Trade in Zambian Edible Orchids—DNA Barcoding Reveals the Use of Unexpected Orchid Taxa for <i>Chikanda</i>

• Main Authors: Sarina Veldman, Seol-Jong Kim, Tinde R. van Andel, Maria Bello Font, Ruth E. Bone, Benny Bytebier, David Chuba, Barbara Gravendeel, Florent Martos, Geophat Mpatwa, Grace Ngugi, Royd Vinya, Nicholas Wightman, Kazutoma Yokoya, Hugo J. de Boer
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2018-11-01
• Series: Genes
• Subjects: CITES; chikanda; conservation; DNA barcoding; orchids; species identification
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4425/9/12/595

In Zambia, wild edible terrestrial orchids are used to produce a local delicacy called <i>chikanda</i>, which has become increasingly popular throughout the country. Commercialization puts orchid populations in Zambia and neighbouring countries at risk of overharvesting. Hitherto, no study has documented which orchid species are traded on local markets, as orchid tubers are difficult to identify morphologically. In this study, the core land-plant DNA barcoding markers <i>rbcL</i> and <i>matK</i> were used in combination with nrITS to determine which species were sold in Zambian markets. Eighty-two interviews were conducted to determine harvesting areas, as well as possible sustainability concerns. By using nrITS DNA barcoding, a total of 16 orchid species in six different genera could be identified. Both <i>rbcL</i> and <i>matK</i> proved suitable to identify the tubers up to the genus or family level. <i>Disa robusta</i>, <i>Platycoryne crocea</i> and <i>Satyrium buchananii</i> were identified most frequently and three previously undocumented species were encountered on the market. Few orchid species are currently listed on the global International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Local orchid populations and endemic species could be at risk of overharvesting due to the intensive and indiscriminate harvesting of <i>chikanda</i> orchids, and we therefore encourage increased conservation assessment of terrestrial African orchids.