Biology, Medicine, & Natural Product Chemistry
Vol 15, No 1 (2026)

Floristic and ethnobotanical diversity of plants used in traditional craftsmanship in the Kimvula Territory, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Lemmy Lassa (Université de Kinshasa)
Guy Ilumbe (Université de Kinshasa)
Jean Paul Koto-Te-Nyiwa Ngbolua (Université de Kinshasa)
Blaise Bikandu (Université de Kinshasa)
Monizi Mawunu (Polytechnic Institute of Kimpa Vita University)
Jean Pierre Habari (Université de Kinshasa)
Apollinaire Biloso (Université de Kinshasa)
Da Musa Masens (Université de Kinshasa)
Félicien Lukoki (Université de Kinshasa)



Article Info

Publish Date
25 May 2026

Abstract

The Kimvula Territory in the Democratic Republic of the Congo exhibits intensive use of forest plants in traditional craftsmanship, encompassing agricultural tools, furniture, and household artefacts. This ethnobotanical investigation (2014–2016), based on structured interviews and field observations, aimed to document and analyse indigenous knowledge related to artisanal plant use. A total of 76 species belonging to 67 genera and 32 families were recorded, with Fabaceae, Arecaceae, Marantaceae, and Rubiaceae being the most represented families. Prominent species included Elaeis guineensis, Eremospatha haullevilleana, Raphia spp., Alstonia congensis, and Ricinodendron heudelotii, with stems identified as the most commonly used plant part. Millettia laurentii exhibited the highest ethnobotanical use value, while several species showed strong consensus among respondents. Variation in species use between communities reflected both ecological availability and socio-cultural preferences. These findings highlight the pivotal role of forest biodiversity in sustaining rural livelihoods and preserving traditional craftsmanship. They further emphasize the need to integrate indigenous knowledge into conservation planning and sustainable resource management strategies across the Congo Basin.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

BIOMEDICH

Publisher

Subject

Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology Medicine & Pharmacology Public Health

Description

BIOLOGY, MEDICINE, & NATURAL PRODUCT CHEMISTRY, this journal is published to attract and disseminate innovative and expert findings in the fields of plant, animal, and microorganism secondary metabolite, and also the effect of natural product on biological system as a reference source for ...