There are a huge number of undervalued and overlooked food plants in the world. The FPI database provides accessible information about these plants to support production of locally relevant and nutritious food, and enable people to appropriately value their local foods. The searchable database has information on scientific name, genus, common names, synonyms, plant description, production and use notes, nutritional value, pictures and references. The data is not complete for all food plants. As you can imagine, documenting this range of information for over 18,000 plants is an enormous task. If you have information you would like to contribute, we would be very happy for you to contact us.
The uses of this data are limited only by your imagination. You can identify local plants, assist with production issues, or promote the most nutritious food to the most vulnerable sectors of the community.
Production problems can be minimised by matching plants to the environments in which they grow best. Using local plants means they are already suited to surrounding conditions and are more resistant to pests and diseases.
Increasing the diversity of food plants available is the simplest solution to a balanced diet. What one plant lacks another will provide. Maintaining a diversity of food plants enhances food security. If some plants are affected by adverse weather and environmental conditions, others will still be there to provide food.
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