Résumé
Dacryodes edulis, known as the African plum tree, is an important indigenous fruit species in Central Africa that has long been used by humans. Wild individuals of this species are found in forests, whereas cultivated trees are distributed in agroforests and homegardens. As knowledge is sparse regarding local knowledge and uses of wild African plum trees this study fills this gap by collecting and analyzing the knowledge of different ethnic groups in Cameroon and Gabon. Focus groups, field visits, and individual surveys were conducted with 243 participants from the Baka, Fang, Nzime, Bassa, and Obamba ethnic groups. Several vernacular names were reported for wild African plum trees, generally related to their morphology and environment. Fruit size was the most common morphological trait used to identify wild individuals. This study recorded six tree parts and five different use categories, with food being the most common use, followed by medicine. Wild African plum trees have a socio-cultural importance for the Baka who still depend on forests for their livelihood. However, wild trees are not usually included in conservation strategies; hence, the wild form of this species is at risk due to poor regeneration success without human intervention. Recommended measures for sustainable management and conservation of wild individuals of this species are discussed.