ABSTRACT
The combination of a rich biodiversity and considerable cultural richness has resulted in Mexico having thousands of wild, and hundreds of semi-domesticated and domesticated, useful plant species. At least 2,168 of them are documented as edible and can be clustered in three groups: traditional vegetables, such as the quelites; edible flowers and/or fruits of agave and cacti; and fruits of trees and shrubs. Traditional management systems are crucial for their conservation and represent important reservoirs of their genetic diversity. Seed-banking measures are highly complementary and since 2002, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and the Facultad de Estudios Superiores, Iztacala of the National Autonomous University of Mexico have collaboratively banked the seeds of 2,598 wild plant species under the Millennium Seed Bank Partnership. However, future conservation efforts need to target neglected and underutilised species (NUS) and be supported by research and the development of sustainable agriculture practices. Improved communication and coordination between stakeholders in concert with effective legal and policy frameworks, as well as economic incentives and subsidies, will be key to ensuring the effective development of NUS in Mexico for the benefit of wider society.
