Wild edible Rubiaceae in Mexico: underutilized sources for food security and sustainable development

Mexico harbors exceptional biological and cultural diversity, ranking among the most floristically rich countries worldwide. Wild edible plants have historically played a central role in Mexican food systems, cultural identity and traditional ecological knowledge. However, many taxonomic groups remain poorly documented regarding their food uses. The Rubiaceae family, one of the most diverse vascular-plant families in Mexico, lacks a comprehensive synthesis of its edible species. This review compiles and analyzes available information on edible Rubiaceae species in Mexico through an extensive literature survey of scientific articles, theses, books and technical reports. Almost 50 sources were examined, focusing on documented food use. A total of 39 edible species belonging to 19 genera were recorded, of which 33 species are native. Most of these species grow in tropical rainforest ecosystems, and many are traditionally used by Indigenous communities. However, there is still a significant information gap regarding the specific uses of many of these species among different ethnic groups. Fruits were the most frequently consumed plant part, and direct consumption was the predominant form of use. The genera Randia and Coffea accounted for the highest number of edible species. The results highlight the importance of Rubiaceae as underrecognized contributors to traditional diets and local food systems. Despite their cultural, nutritional and ecological relevance, many species remain insufficiently studied. Documenting edible Rubiaceae contributes to preserving traditional knowledge and underscores their potential role in food security, sustainable resource management and resilience under changing environmental conditions.