Ethnobotanical survey of wild edible plants used by Baka people in southeastern Cameroon

The use of wild edible plants (WEP) by forest inhabitants and indigenous people remains largely undocumented. This study records the diversity of WEP used by Baka people in dense rainforests in the Mintom region, Cameroon. The area still contains relatively undisturbed forest expanses, just south of the Dja Biosphere Reserve, one of the most important protected areas in the Congo Basin. The study documented 88 plant species and 119 unique species/plant organ/recipes in 1519 different citations. Documentation of the use of WEP by indigenous communities is vital to ensure the continuity of traditional knowledge and future food security.