Phytodiversity and Use of Plant Species in the Kimvula Territory, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Auteur(s): Lassa Kanda Lemmy, Ilumbe Bayeli Guy, Ngbolua Koto-Te-Nyiwa Jean Paul, Biloso Moyene Apollinaire, Bikandu Kapesa Blaise, Habari Mayaliwa Jean Pierre, Masens Da Musa , Lukoki Luyeye FélicienNom de la revue/Journal: Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences, India Section B: Biological Sciences
Mois: août
Année: 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40011-026-01800-5
Résumé
This study assessed plant diversity and ethnobotanical uses in the Kimvula Territory (Democratic Republic of the Congo). Field surveys were conducted in 19 villages across the Benga and Lubusi sectors, as well as in six neighbourhoods of Kimvula town, involving 377 informants aged between 20 and 87 years. A total of 353 plant species belonging to 248 genera and 90 families were recorded, with Fabaceae being the dominant family. Medicinal and food plants were the most frequently reported use categories. Ethnobotanical indices revealed high use values and significant cultural importance for several species, notably Manihot esculenta, Mangifera indica, and Elaeis guineensis. However, 162 species were found to exhibit moderate to high vulnerability due to intensive harvesting and multiple uses. Intra- and inter-village patterns of plant use indicated low similarity between Group 1 (G1) and Group 2 (G2 …