Garcinia in Southern China: Ethnobotany, Management, and Niche Modeling

Garcinia species are well known for being used traditionally in many different ways in Guangxi and Yunnan, China. To preserve this knowledge, this study recorded the ethnobotanical importance of the genus Garcinia in this area. Ethnobotanical data were collected from seven prefectures in Guangxi (Baise, Chongzuo, Guilin, Fangchenggang, Hechi, Liuzhou, Qinzhou) and six prefectures in Yunnan (Dehong, Honghe, Lincang, Puer, Wenshan, Xishuangbanna) from different ethnic groups. The data were collected in different seasons during 2008, and then again between 2010 and 2014, and 2016. A total of 250 informants were interviewed. Free listing methods, Smith’ S value, use frequency, semi-structured interviews, and potential distribution analysis were used to gather the data. Nine species were identified: Garcinia bracteata C. Y. Wu ex Y. H. Li, Garcinia cowa Roxb., Garcinia esculenta Y. H. Li, Garcinia multiflora Champ. ex Benth., Garcinia oblongifolia Champ. ex Benth., Garcinia paucinervis Chun & How, Garcinia pedunculata Roxb., Garcinia xanthochymus Hook. f. ex T. Anders., and Garcinia yunnanensis Hu. For each species, the field distribution, use knowledge, estimated usage intensities, prediction for potential distributions, and traditional management were recorded and analyzed. Conclusions are that (1) local knowledge of Garcinia species is diversified and influenced by ethnic groups. They are used as edible fruit, medicine, wood, ornamental plants, and extracting oil; (2) different ethnic groups share similar ideas regarding sustainable harvest and meeting their needs through resource management; and (3) with the rapid socio-economic changes in these areas, the traditional knowledge of the local people is being threatened.