Java, a key region of Sundaland, is recognized as one of the world's biodiversity hotspots and the most populous island in Indonesia, with the Jakarta Metropolitan Area (JMA) serving as its primary urban center. The JMA is home to a diverse population, encompassing multiple ethnic groups with distinct cultural traditions, many of which incorporate the use of wild plants. This study aims to document the diversity of wild plants sold in traditional markets within the JMA. Ten of the largest traditional markets were visited, and ethnobotanical data was collected through semi-structured interviews with market sellers and buyers. To assess the significance and usage of these plants, ethnobotanical indices, including Family Use Value, Use Value, and Plant Part Value, were applied. A total of 115 wild plant species belonging to 56 families were recorded during surveys conducted in 2023–2024. These species serve various purposes, including use as vegetables, spices, fruits, medicinal, spiritual, and cultural applications. The most represented plant families were Zingiberaceae, Fabaceae, and Anacardiaceae. The most common plant life forms are trees (44 species), followed by herbs (42 species) and shrubs (13 species). Leaves were the most frequently sold plant parts, while Musa acuminata (Musaceae) exhibited the highest utility, as indicated by its high Use Value. UPGMA clustering based on Jaccard similarity grouped the markets mainly by geographic location, with Pasar Anyar Bogor exhibiting the highest diversity (77 species) and Pasar Rumput the lowest (51 species). Markets located farther from Jakarta showed greater species diversity and unique species, likely due to local ecosystems and harvesting practices. Our findings highlight the key role of traditional markets in ensuring food security and preserving cultural heritage, and the need to promote sustainable harvesting and trading practices
Marpaung et al. (Thu,) studied this question.