Omara-Achong, T. E, Edwin-Wosu, N. L., Edu, E. A. and A. E. Nkang
An ethno-botanical survey of indigenous vegetable species was carried out in Calabar and Ogoja Local Government Areas of Cross River State. The study was aimed ascertaining their agronomic status, price trends, seasonal availability, culinary changes, medicinal values and consumption preference patterns. A total of 30 indigenous vegetable species serve as functional foods and play key roles in traditional medical practice. Some of these species now have limited geographical distribution due to habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation. Furthermore, they exhibit seasonal variability and varying consumption preferences. Telfairia occidentalis and Citrullus vulgaris demonstrated the most wide spread distribution trend and cultivation, with high consumption preference indices (27.55% and 30.44% respectively). Increasing and population pressure has led to deterioration of natural resources and consequent depletion of biodiversity in this ecozone. The situation is further aggravated by poor scientific knowledge about biology, ecology and population dynamics of these species. Consequently, there is need to promote both in-situ and ex-situ management of indigenous vegetable resources in order to maximize their potential utilitarian values.
