. , P. guajava. , A. montanum . , diabetes,” antioxidant, flu, anti-cancer;’ for agas (0 012) (0 012) (0 012) ( ) M. pendula . , . , . and ti nginao for conceivingR. fraxinifolius mothers cravings , flu, cough and (0.012). In medicine, 12 fruits were listed to have hypertension; for stomachache, sore eyes, Racquel Tan Chua-Barcelo/Asian Pac J Trop Biomed 2014; 4(Suppl 1): S525-S538 S532

Garcinia binucao (Balokok) 0.427 Rubus fraxinifolius Rubus fraxinifolius (P ) 0.366 (Pinit) 0.39 init Saurauia sparsifolia Vaccinium myrtoides (Degway) 0.293 (Ayusip) 0.256 Vaccinium myrtoides (Ayusip) 0.268 Garcinia binucao 0 244 Saurauia elegans (Balokok) . (Uyok) 0.183 Saurauia sparsifolia Psidium guajava (Degway) 0.195 (Wild guava) 0.11 Saurauia elegans Garcinia vidalii (Uyok) 0.171 (Bilis) 0.085 Flacourtia rukam Psidium guajava (Kaluminga) 0.085 (Wild guava) 0.098 Antidesma bunius 0 085 Morus alba (Bugnay) . (Moras) 0.061 Morus alba (Moras) 0.061 Garcinia vidalii Callamus manillensis (Bilis) 0.061 dible wild fruits ( ) 0.061 E Litoko Vaccinium barandanum Vaccinium barandanum ( ) (Lusong) 0.037 Lusong 0.049 dible wild fruits Embelia philippinensis E Antidesma bunius (Bisolak) 0.037 (Bugnay) 0.037 Elaegnus triflora 0 037 Embelia philippinensis (Bennaken) . ( ) 0 037 Rubus fraxinifolius Bisolak . (Pinit) 0.024 Flacourtia rukam Ficus minahassae (Kaluminga) 0.024 (Alomit) 0.024 Saurauia Elaegnus triflora sp. (Soybo) 0.012 (Bennaken) 0.024 Muntingia calabura Rubus fraxinifolius (Sarisa) 0.012 (Pinit) 0.024 Passiflora edulis (Masaplora) 0.012 Saurauia Leucosyke benguetensis sp. (Soybo) 0.012 (Lapsek) 0.012 Physalis peruviana Leucosyke benguetensis 0.012 (Gobbayas) 0.012 (Lapsek) Solanum betacea Physalis peruviana (Dulce) 0.012 (Gobbayas) 0.012 Musa rosacea Solanum betacea (Bayating) 0.012 (Dulce) 0.012 Antidesma montanum (Balekesan) 0.012 Antidesma montanum (Balekesan) 0.012 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0 0 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 Cultural importance index (CI) . . . . Figure 8. Cultural importance index (CI) Ranking of edible wild fruits used in making jams. Figure 10. Ranking of edible wild fruits used in making jellies. Garcinia binucao (Balokok) 0.354 Rubus fraxinifolius (Pinit) 0.329 Saurauia sparsifolia ( ) Rubus fraxinifolius Degway 0.256 (Pinit) 0.28 Vaccinium myrtoides (Ayusip) 0.232 Saurauia elegans Antidesma bunius (Uyok) 0.11 (Bugnay) 0.134 Saurauia sparsifolia Saurauia elegans 0 098 (Uyok) 0.11 (Degway) . Flacourtia rukam Vaccinium myrtoides (Kaluminga) 0.073 (Ayusip) 0.085 Morus alba 0 061 Garcinia binucao (Moras) . ( ) 0 073 Garcinia vidalii Balokok . (Bilis) 0.061 Garcinia vidalii Passiflora edulis (Bilis) 0.061 (Masaplora) 0.049

dible wild fruits Vaccinium barandanum Morus alba

E ( ) 0 024 ( ) 0 037 Lusong . dible wild fruits Moras . Callamus manillensis E Saurauia (Litoko) 0.024 sp. (Soybo) 0.012 Embelia philippinensis (Bisolak) 0.024 Callamus manillensis Musa rosacea (Litoko) 0.012 (Bayating) 0.024 Saurauia Leucosyke benguetensis sp. (Soybo) 0.012 (Lapsek) 0.012 Solanum betacea 0 012 Antidesma bunius (Dulce) . (Bugnay) 0 012 Elaegnus triflora . (Bennaken) 0.012 Elaegnus triflora Psidium guajava (Bennaken) 0.012 (Wild guava) 0.012 Rubus fraxinifolius Rubus fraxinifolius (Pinit) 0.012 (Pinit) 0.012 Antidesma montanum Antidesma montanum (Balekesan) 0.012 (Balekesan) 0.012 Ficus minahassae (Alomit) 0.012 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 Alpinia vanoverbergii (Akbab) 0.012 Cultural importance index (CI) Figure 11. 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 Ranking of edible wild fruits used in making candies. Cultural importance index (CI) Figure 9. Ranking of edible wild fruits used in making wine.

G. binucao “ Elaegnus triflora S. elegans urinary tract” infection and cough;’ for agas of vitamin C; Alpinia vanoverberghii for cough; for lung ( ) ( ) ti nginao Amomum conceiving lepicarpum mothers cravings , cough, flu and problem respiratoryM. pendula for loose bowel arthritis;Solanum betacea forR. loose edulis bowel movement; movementA. bunius and for cough and colds. Among these for anti-cancer; for good source fruits, has the highest CI value of 0.098 followed by Racquel Tan Chua-Barcelo/Asian Pac J Trop Biomed 2014; 4(Suppl 1): S525-S538 S533 V. myrtoides S. sparsifolia with 0.073 and with 0.061 (Figure 3.5 14). 3 Rubus fraxinifolius (Pinit) 0.159 2.5 Saurauia elegans (Uyok) 0.146 Vaccinium myrtoides 2 (Ayusip) 0.146 Psidium guajava (Wild guava) 0.11 1.5 ultural significance index ultural

Passiflora edulis C ( ) 0 049 Masaplora . 1 Flacourtia rukam 0 049 ruits (Kaluminga) . F 0.5 Saurauia sparsifolia 0 037 ild (Degway) . W Morus alba 0 (M ) 0.024 oras Vi Di Mun Ur Mus Me So Myr Ar El Pa Zi Fl Mo Myt Ph Er Ro Cl Ac dible Saurauia E 0 012 Botanical family sp. (Soybo) . Figure 15. Ranking of edible wild fruit families based on cultural Vaccinium barandanum 0 012 (Lusong) . significance index of families (CIf). Elaegnus triflora (Bennaken) 0.012 Vi: Vitaceae; Di: Dilleniaceae; Mun: Muntigiaceae; Ur: Urticaeae; Mus: Garcinia binucao Musaceae; Me: Melastomataceae; So: Solanaceae; Myr: Myrsinaceae; Ar: (Balokok) 0.012 Arecaceae; El: Elaeagnaceae; Pa: Passifloraceae; Zi: Zingiberaceae; Fl: Antidesma montanum Flacourtiaceae; Mo: Moraceae; Myt: Mytaceae; Ph: Phyllanthaceae; Er: (Balekesan) 0.012 Ericaceae; Ro: Rosaceae; Cl: Clusiaceae; Ac: Actinidiaceae. 0 0.05 0.1 0.15 0.2 Cultural importance index (CI) Figure 12. Ranking of edible wild fruits used as juice. 4. Discussion Garcinia binucao (Balokok) 0.427 Saurauia sparsifolia (Degway) 0.171 4.1. Taxonomic diversity and distribution of edible wild fruits Psidium guajava (Wild guava) 0.098 in Benguet Amomum lepicarpum (Gadang) 0.024 Leptosolena haenkei (P ) dible wild fruits oli 0.012

E T Rubus fraxinifolius his ethno-botanical survey reveals the presence of edible (Pinit) 0.012 wild fruits in the different municipalities of Benguet in the Solanum pimpinellifolium (Marble Tomato) 0.012 Cordillera administrative region, the Philippines. The fruits Antidesma bunius (Bugnay) 0.012 listed in this study are found in the forests of the different Garcinia vidalii (Bilis) 0.012 municipalities. The climate in the province is under Vaccinium myrtoides ’ (Ayusip) 0.012 Type 1 classification by Corona s system with two distinct 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 pronounced seasons, wet from May to October and dry from Cultural importance index (CI) Figure 13. November to April. This subtropical climate is suitable for Ranking of edible wild fruits used as condiments/ingredients. the growth of different wild fruits[21]. Based on municipal records, Kibungan has a total land Antidesma bunius (Bugnay) 0.098 area of 30 158.595 9 ha. The barangays differ in topographies Vaccinium myrtoides (Ayusip) 0.073 Saurauia sparsifolia and landforms ranging from steep slope to mountainous (Degway) 0.061 Rubus fraxinifolius terrain with an elevation of 2 500 m and more above sea level. (Pinit) 0.049 Garcinia binucao ’ (Balokok) 0.037 Some 23 951.705 2 ha or 79% of the municipality s total land Amomum lepicarpum (G ) 0.012 6 106 184 5 Solanum betacea adang area is classified as forest while . ha is dedicated (D ) 0.012 Sechium dible wild fruits ulce

E Rheedia edulis to agriculture which focuses on the cultivation of (Chinese Santol) 0.012 Elaegnus triflora edule (Bennaken) 0.012 (sayote) as a cash crop. Sablan is one of the top fruit Alpinia vanoverbergii (Akbab) 0.012 Saurauia elegans producing municipalities of the province. Some of the (Uyok) 0.012 ’ Medinilla pendula municipality s fruit produces include , santol, mango, (A ) 0.012 gubangbang [22] 0 0.05 0.1 0.15 pineapple among others . Hectares of land are set aside Cultural importance index (CI) Figure 14. in the municipality as communal forest and watersheds. Ranking of edible wild fruits with medicinal uses. According to the municipal agriculture office, 1 413.88 ha out of 2 827.76 ha of agricultural lands are devoted to crops. Figure 15 shows the over-all cultural importance of plant Aside from palay, crops, legumes and plantation crops, families. Actinidiaceae is ranked number 1 among the 20 fruit trees are also given priority in the area. In the 1900s, families accounted in this study. It has the highest cultural many parts of La Trindad were thickly forested. However, significance index (CIf) of 3.194 followed by Clusiaceae and due to urban development brought about by a very high Rosaceae with 2.854 and 2.414 values respectively. population growth rate, conversion of agricultural lands to Racquel Tan Chua-Barcelo/Asian Pac J Trop Biomed 2014; 4(Suppl 1): S525-S538 S534 R. residential and commercial areas took effect in the different four months or more starting from the month of July. fraxinifolius areas of La Trinidad with a total number of 16 barangays[23]. , on the other hand, is a scrambling, spiny shrub Despite this scenario, at present protected communal forests growing in thickets at 800-1 300 m, having 5 to 9 leaflets where edible wild fruits grow can still be found such as in with toothed margins. These wild occur in terminal Shilan. This barangay is considered one of the minor urban clusters and with a good flavor[18,19]. areas together with Puguis, Alapang and Cruz which cover 4.2. Ethnobotanical uses of edible wild fruits in Benguet a total of 2 030.72 ha. Unfortunately, this is under constant threat of human occupation and is transformed into an adventure eco-park[24]. The lowest rank of Kabayan may be There are many uses of wild fruits ranging from food due to only 133.0 ha of land is used as a communal forest (snack/dessert/table food), forage (especially for birds, as compared to other land use classification as follows: monkeys and wild animals like cloud rat), offertory, agriculture 2 524.283 ha, pasture 1 014.5 ha and forest reserved processed/preserved (as jam, jellies, candies, juice and 11 550 ha[22]. Aside from this, Mt. Pulag, a national park in wine), condiment or ingredient (for cooking), source of dye or Kabayan protected by the Department of Environment and ink, decoration (to garnish food) and as medicine to common Natural Resources, was not included in the survey. A study ailments or health problems. et al. conducted by Viray cited as one of the In terms of food, all the fruits are edible and may be G. binucao reasons for a declining number of species in Mt. Pulag[25]. eaten raw. Based on the index, is widely eaten Limited plant species were identified. These belong to as snack/dessert or table food. This is due to the abundant Coix lacryma Imperata cylindrica Poaceae such as , , distribution of this fruit in all the municipalities except in Miscanthus sinensis, Saccharum spontaneum, Pollinua S. sparsifolia Buguias where the main fruits present are and quadrinervis, Rottboellia ophiuroides, Anthraxon ciliaris, V. myrtoides . This fruit is not present in Buguias because as Anthraxon microphyllus Themeda triandra Themeda , , per municipal record, the municipality has high elevation gigantean, Apluda mutica Arundinella selosa, Digitaria , that ranges 1 200 to 2 819 m above sea level compared to longflora, Digitaria sanguinalis, G. binucao Isachne mysotis, Isachne other municipalities. requires a well drained Isachne pangerangensis, Isachne pauciflora, beneckel, area at a low altitude[30]. Moreover, in a Visayan community Isachne magna Penicum crus-galli G. binucao “ ” , among others[25]. in Palawan, called as kandis is used for food Aside from these, 12 wild fruits were identified namely consumption and for sale. It grows at the forest edge, and is Physalis angulata Rubus pectinellus (batbatauang), (pinit), relatively easy to harvest when fruits are available[31]. On the Rubus niveus Leucosyke capitellata Rubus P. serratifolia Saurauia Tetrastigma (duting), (namey), other hand, , sp. (soybo), chrysophullus Vaccinium myrtoides S. pimpinellifolium L. benguetensis M. (mangkunetrap), (ayusip), sp. (ngalatngat), , , Rubus S. elegans Saurauia bontocensis malabathricum R. edulis A. montanum Ficus sp. (batnak), (oyok), , , and sp. (aplas) Vaccinium whitfordii Calamus (degway), (vaccinium), spp. are not commonly eaten by the local people in Benguet due P. guajava (oway) and (bayabas)[9]. Further, bryoflora is one to their limited availability and distribution. G. binucao of the more diverse communities in Mt. Pulag[26]. Results of the survey indicate that fruits are In this study, the loss or decline of wild species is due eaten not only by humans but also by wild birds and given to the following reasons: 1) replacement of wild flora with to animals as food, especially to grass eaters. Birds eat an introduced crops; 2) domination of commercial farms; 3) extremely wide variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, unsustainable use of wild fruits; 4) forest habitat destruction , grain and nectar. Different species of birds have due to natural disasters, population growth and pollution[27]. different dietary needs. Some birds only eat seeds, and no Overall, man-made activities have greatly caused massive vegetables or fruit. However, most domesticated birds eat forest destruction resulting to declining biodiversity[28]. a varied diet including fruits and vegetables[32]. Like birds, The top three fruits commonly eaten by the inhabitants of cloud rats found in Benguet are vegetarian, hence, they feed G. binucao S. sparsifolia R. fraxinifolius Benguet are , and . on fruits. There are two nocturnal and arboreal species found G. binucao is common and widely distributed throughout in the province. These are the Northern Luzon bushy tailed Crateromys schandebergi “ ” Luzon and the Visayan islands of the Philippines[29]. Trees , commonly known as bu-ut or G. binucao “ ” of are found scattered and are second-storey buwet, and the bigger, longer and rare slender-tailed Phloeomys pallidus “ ” trees of primary lowland and secondary forests. It is easily or yut-yut [33]. propagated by allowing ripe fruits to fall on the ground and In offerings during special occasions and rituals, edible G. V. myrtoides wait for the seeds of fallen fruits to germinate[30]. Like wild fruits may be used. Results reveal that is binucao, S. sparsifolia R. fraxinifolius and are common wild commonly used for offerings. Benguet people believe in the S. sparsifolia fruits that abound in Cordillera. is a medium- existence of unseen beings that emanate from the sky world sized tree reaching a maximum height of about 6.0 m. It is and the underworld. That these unseen beings are called prolific and fruits heavily over a long period of time, around spirits thought to have power over man. With this belief, the Racquel Tan Chua-Barcelo/Asian Pac J Trop Biomed 2014; 4(Suppl 1): S525-S538 S535 S. elegans people strive to win the favor of the spirits using prayers and is the most commonly used fruit in decorating material offerings in a ritual. Thanksgiving rituals consist dishes. The fruits are small and fleshy berries with sweet of animals, food, rice wine, and other materials as gifts. juice inside. They are usually borne in clusters[19]. These S. elegans Usually food comes in the form of crops and fruits. Moreover, characteristics make as a fruit garnish which traditional inhabitants have several rituals that they perform contributes to improving the appearance of food and occasionally and when it becomes necessary. These rituals, enhance its taste. feasts, caniaos or celebration are necessary because these The utilization of wild fruits to cure ailments and other are their folk medicines, and they perform these for their health conditions are well supported by other literatures. own social and economic uplift. One of the beliefs and For instance, the flavonoids and polyphenolic compounds A. bunius practice in Benguet is planting fruit trees during the full in extracts were reported to exhibit glucose moon to be productive. Also, crops planted after the ritual lowering effect of on fasted, non-diabetic and alloxan- “ ” Vaccinium called pakshel shall be fruitful[34]. induced diabetic rats[47]. sp. () exhibit G. binucao is commonly used in making jams and wine a strong antioxidant activity and this is correlated with the R. fraxinifolius while is for jellies, candy and juice. These total polyphenols and flavonoids in the fruits[48]. The use of S. sparsifolia G. binucao G. intermedia M. pendula fruits are ideal to use in food processing and preservation. , , and for S. sparsifolia Other good potential candidates are for jam flu may be due to their acidic pulp which contains vitamin V. myrtoides S. elegans S. sparsifolia and wine; for jelly; and C that boosts the immune system to avoid flu and cough. S. elegans V. myrtoides for candies; and for juice. There are Thus, wild fruits are important sources of nutrients such as many advantages of processing and preserving wild fruits. vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates[4]. Usually, these activities can provide source of income to In Bangladesh, folk medicinal practitioners use fruits Amomum aromaticum families, aid in malnutrition and serve as alternative sources of , belonging to the Zingiberaceae of food during scarcity. family, for the treatment of diarrhea or loose bowel Solanum The wild fruits commonly processed in the country belong movement[49]. Meanwhile, the carotenoids in Rubus, Saurauia, Antidesma, Sarcandra, betacea to the (tree tomato or tamarillo) have been discovered to Garcinia and others[36-40]. Further, wild fruits were be involved in the protective effects against degenerative enumerated to be used in Poland for making juice, jam and diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disorders[50]. Vaccinium myrtillus, Rubus idaeus, Rubus wine. These fruits are Investigations of other species, on the other , Vaccinium vitis-idaea Rubus Prunus , sp., hand, have shown possible application for a wide range of spinosa among others. These fruits are stored for winter with indications, including bacterial infections, anxiety, pain and added sugar[41]. inflammation[51]. All the aforementioned studies support G. binucao is the widely used condiment/ ingredient in the claims of the key informants regarding the medicinal cooking by the local people. This fruit is round and about properties of the fruit/s they use. However, additional and 4 cm or more in diameter. The flesh turns yellowish when further studies must be carried out to validate the other ripe. It is used as an alternative for and vinegar claims. due to its sour taste. This fruit is commonly used in cooking 4.3. Cultural significance of edible wild fruits and their paksiw[42]. In Visayas, it is a favorite condiment in local Saurauia families dishes[39]. On the other hand, fruit is smooth, yellowish, subacid and juicy[19]. These attributes of the fruit makes it used in cooking purposes or as a condiment. The importance of the fruits greatly depends on the extent Meanwhile, there are many recipes utilizing guavas. They of distribution (No. of location sites) and total number of G. binucao are mixed in cakes, pies, pudding among others. When uses. is the most significant fruit in Benguet. cooked its strong odor is removed. In South Africa, guavas One factor that mainly contributed to its common use are mixed with cornmeal and other ingredients to make by the local people is its wide distribution. This fruit is breakfast food flakes[43]. found in the 12 out of 13 municipalities of Benguet except V. myrtoides is dominantly used as a source of dye or Buguias. Moreover, it has many uses such food (snack/ V. myrtoides M. alba ink in Benguet. Small fruits such as , dessert/table food), forage (birds and grass eaters), offertory, R. fraxinifolius and are rich sources of both anthocyanins processed/preserved (jam, jellies, candy, juice and wine), “ ” and phenolic compounds[44]. Anthocyanins are colored condiment/ ingredient and medicinal use ( agas ti nginao - ’ substances commonly obtained from plants especially for conceiving mothers cravings, cough, flu and arthritis). fruits[45]. When England lacked aniline dye during the First On the other hand, the fruits with the lowest rank at CI Ficus sp M. malabathricum World War, blue-black berries were utilized as sources of index value of 0.012 are . (aplas), , Tetrastigma P. serratifolia pigments. As a result, a small number of berries were left for sp. (ngalatngat) and . Their lowest making jams[46]. rank is due to their limited distribution being confined to Racquel Tan Chua-Barcelo/Asian Pac J Trop Biomed 2014; 4(Suppl 1): S525-S538 S536 Acknowledgements one municipality and only used as food (snack/dessert/table food). Actinidiaceae is the most important family of edible The author is very grateful to Department of Science and wild fruits found in Benguet. This plant family is found in Technology for the scholarship given and financial grant temperate and tropical regions of Asia. Most are shrubs (D 2009-15-00464) which was used in this study; provincial which grow on the bank of streams and broken hillsides governor Hon. Nestor B. Fongwan and mayors of the 13 at 1 000 m to 1 500 m elevation[18,52]. In this study, there are municipalities in Benguet namely: Hon. Peter B. Alos (Atok), Saurauia three species that belong this family namely sp. Hon. Marcelo B. Contada (Bakun), Hon. Mauricio T. Macay S. elegans S. sparsifolia (soybo), (uyok) and (degway). Aside (Bokod), Hon. Melchor D. Diclas, MD (Buguias), Hon. Oscar from food (snack/dessert/table food), all these fruits are used M. Camantiles (Itogon), Hon. Faustino M. Aquisan (Kabayan), in forage and processed/preserved except soybo. Both uyok Hon. Atty. Roberto K. Canuto (Kapangan), Hon. Benito D. and degway are used for offertory and medicinal purposes. Siadto (Kibungan), Hon. Gregorio T. Abalos (La Trinidad), Uyok is used for lung problem (respiratory) while degway for Hon. Atty. Materno R. Luspian (Mankayan), Hon. Arthur C. “ ” ’ agas ti nginao (conceiving mothers cravings), flu, cough Baldo (Sablan), Hon. Florencio V. Bentrez (Tuba) and Hon. and hypertension. Hence, among the three species, only Atty. Ruben E. Paoad (Tublay) together with the captains, uyok is used for decoration. On the other hand, the least leaders, elders and indigenous peoples in the 140 barangays important family is Vitaceae since there is only one species for their support, assistance and participation in the study belonging to this family found in Benguet (Tublay) and that especially in the data collection; dissertation panel members there is only one use report surveyed about its use as a Dr. Gaudelia Reyes, Dr. Evelyn Oda, Dr. Paulina Bawingan, Dr. snack/dessert/table food. Lorenza Lirio and Dr. Araceli Ladilad for their constructive In conclusion, this study reflects both the traditional and criticisms and suggestions; adviser/consultants Dr. Praxedes current knowledge of the people on the use and significance Rosuman, Dr. Merlin Franco, Dr. Arshad Mehmood Abbasi, of the fruits. Unfortunately, urban development has a big Dr. Ajesh Philip, Dr. Manuel Pardo de Santayana, Mr. Leon impact not only on the physical land causing transformations Tanguid (BSU GIS Laboratory) and Dr. Adeltrudes Caburian, for but also on the life style and practices of the people their advices and for sharing their publications as guides; including dietary habits and perceptions. Efforts must be Dr. Teodora Balangcod, Mr. Dany Tandang, Mr. Isaiah given not only to protect and conserve wild fruits in Benguet Bautista, Dr. Pieter Pelser, Dr. Julie Barcelona, Ms. Hadassah but also to maintain and improve the state of their habitat. Chen, Dr. George Argent, Mr. Derek Cabactulan, Ms. Lillian Therefore, this study proposes the following: increasing Rodriguez and Ms. Marylou Andrada for their assistance ’ one s level of awareness regarding the state of edible wild in the identification and verification of plant specimens; fruits through information dissemination campaigns to boost Dr. Salvacion Beligan for doing the correspondence the current value of these fruits, additional declaration of analysis of my data. VP Noel B. De Leon and SLU President protected areas, especially in the municipalities where the Fr. Jess Hechanova for their approval and support; My rare fruits mentioned in this study are found, and promoting parents, husband, brother, relatives and friends especially the sustainable use of edible wild fruits in the society. Bren Siadto for their unending help, support, prayers, Finally, information gathered from this study mainly encouragements and kind understanding. contributes to the strategies of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan of the Philippines that is to expand Comments and improve knowledge on the extent, characteristics, uses and values of natural resources. Results of this study Background may be used in developing sustainable natural resource use strategies, climate change adaptation plans and for The increasing demand for adequate, safe and nutritious improving agroforestry systems with the integration of wild food needs to be addressed. Plants are primary sources species. Hence, it aids not only in addressing food security of food. Exploring the edibility, availability and cultural issues but also in maintaining and reinforcing links between significance of wild fruits in an upland province like communities and the environment by promoting a sustained Benguet, the Philippines can contribute to an increased acceptance of wild fruits as important dietary components utilization as food which can help in meeting the dietary and their propagation. needs of people in this locality. Research frontiers Conflict of interest statement The study consolidates and documents valuable data on Benguet wild fruits, confirmed their taxonomic classification, We declare that we have no conflict of interest. known uses, traditional knowledge of the community and Racquel Tan Chua-Barcelo/Asian Pac J Trop Biomed 2014; 4(Suppl 1): S525-S538 S537 how these are integrated in the cultural practices. This 27-71. research provides a comprehensive reference material for [6] K enyatta C, Henderson A. The potential of indigenous wild foods. future researches. Washington D.C.: USAID; 2001. [Online] Available from: http:// pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/Pnacl441.pdf [Accessed on 10 October, Related reports 2013] Benguet province: T [7] B enguet Planning and Development Office. he communities that participated in this study have socio-economic profile . La Trinidad: Benguet; 2007. knowledge on the common names and uses of the wild Indigenous trees and shrubs within the forest reservation A [8] T acloy J. fruits. s food, they were either consumed upon collection of Benguet State University. or processed into fruit preserves and wine. Decorative and La Trinidad: Benguet State folkloric medicinal uses were also identified. University; 2008, p. 1-52. [9] T angan F. Wild food plants within Mt. Pulag national park in the Innovations and breakthroughs Ecosys Res Dig 10 Cordillera region. 2001; (2): 13-23. A [10] L adilad A, Bawang F, Gonzales F, Kudan S, Amado A, Alperez M. database in the form of an ethnobotanical inventory on Collection, identification and characterization of indigenous fruit B wild fruits does not yet exist for enguet, so this research crops eaten by the people of Benguet and Mountain province would be the first. Calculation of cultural importance . La indices of plant species and families and their scientific Trinidad: Benguet State University; 2009, p. 2-43. classifications are also confirmed in this study. [11] M olina J. Philippine biogeography; 2011. [Online] Available from: http://www.philippineplants.org/Biogeography.html [Accessed on Applications 8 August, 2013] Information gathered from the study can contribute to the [12] T he Royal Botanic Gardens. Herbarium catalogue. Kew: RBG; strategies of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action 2013. [Online] Available from: http://apps.kew.org/herbcat/ Plan of the Philippines. The output of this study aids in navigator.do [Accessed on 19 July, 2013] addressing issues on food security and promotes acceptance [13] ASEAN Tropical Plant Database; 2005. [Online] Available from: of wild fruits as impotant dietary components. http://211.114.21.20/tropicalplant/html/search01.html [Accessed on 15 September, 2013] Peer review [14] T ropicos. Missouri botanical garden; 2013. [Online] Available The research is an important contribution to biodiversity from: http://www.tropicos.org [Accessed on 11 August, 2013] and ethnobotanical studies. It shows the interrelationships [15] P lants of Southeast Asia; 2013. [Online] Available from: http:// of traditional and cultural factors to the utilization and www.asianplant.net/ [Accessed on 29 June, 2013] acceptance of the wild fruits as food. The distribution of [16] U nited States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural the plant samples in the various municipalities may also be Resources Conservation Service; 2013. [Online] Available from: considered in relation to environmental conditions in future http://plants.usda.gov/java/ [Accessed on 20 August, 2013] studies. [17] T aiwan Plant Names-Flora of Taiwan and China; 2013. [Online] Available from: http://www.eFloras.org [Accessed on 22 June, 2013] References Trees of tropical Asia [18] L a Frankie J. . Philippines: Black Tree Publications; 2010, p. 378-379, 611. Important and underutilized edible fruits of the [1] F ood and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. [19] C oronel R. Philippines. Food security and nutrition. Rome: FAOUN; 2011. [Online] Philippines: University of the Philippines Los Available from: http://www.fao.org/docrep/014/i2011e/i2011e00.pdf Banos Foundation Inc.; 2011, p. 1-220. [Accessed on 15 October, 2013] [20] P ardo-de-Santayana M, Tardio J, Blanco E, Carvalho A, Lastra [2] M olano W, Barba C, Espana MN, Casio, M. Household food J, Miguel E, et al. Traditional knowledge of wild edible plants insecurity in the Philippines; 2004. [Online] Available from: used in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and J Ethnobiol Ethnomed 3 http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph/files/fnri%20files/abstracts30th/ Portugal): a comparative study. 2007; : insecurity.pdf [Accessed on 26 July, 2013] 27. [3] R asingam L. Ethnobotanical studies on the wild edible plants [21] P adilla L. Benguet: an exquisite haven of and BAR Digest of Irula tribe of Pillur valley, Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu, more. [Internet]. 2012; [cited 2013 November 5]; Asian Pac J Trop Biomed 2 12 . 2012; (Suppl 3): S1493-S1497. (3). Available from: http://www.bar.gov.ph/digest-home/ [4] D eshmukh B, Waghmode A. Role of wild edible fruits as a food digest-archives/367-2012-3rd-quarter/4415-julsep2012- Int J Pharm Life Sci 2 resource: traditional knowledge. 2011; : benguet-straberries Cordillera 919-924. [22] D epartment of the Interior and Local Government. almanac [5] T ardio J, Pardo de-Santayana M, Morales R. Ethnobotanical . Benguet: Local Government Units-DILG; 1999, p. Bot J Linn Soc 152 review of wild edible plants in Spain. 2006; : 1-241. Racquel Tan Chua-Barcelo/Asian Pac J Trop Biomed 2014; 4(Suppl 1): S525-S538 S538 History of the people of La Trinidad [23] D acumos S. . La Trinidad: Snapshots/Food-Processing-and-Preservation/raspsberry.pdf New Baguio Offset Press; 2012, p. 1-50. [Accessed on 20 September, 2013] La Trinidad physical and socio-economic profile Agric [24] D acumos S. . [38] R odriguez T. Provincial agriculturist makes good bignay. Monthly Manila Bull 16 La Trinidad: Municipal Planning and Development Office; 2011, 2012; : 24-25. p. 1-63. [39] C ruz RD. Promoting the less known, phytochemical rich pinoy Preliminary report on the flora BAR Digest [25] V iray L, Accos J, Costales A. fruits. [Internet]. 2012 [cited 2013 September 20]; and fauna species population in Mount Pulog National Park 14 . . Available from: http://www.bar.gov.ph/digest-home/digest- Baguio City, Philippines: Department of Environment and archives/368-2012-4th-quarter/4617-octdec2012-less-known- Natural Resources; 1992. fruits Food from the wilderness [26] H ipol R, Tolentino D, Fernando E, Cadiz N. Life strategies of [40] P olinag M. . Laguna: DENR- Philipp J in Mt. Pulag, Benguet province, Philippines. Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau; 2003, p. 1-2. Sci 136 Ł Ł 2007; (1): 11-18. [41] uczaj . Archival data on wild food plants used in Poland in BAR Digest J Ethnobiol Ethnomed 4 [27] G uiam V. Saving the underutilized crops. 1948. 2008; : 4. 12 Garcinia binucao [Internet]. 2010; [cited 2013 June 5]; . Available from: http:// [42] T ajanlangit E. . The Visayan Daily Star; 2011. www.bar.gov.ph/digest-home/digest-archives/124-2010-3rd- [Online] Available from: http://www.visayandailystar.com/2011/ 4th-quarter/444-saving-the-underutilized-indigenous-crops January/12/goodlife.htm [Accessed on 5 July, 2013] ’ [28] N anzala E. Nature s choice: utilizing wild plants in the ]43] M orton J. Guava; 2013. [Online] Available from: http://www. Philippines. Philippine: Philippine Agriculturist; 2008. [Online] hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/guava.html [Accessed on 4 Available from http://www.new-ag.info/en/focus/focusItem. September, 2013] php?a=456 [Accessed on 29 June, 2013] [44] O zgen M, Schereens J, Reese N, Miller R. Total phenolic, Garcinia binucao [29] P ati AK. Batuan ( ). PRLOG Press Release anthocyanin contents and antioxidant capacity of selected Sambucus canadensis Pharmacogn Distribution; 2010. [Online] Available from http://www.prlog. elderberry ( L.) accessions. Mag 6 org/10747690-batuan-garcinia-binucao-drabhay-kuamr- 2010; (23): 198-203. pati-ceo-biotecahyur-odisha-india.html [Accessed on 23 [45] Q in C, Li Y, Niu W, Ding Y, Zhang R, Shang X. Analysis and Czech J September, 2013]. characterization of anthocyanins in mulberry fruit. Res Food Sci 28 [30] F lorido H, Cortiguera F. Lesser known edible tree species. 2010; (2): 117-126. Inf Series Ecosyst 15 Vaccinium myrtillus 2003; (3): 1-8. [46] A griculture and Agri-Food Canada. [31] L acuna-Richman C. The use of non-wood forest products L. (). Canada: AAFC; 2013. [Online] Available by migrants in a new settlement: experiences of a Visayan from: http://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/science-and-innovation/ J Ethnobiol Ethnomed community in Palawan, Philippines. science-publications-and- resources/resources/canadian- 2 2006; : 36. medicinal-crops/medicinal-crops/vaccinium-myrtillus-l- [32] M odotti M. Types of fruits and vegetables birds eat; 2013. bilberry/?id=1301437041046#a11 [Accessed on 11 October, 2013] [Online] Available from: http://www.ehow.com/list_6466141_ [47] H errera S, Panopio A, Pedrezuela H, Perez R, Dumaoal S. Antidesma bunius types-vegetables-can-birds-eat_.html [Accessed on 11 Antiglycemic effect of bignay ( ) flavonoids in August, 2013] Sprague Dawley rats; 2011. [Online] Available from http://www. [33] F ernandez R. Rat species found only in RP faces extinction. stuartxchange.com/Bignay.html. [Accessed on 3 September, PhilStar; 2004. [Online] Available from: http://www.philstar. 2013]. com/nation/238183/rat-species-found-only-rp-faces- [48] J akobek L, Seruga M, Novak I, Medvidovic-Kosanovic M. extinction [Accessed on 2 September, 2013] Flavonoids, phenolic acids and antioxidant activity of red Traditional beliefs and cultural practices in Benguet. Dtsch Lebensm Rundsch 103 [34] B aucas B. fruit. 2007; : 369-378. La Trinidad: New Baguio Offset Press; 2003, p. 18, 28, 31. [49] D as P, Akter S, Islam M, Kabir M, Haque M, Khatun Z, et al. [35] H oover E, Tepe E. Wild and edible fruits of Minnesota. A selection of medicinal plants used for treatment of diarrhea Am Eurasian J University of Minnesota; 2007. [Online] Available from: http:// by folk medicinal practioners of Bangladesh. Sustain Agric 6 www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/fruit/wild-and- 2012; (3): 153-161. edible-fruits-of-minnesota/ [Accessed on 6 September, 2013] [50] M ertz C, Gancel A, Gunata Z, Alter P, Mayer C, Vaillant F, et ’ [36] B rion AC. Bangkong Kahoy Valley is one of Quezon s al. Phenolic compounds, carotenoids and antioxidant activity of BAR Digest J Food Comp Anal 22 undiscovered paradise. [Internet]. 2012; [cited three tropical fruits. 2009; : 381-387. 14 Useful plants of the Philippines: a scientific guide to 2013 September 20]; . Available from: http://www.bar.gov. [51] R ummel D. modern botanical medicine ph/digest-home/digest-archives/367-2012-3rd-quarter/4419- . Pasig City: C & E Publishing Inc.; julsep2012-bangkong-kahoy-quezon 2005, p. 379. Flowering plants: dicotyledons. [37] S arian Z. Wild raspberry makes good wine; 2012. [Online] [52] D ressler S, Bayer C. Germany: Available from: http://trc.dost.gov.ph/trcfile/Technology- Springer; 2004, p. 14-19.