Diversity, Ethnobotany, and Economic Value of Passifloraceae in Non Din Daeng District, Buri Ram Province, Thailand

This study documents the diversity, ethnobotany, and ethnolinguistic aspects of Passifloraceae species in Non Din Daeng District, Buri Ram Province, Thailand. Field surveys conducted from April 2024 to March 2025 recorded nine taxa across three genera, including two native species (Adenia heterophylla and A. viridiflora) newly reported for Buri Ram Province, and seven taxa (Passiflora ‘Soi Fah’, P. edulis f. flavicarpa, P. miniata, P. trifasciata, P. vesicaria, Turnera subulata, and T. ulmifolia) representing new provincial records. Native species were primarily associated with dry dipterocarp and mixed deciduous forests, whereas introduced taxa occurred mainly in cultivated or disturbed habitats, reflecting both ecological adaptability and human-mediated introduction. Ethnobotanical data revealed diverse uses including food, traditional medicine, ornamentals, beverages, and economic purposes with P. edulis f. flavicarpa and A. viridiflora having particularly high cultural and economic significance. Passiflora flower also holds cultural prominence, inspiring local and iconic textile motifs of Non Din Daeng. Vernacular names and terminology provide insights into local classification systems and cultural perceptions of these plants. Conservation assessments indicate potential threats to A. heterophylla from wild harvesting, whereas cultivated and naturalized Passiflora taxa are assessed as Least Concern. The results highlight the ecological, cultural, and economic value of Passifloraceae in Non Din Daeng District and emphasize the role of community knowledge in biodiversity conservation and sustainable management.