Orphaned and Abandoned Fruit Species from Panama, A Brief Thematic Review

Abstract

The richness of Panama’s biological heritage is highly significant. However, the scarce research work on its own national plant genetic resources focuses on a limited number of agricultural crops with high local consumption levels (grains, tubers, traditional tropical fruits) or on exportable items such as cucurbits (watermelon, melon), musaceae (banana, plantain) or bromeliads (pineapple), considered "priority species" by the Panamanian government. Non-traditional fruit species, considered "orphan" or in a clear state of abandonment, do not fall within the priorities already mentioned, which explains, to a large extent, their situation as native fruits practically not studied or not preserved and that have been steadily disappearing from the local consumption. We will review the status of these species and discuss possible actions for their recovery and enhancement.