- By Eliot Gee
- Posted 05/22/2019
BFN Species Snapshots on the International Day for Biological Diversity 2019
In honor of the International Day for Biological Diversity: “Our Biodiversity, Our Food, Our Health”, below are 4 examples of species researched by the Biodiversity for Food and Nutrition Initiative:
1. A “zero waste” indigenous palm, Buriti is called the “Tree of Life” in Brazil. Every part of this vitamin-rich plant can be used: the seeds for cosmetics and soap, the oil as protective sunscreen, the fruit pulp for nutritious cakes and jams, and the trunk for construction material and as flour for porridges. Additionally, Buriti provides vital ecosystem sources such as maintaining water springs and providing native parrots with food. Although Buriti is highly valued in indigenous communities, its trees have been threatened by intensive agriculture and livestock farming. Our Brazilian research partners at “Plants for the Future” have demonstrated that this species is rich in Vitamin A and “good” fatty acids, and have developed sustainable management guidelines to ensure its use into the future.
2. Golden Thistle is a wild edible plant that grows everywhere that common crops can’t, from fallow fields to roadsides. Following the Turkish tradition of collecting wild plants for food, men and women split the tasks of harvesting and preparing the plant: you might find its leaves in an omelet, its root used as a coffee substitute, or its flowers replacing saffron. Due to its many uses and high nutrition, Golden Thistle was identified by our research partners, following a series of collector and market surveys, as a promising species to domesticate and bring into a wider market.
3. Despite the perception that African nightshade may be poisonous; this resilient leafy green has traditional medicine uses in Kenya and can be found in home gardens. Food composition analysis has shown that, compared to commonly consumed kales, its processed leaves offer much higher levels of vitamin A and iron, micronutrients that are critical to reducing malnutrition in many regions. By introducing additional varieties of leafy vegetables into school meals, our partners are working to educate farmers, caterers, and students on their potential benefits for livelihoods, health, and climate change adaptation.
4. Gotu kola, or Centella, is popular in Sri Lanka for its associations with Ayurvedic medicine, where it is associated with longevity and improved mental function. Domesticated by women in home gardens, this green leafy vegetable is used for the preparation of juices, teas, and soups. It can be eaten raw in salads or cooked in curries and porridges, with its bitter flavor well-complemented by coconut or a sweet side dish like jaggery. Our research partners in Sri Lanka have documented a hefty 468 mg of potassium per serving, confirming Gotu kola as a rich source of micro-nutrients. It is one of the species prioritized for further inclusion into local food businesses, fairs, and markets.
These snapshots represent just 4 out of the 195 neglected and underutilized species that our research partners are studying in Brazil, Kenya, Sri Lanka, and Turkey. By documenting their nutrition and important role in improving human and planetary health, we can help ensure their conservation and sustainable use into the future.
*Pictures and information by the Biodiversity for Food and Nutrition Initiative which is supported by GEF, FAO, and UN Environment.