Wild edible plants (WEPs) play a crucial role in sustaining local food systems, cultural heritage, and livelihoods in northeastern Thailand. This study documents the diversity, cultural significance, medicinal use, and economic value of WEPs among the Tai Yoy community in Akat Amnuai District, Sakon Nakhon Province. Field surveys, interviews, and market observations recorded 78 species belonging to 42 families, with 52 species represent new records for the province. Fruits and leaves were the most commonly used parts, while multifunctional species such as Curcuma angustifolia Roxb., Phyllanthus androgynus (L.) Chakrab. & N.P.Balakr., and Spondias pinnata (L.f.) Kurz were highly valued for both dietary and medicinal purposes. Quantitative analyses, including the Cultural Food Significance Index (CFSI), fidelity level (FL), and Jaccard’s similarity index (JI), revealed strong cultural consensus on key species and regional patterns shaped by ecological and sociocultural factors. Market surveys identified 25 species contributing to household income, highlighting the economic importance of WEPs and the potential risks of overharvesting. The study emphasizes the need for sustainable management, including cultivation of high-demand species, to reduce pressure on wild populations while supporting food security and traditional knowledge. These findings provide a comprehensive baseline for future ethnobotanical research, conservation planning, and the sustainable use of WEPs in northeastern Thailand.

Results from an ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by Lao ethnic group between 2021 and 2023 identifying the medicinal plants use of 76 species 68 genera 43 families. The primary emphasis of the study was on the medicinal plants, we tested the differences between informant knowledge and informant age using linear regression. The most important medicinal plant species, including Blumea balsamifera, Chromolaena odorata, Smilax glabra, and Zingiber montanum (all with a Use Value of 1.00), were followed by Phyllanthus emblica (0.95) and Cucumis sativus (0.88). Remarkably, 65 plant species achieved the highest Fidelity Level with a 100% FL value. Within ailment categories, Respiratory system symptoms garnered the highest Informant Agreement Ratio value of 1.00. The Jaccard’s Similarity Index ranged from 0.0581 to 0.2690, with the highest JI observed between cultivated and market plants. The UPGMA cluster analysis indicated that wild plants exhibited lower similarity to the other areas. There were no significant differences in the number of plants known among different informants based on their age. In this research, we found that two plant species, Solanum lasiocarpum (used for nourishing the body) and Morinda coreia (employed in treating amenorrhea), have never been reported for their medicinal use before. These findings underscore the risk of traditional knowledge erosion, driven by the absence of written documentation and the influence of modern medical practices. The data obtained from this study is of immense value in formulating conservation strategies that can benefit both the Bolikhamxay province and the nation as a whole.

This study reports seven new records of Curcuma L. (Zingiberaceae) for the flora of Laos: Curcuma comosa Roxb., C. pedicellata (Chaveer. & Mokkamul) Škorničk., C. phrayawan Boonma & Saensouk, C. pierreana Gagnep., C. rangjued Saensouk & Boonma, C. sabhasrii Saensouk, Maknoi, Wongnak & Rakarcha, and C. wanenlueanga Saensouk, Thomudtha & Boonma. Field surveys were conducted across various habitats in Laos, and species identification was confirmed through morphological comparisons with type specimens and protologues. An identification key for Curcuma species in Laos is provided to facilitate future taxonomic studies. Additionally, the lectotypification of C. comosa Roxb. is designated to ensure nomenclatural stability and clarify its taxonomic placement. The discovery of these species expands the known distribution of Curcuma in Indochina and highlights the importance of continued floristic exploration in understudied regions. These findings emphasize the need for biodiversity conservation, particularly in the nnatural habitats where these species occur. Furthermore, some of the newly recorded species exhibit attractive floral characteristics, making them valuable for sustainable horticultural applications, especially in ornamental plant cultivation. This study underscores the significance of taxonomic research in documenting regional flora, supporting conservation efforts, and promoting the sustainable utilization of plant diversity.

In Southeast Asia, approximately 408,000 km2 is covered with limestone, most of which was originally fragmented in distribution (Clements et al. 2006). In Laos, the limestone area is about 30,000 km2, covering ca. 12.6% of land in northern and central Laos. Khammouane Province, central Laos, is one of the core sites of limestone in the country where two main national protected areas, Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area and Hin Nam No National Park, are well known. In addition, the Nam Sanam-Phou Pha Marn Provincial Protected Area (hereafter PPA) covers an area of about 1,500 km2, in which the Rock Viewpoint Phou Pha Marn covers a huge area of the PPA.

Grewia souladethiana (Malvaceae-Grewioideae) is described and illustrated from Phou Hin Poun National Park, Khammouane Province, in central Laos. The new species grows at the edge of evergreen broad-leaved forest and in open grassland on the foot of limestone hills. To confirm the validity of the new species, diagnostic morphological characters were compared based on literature and herbarium materials at BKF, FOF, KAG an VNM as well as online digitized images. Morphologically it is similar to G. thailandica in having acuminate leaf apex, serrate leaf margin, and axillary inflorescences which are 2‒3-flowered and with erect peduncle, but distinguished by its tree habit, shorter petioles, smaller sepals and petals, and solitary or 2-lobed fruits. A description, photographs, line drawings, vernacular name and preliminary conservation status are provided for it, as well as a key to species of Grewia in Laos is provided.

Two new species of Lasianthus (Rubiaceae), L. bolavenensis Tagane & Soulad., and L. laoticus Tagane, Soulad. & Nob.Tanaka from Bolaven Plateau, southern Laos, are described and illustrated, with their vernacular names and preliminary conservation status. In addition, L. repoeuensis Pierre ex Pit. is recorded in Laos for the first time.