Local knowledge on the exploitation of the fern Pteridium centrali-africanum as food in Kinshasa (Dem. Rep. of Congo). Our study concerned the local uses and species diversity of ferns, their areas of distribution, and an evaluation of the profitability of fern exploitation. Three fern species are exploited and traded in Kinshasa: Cyclorosorus gongylodes, Pteridium aquilinum and P . centrali-africanum . The last is the focus of our study. The colour and the absence of hairs on the young shoot and the enrolled fern frond, are factors of quality and appreciation for the consumers of ferns. They recognise and express a bitter aftertaste as disagreeable when cooking time is short. Exploitation and sale of ferns generate a daily income close to 2 US$ for the traders
Publication year
2022
Authors
Language
French
Keywords
agroforestry, commercialization, crops, pteridium, soil management
Geographic
Democratic Republic of the Congo
