Conservation of natural dyes in Tay Nghe An Biosphere Reserve, Vietnam

International audienceDye plants are present in the everyday life of many ethnic minority groups in Vietnam, ranging from meals, costumes to festivals. The study focuses on those within the Tay Nghe An Biosphere Reserve. This Biosphere Reserve covers an area of 1,303,285 ha of tropical rainforest, one of the 12 main types of ecosystem identified by UNESCO-MAB, in nine mountainous districts. Through our investigation, the use of 40 species of dye plants was recorded. They are mainly employed for dyeing food, textiles, and tools. Additional data about usage were also provided. In particular, one species (Dye Yam – Dioscorea cirrhosa) was recorded for the first time as a source of brown colorant for food. © 2023 International Society for Horticultural Science. All rights reserved