Wild and Cultivated Edible Myrtaceae in the Atlantic Forest: An Ethnobotanical Review

Abstract

Ethnobotanical studies reveal that Indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs) use and manage high plant diversity, with the potential for transforming food systems with valuable nutritional resources. For the Atlantic Forest (AF) region, this potential has been highlighted for Myrtaceae, given their richness (~1000 species), fruit edibility, bioactive properties, and uses and management of several species. A comprehensive review of ethnobotanical research in the AF (Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil) encompassed 78 studies with 877 Myrtaceae use reports (UR) was conducted. Seventy-one species (64 native) and 13 genera (12 native) were identified as being used as food by different cultural groups: Azoreans, Brazilians (Northeast, Southeast, South), Caiçaras, Caipiras, Guaraníes, Misioneros, Quilombolas, and Settlers. These groups employ various practices, such as gathering, tolerating, enhancing, protecting, sowing, and transplanting. The rich diversity and management of Myrtaceae by these IPLCs underscore their importance for food security, cultural heritage, and biodiversity conservation. Despite modern diets narrowing plant diversity, IPLCs’ traditional knowledge and practices provide pathways to sustainable, culturally appropriate, and nutritionally diverse diets. This review highlights the critical role of Myrtaceae in the AF, advocating for the recognition and support of IPLCs in biodiversity and food system sustainability efforts.