A COMPARATIVE ETHNOBOTANY OF THE MBUTI AND EFE HUNTER-GATHERERS IN THE ITURI FOREST, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

Ethnobotanical research conducted among four groups of the Mbuti and Efe huntergatherers in the Ituri Forest of the Republic of Congo (former Zaire) has revealed their extensive acquaintance with the plant world. A comparison of the plant vernacular names and use shows a cultural diversity and inter-group differences in the knowledge of plants among the groups, although they share a similar overall use pattern and the knowledge of certain important species. The factors affecting such similarities and differences in plant use are discussed in relation to the natural and social conditions.