Ethnobotanical and Community uses of Zingiberaceae Among the Bidayuh Community in Jagoi and Singai, Bau Sarawak

Jovita Elderson, Anak Ripen (2024) Ethnobotanical and Community uses of Zingiberaceae Among the Bidayuh Community in Jagoi and Singai, Bau Sarawak. PhD thesis, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak.

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Abstract

ABSTRACT This study introduced the Zingiberaceae family, emphasizing its ethnobotanical significance and diverse applications within the Bidayuh communities of Jagoi and Singai in Bau, Sarawak. The study documented fifty species from 22 genera, focusing on both traditional and newly identified uses in these communities. The methodology involved collecting leaf samples from Gunung Singai and Gunung Jagoi, conducting microscopic analysis, and employing Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to provide comprehensive anatomical and micromorphological data for species differentiation. The demographic data from 170 individuals in Singai and Jagoi enhanced our understanding of usage patterns. The plants were used to treat a range of diseases, including skin issues, diarrhea, and diabetes, underscoring their critical role in traditional healthcare and the potential for broader medicinal applications. Notably, new species identified included Alpinia songet, Amomum jackliamii, and Zingiber singiaensis, among others. Zingiberaceae also played a crucial role in the local economy, utilized for food flavoring, rituals, and handicrafts, linking these practices to the cultural heritage and sustainable development of the community. The study found a significant positive correlation between age and the frequency of medicinal ginger use, suggesting generational knowledge transmission. In addition to documenting traditional uses, the research explored the potential for commercial applications of Zingiberaceae to boost economic development and eco-tourism. By integrating ethnobotanical records, ecological assessments, and economic analyses, the study aimed to promote biodiversity conservation, cultural heritage preservation, and socioeconomic enhancement. This multidisciplinary approach set a precedent for similar studies aimed at unlocking the full potential of Zingiberaceae in Bau and beyond, advocating for continued research to uncover unknown species and emphasizing the importance of sustainable harvesting and the protection of traditional knowledge.

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