Ethnobotany of Syzygium polyanthum (Wight) Walp In Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia

Abstract

Plants with medicinal potentials have contributed significantly in the history and evolution of modern health care system. Lack of comprehensive written document have made traditional medicinal knowledge disappearing as a result of population growth and development. This necessitates written document of comprehensive knowledge of medicinal plants. This study aims at documenting traditional knowledge of Syzygium polyanthum cultivars (Serai Kayu and Serai Kayu Hutan) in Terengganu, three hundred and eighty four respondents were interviewed with the aid of semi structured questionnaire. The study reported Serai Kayu and Serai Kayu Hutan to be used as ulam, spices and medicinal respectively. Leaves were found to be the most utilized part and Decoction the most prepared method. However, the study recommends immediate conservation of the plant and adoption of Malays traditional culture utilisation of the species; due to its medicinal potentials