Ethnobotanical Inventory of Food Plants Utilization in Tadyawan Tribe in Victoria, Oriental Mindoro

Abstract

The Tadyawan Tribe is one of the Mangyan ethnolinguistic groups residing in Oriental Mindoro. Despite existing ethnobotanical studies among other Mangyan groups, limited information has been documented regarding the food plants utilized by the Tadyawan Tribe. This study aimed to identify the food plants utilized by the Tadyawan Tribe in Sitio Lagpan, Barangay Villa Cerveza, Victoria, Oriental Mindoro, determine their geographical distribution and botanical characteristics, document their utilization practices, and assess their ethnobotanical importance. A descriptive mixed-methods research design was employed using qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data were gathered from 32 purposively selected Tadyawan informants through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and guided field activities. Plant identification and documentation were supported by botanical databases and verification from a botanist. Ethnobotanical importance was evaluated using Relative Frequency Citation (RFC), Data Matrix Ranking (DMR), and Use Value (UV). The study identified 30 food plant species belonging to 19 families and 22 genera. Fruits were the most frequently utilized plant parts, while drying was the most common preservation technique. Seeds were the most common method of propagation, and 20 species could be gathered throughout the year while 10 were gathered seasonally. Three species required particular conservation attention: Caryota mitis Lour., reported as threatened; Medinilla magnifica Lindl., categorized as endangered; and Alpinia elegans (C. Presl.) K. Schum., categorized as vulnerable. Calamus microcarpus Becc. obtained the highest RFC (0.97), DMR (169), and UV (0.80). The findings provide an ethnobotanical basis for the conservation of food plant resources, traditional knowledge, cultural heritage, and biological diversity of the Tadyawan Tribe.