Trade in Zambian edible terrestrial orchids - molecular identification reveals use of previously undocumented orchid taxa for chikanda.

• In Zambia wild edible terrestrial orchids are used to produce a local Bemba delicacy called chikanda. Over the past decades chikanda has become increasingly popular throughout the country and commercialization puts orchid populations in Zambia, as well as neighboring countries, at risk of overharvesting. Up until now no study has documented which orchid species are traded on local markets, as orchid tubers are difficult to identify to genus or species level. In this study, the core land- plant DNA barcoding markers rbcL and matK were used in combination with nrITS to determine which species were sold on Zambian markets. A total of 82 interviews were held to determine harvesting areas, as well as possible sustainability concerns. By using nrITS DNA barcoding, a total of 16 orchid species in six different genera could be identified among the market samples, from which three were previously undocumented. Both rbcL and matK proved unsuitable for species-level identification, but can be used to identify the tubers up to genus- or family level. Satyrium buchananii, Platycoryne crocea and Disa robusta were encountered most frequently. International chikanda trade- hubs were identified in Zambia on the borders with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Angola. People involved in chikanda trade indicate that both tuber quality, as well as quantity, were decreasing and were willing to consider alternatives to chikanda trade to secure their income. Currently hardly any orchid species are listed on the Zambian IUCN Red List. Local orchid populations and endemic species could be at risk of overharvesting due to the intensive and indiscriminate harvesting of chikanda orchids and we therefore urge for updating the IUCN Red List for terrestrial African orchids.

Ämnesord

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Biologi -- Annan biologi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Biological Sciences -- Other Biological Topics (hsv//eng)

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