By: Odeyemi S. A.; Ovuike O. O.; Ezekwe C. O.; Ejizu A. N.;
Abstract:
The number of edible indigenous fruit is legion and they fruiting at different period of the year. Exploration fruiting
pattern of indigenous fruits was carried out in Abia State of Nigeria. Data collection for this study was through
personal interaction with people selling those fruits and seeds at the selected markets in the State. Twenty-six
different fruits were documented. Their collection sources were recorded, their ripening period and socio cultural
importance of those species were also documented. Based on the sources of fruit collection, 15.38% were sourced
from natural forest, 7.69% were sourced from natural forest and farm land, 65.38% were sourced from farm land
and residential areas. Out of 26 species recoded, 7 of them (26.9 %) fruiting in dry season (November to April) and
the remaining 19 (73.1 %) fruiting in wet season (May to October). No one species had ripening period throughout
the year. Some of the fruits are culturally used as food, spice, medicine, thickener, and some of them are used in
certain ceremonies like child dedication, marriage, burial, chieftaincy and in cultural activity like yam festival.
Information and knowledge about the ripening periods of indigenous fruits in Abia State would increase the
potential for research, consumption, and marketing of specific fruits
Keywords: Indigenous fruit ; collection source; ripening period; usage;
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