Plant Diversity and Cultural Significance of Traditional Salads: An Urban Ethnobotanical Study in Jatisampurna, West Java, Indonesia

This research investigates plant diversity and cultural significance of traditional salads in Jatisampurna, West Java, Indonesia, through an urban ethnobotanical perspective. Data were obtained from surveys, participatory observations, and interviews with 15 traders. The study recorded 37 plant species representing 31 genera and 18 families, with herbs as the dominant growth form (64%). Five types of traditional salads were documented, namely gado-gado, pecel, karedok, asinan sayur, and rujak buni. The Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) ranged from 0.2 to 1.0, while Use Value (UV) ranged from 0.5 to 5.0, reflecting differences in cultural importance among species. Preparation practices generally follow six main steps, from ingredient preparation to serving. Several species, including Antidesma bunius, Leucaena leucocephala, and Sesbania grandiflora, show potential for food diversification. The findings highlight the role of traditional knowledge in maintaining urban biodiversity and sustaining local culinary heritage. Keanekaragaman Tanaman dan Signifikansi Budaya Salad Tradisional: Studi Etnobotani Perkotaan di Jatisampurna, Jawa Barat, Indonesia ABSTRAK: Penelitian ini mengkaji keanekaragaman tumbuhan dan signifikansi budaya salad tradisional di Jatisampurna, Jawa Barat, Indonesia, dengan pendekatan etnobotani perkotaan. Data diperoleh melalui survei, observasi partisipatif, dan wawancara terhadap 15 pedagang. Sebanyak 37 spesies tumbuhan dari 31 genus dan 18 famili berhasil didokumentasikan, dengan herba sebagai bentuk tumbuhan yang dominan (64%). Lima jenis salad tradisional yang teridentifikasi meliputi gado-gado, pecel, karedok, asinan sayur, dan rujak buni. Nilai Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) berkisar antara 0,2–1,0 dan Use Value (UV) antara 0,5–5,0, yang menunjukkan variasi tingkat kepentingan budaya setiap spesies. Proses pengolahan umumnya melalui enam tahapan utama, mulai dari persiapan bahan hingga penyajian. Beberapa spesies, seperti Antidesma bunius, Leucaena leucocephala, dan Sesbania grandiflora, berpotensi dalam diversifikasi pangan. Hasil ini menegaskan peran pengetahuan tradisional dalam menjaga keanekaragaman hayati perkotaan dan warisan kuliner lokal