Edible and medicinal plants sold at selected local markets in Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia

摘要

The market is the main place for transactions of medicinal plants and traditional ingredients by the local community in the district of Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia. This is the first study to document the local knowledge of local sellers and to survey the diversity of edible and medicinal plants sold at the local markets. The investigation was carried out in seven selected local markets of Batu Pahat. The study was conducted through ethnobotanical approach using market surveys. A total of 50 respondents were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed qualitatively using descriptive analysis. This study recorded 120 species, 93 genera, and 49 families of medicinal plants. Those that were sold mostly belong to Zingiberaceae (12 species), followed by Rutaceae and Lamiaceae respectively (eight species) and the species received high consumers demand, mostly belong to Zingiberaceae and Rutaceae. The study revealed the local knowledge, diversity, and utilization of medicinal plants, which have been traded in Batu Pahat local markets, act as a basis for conservation efforts.