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.

The genus Curcuma L. (Zingiberaceae) is highly diverse and often exhibits similar morphological appearances, leading to frequent misidentifications that impact botanical practices, horticultural activities, and conservation efforts. This study addresses the taxonomic confusion surrounding the plant locally known as “Ploy Thaksin”, which was previously misidentified as Curcuma aurantiaca Zijp. To resolve this issue, we conducted a detailed morphological analysis and reviewed the protologues descriptions of its ally species, focusing on anther characteristics and other key features. Our findings reveal that “Ploy Thaksin” actually represents two distinct species: one correctly identified as C. aurantiaca found in lower Peninsular Thailand (Satun and Trang Provinces), and another species, characterized by calcarate anthers found in upper Peninsular Thailand which resemble C. sumatrana Miq., C. nepalensis M.Sabu, Kasaju, and S.Subedi, described here as a new species under the name “C. peninsularis Saensouk, P.Saensouk, Maknoi, and Boonma” along with the details of a description, illustration, map of distribution, vernacular name, ecology, phenology, utilization, and economic value, including the proposal of a conservation status. This study clarifies previous misidentifications and underscores the importance of precise taxonomic practices for the accurate classification and conservation of Curcuma species. The results provide valuable insights for future research and horticultural applications, enhancing the understanding of Curcuma biodiversity.

This study introduces Curcuma borealis Saensouk, P.Saensouk, and Boonma and C. retrocalcaria Saensouk, P.Saensouk, and Boonma, two newly discovered species within the Curcuma genus of the Zingiberaceae family, found in the Mae Hong Son and Chiang Mai Provinces of Northern Thailand, respectively. This research aims to clarify the taxonomic identity of these species, which were initially confused with C. ecomata Craib and C. chantaranothaii Boonma and Saensouk due to similarities in flower coloration and some morphological characteristics, respectively. Detailed morphological analysis was conducted to distinguish these species. Curcuma borealis is differentiated by its unique anthers lacking appendages or projections at the base of the spurs, in contrast to the appendages or projections present in C. ecomata, while C. retrocalcaria is characterized by anther spurs folding or curving backward under the anther base and with two purple patches at the base of the labellum, distinguishing it from C. chantaranothaii. The findings highlight distinct morphological traits that set C. borealis and C. retrocalcaria apart from existing Curcuma species. The pollen morphology of the two new taxa was also studied here for the first time. This research emphasizes the importance of thorough taxonomic scrutiny for accurate species identification and contributes to our understanding of the diversity within the Curcuma genus. Accurate identification of these species is crucial for conservation efforts, underscoring the need to protect their habitats and maintain biodiversity in the region.

Curcuma ubonensis Boonma, Saensouk, Maknoi & P. Saensouk sp. nov. (Zingiberaceae) was recently discovered in Ubon Ratchathani Province, Eastern Thailand. Specimen identification involves comparing their morphology with descriptions in similar species' protologues. We performed measurements on specimens collected from their natural habitats, both living and preserved. Despite its resemblances with Curcuma prasina Škorničk. in having greenish inflorescence with small purple flowers that lack of epigynous glands, yet this novel species displays distinct features of a brownish-red margin of petiole (vs. C. prasina has green margin), lamina elliptic, 3.8-7.0 cm wide, margin brownish red (vs. narrowly elliptic, 1.5-3.2 cm wide, margin green); coma bract present (vs. absent), fertile bracts uniquely triangular-obovate, apex rounded (vs. almost orbicular, apex acute), and labellum reddish purple with four white stripes by two stripes rarely pale yellow extending from the basal to half of the sinus, and another two stripes from the basal along the longitudinally of each lobe to half the length of the lobe, with yellow at the middle groove of the labellum almost to the base (vs. purple with a bright yellow and swollen median band composed of two central lines extending from the base to about two-thirds the length of the labellum towards the apex, sides of the labellum with paler lines radiating towards the margin). Meticulous examination and morphological comparison of Curcuma ubonensis with related species within the Curcuma genus reveals its novelty. We comprehensively accounted for its morphological traits, including illustrations, vernacular name, ecological preferences, phenology, distribution, traditional uses, conservation status, distribution map, and a comparative table to its ally species. Furthermore, we present an updated identification key for differentiating species within the Curcuma subgenus Hitcheniopsis in Thailand.

This study presents four new records of Boesenbergia species (Zingiberaceae) in Cambodia: Boesenbergia parvula (Wall. ex Baker) Kuntze, B. petiolata Sirirugsa, B. siphonantha (King ex Baker) M.Sabu, Prasanthk. & Škorničk., and B. xiphostachya (Gagnep.) Loes. Previously, only B. rotunda (L.) Mansf. was officially recognized in Cambodia. This research also confirms the occurrence of B. rotunda in natural habitats. and provides a new distribution report for this species within the country, and lectotypification of B. xiphostachya (Gagnep.) Loes. We studied plant specimens collected from Cambodia, using calipers and a stereomicroscope, and identified them based on protologue descriptions and herbarium records. We provide detailed morphological descriptions, complete synonymy, taxonomic diagnoses, and a comprehensive identification key. In addition, we present data on habitat, phenology, vernacular names, traditional uses, provisional conservation statuses, horticultural potential, and cultivation guidelines. These findings substantially expand the known species diversity of Boesenbergia in Cambodia, highlighting their ecological significance, cultural value, and ornamental potential. By advancing the understanding of regional flora, this study contributes to biodiversity conservation and emphasizes the importance of continued exploration and documentation in Southeast Asia to preserve ecological integrity and. traditional knowledge.

The genus Curcuma (Zingiberaceae) is a diverse group of plants widely distributed across tropical Asia, with several new species recently described in Thailand. This study documents and clarifies the taxonomic status of a new species, Curcuma nivea Saensouk, P.Saensouk & Boonma sp. nov., discovered in eastern Thailand, and evaluates its horticultural potential. Morphological comparisons were conducted with closely related species in the Curcuma subgenus Hitcheniopsis (Baker) K. Schum., focusing on diagnostic vegetative and floral traits. Curcuma nivea is characterized by its compact habit and white flowers marked with two reddish lines at the base of the labellum, lacking the yellow blotch typical of related species. Additionally, it shows the absence of both epigynous glands and anther spurs, consistent with subgeneric features. Its distinctive morphology and attractive floral display have led to its cultivation as an ornamental pot plant. The discovery of C. nivea contributes to the growing documentation of Curcuma diversity in Thailand and underscores the significance of ongoing botanical exploration and conservation. Furthermore, its compact form and unique floral traits highlight its promise for use in ornamental horticulture and breeding programs.