From home garden to market: ethnobotanical insights from Jīn Sān Jiǎo Agricultural Market, Baise City, Guangxi, China.

Abstract

Baise City in Guangxi, China, is a culturally and ecologically diverse region where traditional plant knowledge persists despite ongoing urbanization. Traditional markets in such areas play a crucial role in the transmission and preservation of ethnobotanical knowledge. However, no prior ethnobotanical studies have focused on the Jīn Sān Jiǎo Agricultural Market, making this the first systematic documentation of plant diversity and use at this important site. This study surveyed plant species sold at the Jīn Sān Jiǎo Agricultural Market. A total of 78 species from 38 families were documented through market observations and vendor interviews. Quantitative ethnobotanical indices, including species use value (SUV), family use value (FUV), and relative frequency of citation (RFC), were applied to assess plant importance. A total of 78 species belonging to 38 plant families were recorded during the ethnobotanical survey. The market featured a wide range of edible, medicinal, packaging, and spice plants. Cucurbitaceae, Apiaceae, and Solanaceae were the most represented families. Availability of plant materials closely followed natural phenological cycles supported by staggered planting and imports. Key species included Oryza sativa L. (staple food), Cucurbita maxima Duchesne (versatile vegetable), and Allium sativum L. (aromatic spice). Medicinal plants were fewer in the market, reflecting its primary focus on food crops, while traditional plant-based packaging highlights the unique preparation of certain foods, as well as ecological awareness and sustainable practices. This study provides the first ethnobotanical account of the Jīn Sān Jiǎo Agricultural Market, contributing new insights into plant diversity, traditional knowledge, and cultural practices in Southwestern China. The market functions as a critical node for conserving plant biodiversity, supporting food and livelihood security, and maintaining ethnobotanic