Bridging Cultures Through Blossoms: The Role of Edible Flowers in Thailand’s Ethnobiology
摘要
Edible flowers play a significant role in Thailand’s ethnobotany, reflecting their cultural, culinary, and medicinal importance. This chapter documents the uses of 156 species across 63 families and 127 genera, showcasing their contributions to traditional Thai cuisine, health practices, and cultural rituals. Key species such as Clitoria ternatea, Sesbania grandiflora, and Senna siamea illustrate the diversity and richness of these traditions. Drawing on an extensive review of 48 references, the study categorizes uses into food, food additives, and medicines, providing a comprehensive understanding of their applications. The Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) offers a platform to highlight Thailand’s edible floral traditions, fostering cross-cultural exchanges and sustainable development. Challenges such as data reliability, overharvesting, and safety concerns, however, require targeted action to ensure the sustainability of these practices. This chapter emphasizes the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with modern sustainability practices, encouraging interdisciplinary research and collaboration among BRI countries. By addressing these challenges and promoting sustainable harvesting methods, edible flowers can serve as a model for conserving biodiversity and preserving cultural heritage, offering new opportunities for innovation and resilience in a global context.