The Zingiberaceae family is widely recognized for its diversity, ecological significance, and economic value, playing a crucial role in both natural ecosystems and local livelihoods. This study investigates the species diversity, traditional uses, and economic importance of Zingiberaceae in Kalasin Province, northeastern Thailand, while also assessing the conservation status of species found in natural habitats. A total of 69 Zingiberaceae taxa were identified across the province, with 7 taxa found occurring only in natural habitats and 36 taxa found only in cultivation, while 26 taxa were found in both situations. Of these, twenty-five wild taxa represent new records for the province, and six are endemic. Traditional uses include food, spices, medicine, ornamental plants, commercial cultivation, rituals and socio-religious activities, and cosmetics, with rhizomes being the most utilized plant part. Boesenbergia rotunda (L.) Mansf. displayed the highest economic value. Based on conservation assessments according to IUCN red list criteria, Globba conferta M.F.Newman is proposed as critically endangered (CR), 5 species as endangered, 10 taxa as vulnerable, and 17 taxa as least concern. These findings emphasize the ecological, horticultural, and economic importance of Zingiberaceae in Kalasin, where the trade of herbal products and commercial cultivation significantly contribute to local livelihoods. To ensure long-term sustainability, conservation strategies should be prioritized, balancing biodiversity preservation with economic and horticultural benefits.

Local markets are vital for economic activity and preserving cultural heritage, especially through vegetables central to community diets and traditions. Despite their importance, the ethnobotanical potential of these vegetables remains underexplored, particularly regarding sustainability and food security. This study examines the role of local vegetables in markets, highlighting their ecological, economic, and cultural significance. Conducted at the Chai Chumphol Temple community market in Kantarawichai District, Thailand, this research assessed the economic, cultural, and medicinal values of local vegetables. Various indices, including the economic value of vegetables (EVV), use value (UV), cultural importance (CI), informant agreement ratio (IAR), and fidelity level (%FL), were used to analyze the role of vegetables in the community. The findings underscore the importance of these vegetables in supporting local economies, preserving cultural traditions, and contributing to sustainable horticultural practices. These results highlight the potential of local vegetables to enhance horticultural biodiversity, promote food security, and support sustainable farming practices in the region.

This study investigates the species diversity of the Convolvulaceae family in Udon Thani Province, Thailand, and was conducted from January to December 2022. A total of 52 species across fifteen genera were identified. Ipomoea was the most diverse genus in the region. The Ipomoea family was found in five ecological areas: deciduous dipterocarp forests, mixed deciduous forests, aquatic areas, open areas and roadsides, and cultivated areas like home gardens. Most species flower during the rainy season, especially from June to August, while some bloom in the winter, around January to March. Out of the total number of species, 29 were evaluated as rare and 23 as common. Meanwhile, 44 species were proposed for conservation as Not Evaluated and six species as Least Concern. Traditional uses of these species include food, animal fodder, horticultural cultivation, medicinal plants, and ornamental plants. The whole plant is the most used part followed by leaves, stems, roots or storage roots, and inflorescence, respectively. This research contributes valuable data on the biodiversity, conservation status, and cultural significance of Convolvulaceae species in Udon Thani Province, offering a foundation for future studies and potential sustainable resource management.

This study explores the ethnobotanical significance of plant species used in the Heet Sip Song (Twelve Monthly Merit-Making) ceremonies in Roi Et Province, Northeastern Thailand. A total of 80 plant species across 73 genera and 42 families were documented. The findings reveal that plants play multifaceted roles in ceremonial life, serving both symbolic and practical purposes rooted in spiritual belief systems and seasonal agricultural cycles. Quantitative analyses using Cultural Significance Index (CSI), Species Use Value (SUV), Genera Use Value (GUV), and Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) highlighted the prominence of key species such as Oryza sativa, Musa acuminata, and Saccharum officinarum in ritual contexts. While staple crops dominate in frequency and cultural value, less commonly cited wild species fulfill specialized functions, reflecting deep local ecological knowledge. The integration of ritual and plant use promotes biodiversity conservation by maintaining plant populations and reinforcing sustainable harvesting practices. These results emphasize the vital role of traditional knowledge in conserving both biological and cultural diversity. As environmental pressures increase, this study underscores the importance of supporting community-led conservation efforts that honor indigenous practices and their contributions to ecological resilience.

Zingiberaceae is a diverse and culturally significant plant family across tropical Asia, yet in Roi Et Province, Thailand, it has remained poorly documented. This study aimed to provide the first comprehensive assessment of Zingiberaceae in Roi Et Province, Thailand. Previous studies in the region have been limited and did not systematically document species occurrence. The assessment began with an overview of species diversity, followed by an investigation of their ethnobotanical uses, an evaluation of their horticultural potential, and an assessment of their conservation status. Field surveys were conducted throughout Roi Et Province across various habitat types using exploratory sampling to record all observable Zingiberaceae species. Species were identified based on morphological characteristics and comparisons with existing taxonomic literature. A total of 97 species were recorded, including 86 native and 11 introduced taxa, with 23 species endemic to Thailand and 25 species featuring new distributions reported for the province. Species richness was highest in cultivated habitats, likely reflecting the active role of traditional agroecosystems in conserving both native and introduced taxa. Natural habitats such as wetlands and dry evergreen forests hosted species with restricted distributions, underscoring the need to preserve ecological heterogeneity. Ethnobotanical interviews revealed widespread local use of rhizomes and inflorescences for food, medicine, ornamentation, and ceremonial purposes. Phenological observations indicated synchronized flowering and fruiting aligned with the monsoon season, which are traits that supports successful reproduction but may also increase vulnerability under shifting climate regimes—highlighting the importance of monitoring for conservation and guiding optimal harvest timing. These findings demonstrate that both natural and cultivated systems are integral to maintaining Zingiberaceae diversity in the region. Conservation strategies should prioritize habitat protection, support traditional cultivation practices, and promote further research into economically and culturally valuable species.

Edible underground storage organ (EUO) plants, including tubers, rhizomes, corms, and root tubers, play a crucial role in food security, nutrition, traditional medicine, and local livelihoods, yet many regions of northeastern Thailand, including Maha Sarakham Province, remain underexplored in ethnobotanical research. This study aimed to document the diversity, traditional uses, and economic importance of EUO plants in the province. Field surveys, local market assessments, and ethnobotanical interviews were conducted, and voucher specimens were collected. Quantitative indices, including the Cultural Food Significance Index (CFSI), Fidelity Level (%FL), and economic value (EV), were applied to evaluate the cultural, medicinal, and economic significance of each species. A total of 53 EUO taxa from 22 families were recorded, representing both wild-harvested and cultivated resources. Dioscoreaceae and Zingiberaceae were among the most species-rich families. Among the EUO plants, Allium ascalonicum L. stood out for its cultural significance, Gloriosa superba L. for its medicinal importance, and Smallanthus sonchifolius (Poepp.) H.Rob. for its economic value. Several other EUO plants exhibited high cultural consensus and consistent use patterns, underscoring their integration into local diets, traditional healthcare, and rural economies. The study demonstrates that EUO plants contribute not only to dietary diversity and cultural identity but also to rural economies. These findings highlight the importance of conserving biological and traditional knowledge and promote sustainable cultivation and horticultural development of priority EUO species to strengthen local food system resilience.