Tracing the Tradition: Regional Differences in the Cultivation, Utilization, and Commercialization of Bitter Kola (Garcinia kola, Clusiaceae) in Cameroon

Garcinia kola, known as bitter kola, is a promising multipurpose fruit tree from tropical forests in West and Central Africa. Despite the popularity of the species in folk medicine, very little is known about its management and commercialization. This knowledge might prevent unsustainable collection, overexploitation, and threats to its wild population. Thus, we investigated markets and identified three collection areas in Cameroon among 72 vendors selling bitter kola products. Among 122 purposively selected farmers, we analyzed the uses, management, and economic value of G. kola for rural households in these locations. We also documented the morphological characteristics of 227 trees utilized by interviewees. Knowledge of the medicinal properties of bitter kola was similar among all actors involved in the collection and commercialization of G. kola. However, the selected regions differed in management, plant part preferences, harvesting practices, and morphological characteristics. We suggest applying sustainable harvesting practices to support the conservation of wild-growing trees, promoting participatory domestication of the species, switching from bark collection to seed gathering, and linking farmers with promising and profitable markets.