Traditional Knowledge and Ethnobotanical Uses of Monanthotaxis capea (E.G. & A. Camus) Verdc. (Annonaceae) in Abidjan, Agboville and Adzopé, Côte d’Ivoire

Monanthotaxis capea is an endangered species of the Annonaceae family, used in the past as a medicinal and cosmetic plant. Unfortunately, the development of its uses remains fragmentary. This study was conducted in the municipalities of Abidjan, Agboville, and Adzopé, in order to analyze the traditional knowledge and ethnobotanical uses of Monanthotaxis capea, highlighting their variations according to the sociodemographic categories of the local populations, in order to contribute to the conservation of this forest resource. A total of 360 people were surveyed, using questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The data were processed using relative citation frequency, Shannon diversity indices, equitability index, and the Kruskal–Wallis test. The results reveal that the species has several vernacular names according to local languages, the name Fravê being the most widespread. The leaves are the most used part. The uses identified are grouped into three categories: cosmetic, medicinal, and spiritual, with cosmetic use predominating. Knowledge diversity varies significantly according to age, profession, and communes; older people, herbalists, traditional practitioners, and the communes of Attobrou have the highest indices. In contrast, gender, ethnicity, and education level had no significant effect. These results highlight the cultural importance of Monanthotaxis capea. The gradual loss of knowledge among young people shows the urgent need for documentation and conservation of this traditional knowledge in order to guarantee the sustainable development of this forest resource.

Cite this article as: Ulrich, A. K., Jean, K. K., Francis, N., Gisèle, K. N. A., & Bakayoko, A. (2026). Traditional knowledge and ethnobotanical uses of Monanthotaxis capea (E.G. & A. Camus) Verdc. (Annonaceae) in Abidjan, Agboville and Adzopé, Côte d’Ivoire. Forestist, 76, 0153, 10.5152/forestist.2026.25153.