Showing papers in "Economic Botany in 2020"

Gender and Trait Preferences for Banana Cultivation and Use in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Literature Review

Abstract: Understanding trait preferences of different actors in the banana value chain may facilitate the selection and adoption of new cultivars We systematically reviewed the scholarly and gray literature on banana trait preferences, with specific attention to studies that document gender-differentiated traits Of 44 publications reviewed, only four reported gender-specific trait preferences, indicating a significant gap in the literature The review found that banana farmers, irrespective of gender, value similar characteristics that are related to production constraints, income enhancement, consumption, and cultural or ritual uses Farmers (as producers, processors, and consumers) often prefer traditional cultivars because of their superior consumption attributes, even if new cultivars have better agronomic and host plant resistance characteristics Potential differences between trait preferences of farmers and other actors in the value chain should be accounted for to enhance marketing potential Gender-specific research along the banana value chain and engaging users at the initial stages of breeding can ensure that new cultivars are acceptable to users and may improve adoption Interdisciplinary teamwork is essential for an efficient and effective breeding program

Kakadu Plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana) as a Sustainable Indigenous Agribusiness

Abstract: Kakadu Plum(Terminalia ferdinandiana) as a Sustainable Indigenous Agribusiness. In northern Australia, commercial use of plant products can provide Aboriginal people with important livelihood opportunities. Kakadu Plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana Exell.) is a species endemic to northern Australia with exceptional phytochemical properties and industry applications. Aboriginal people have a long history of customary use of many parts of this plant, and as scientific research provides evidence for commercial applications, it is under increasing demand. It has the highest level of ascorbic acid of any fruit in the world and also commercially important antioxidants. This paper reviews the unique characteristics of T. ferdinandiana fruit as a commercial plant product, the people and landscapes in which it grows, and the current state of knowledge for building a successful agribusiness based on these factors. It demonstrates the great potential T. ferdinandiana has as a sustainable Indigenous business and identifies the important research and development gaps that need to be addressed. These include improved understanding of taxonomy, floral biology, and drivers of variability in the properties in T. ferdinandiana leaves and fruit; better understanding of aspirations of Aboriginal suppliers for participation in the agribusiness supply chain; and specific supply chain models that suit Aboriginal suppliers of T. ferdinandiana to service a range of potential national and international markets.

The Contribution of Wild Edible Plants to the Mediterranean Diet: An Ethnobotanical Case Study Along the Coast of Campania (Southern Italy)

Abstract: The Contribution of Wild Edible Plants to the Mediterranean Diet: An Ethnobotanical Case Study Along the Coast of Campania (Southern Italy). Wild edible plants, an essential component of people’s diets in the Mediterranean basin, are consumed because they have a positive influence on health, supplying the body with microelements, vitamins, phenols, flavonoids, antioxidants, and fiber. In this paper we provide a list of wild plants used in the local cuisine along the coast of Campania, highlighting the medicinal properties of the most widely used species. Fieldwork was conducted from April 2017 to September 2019; in all, 69 informants were interviewed. We carried out an extensive literature review searching both national and international journals for ethnobotanical articles concerning the whole of Italy and especially the region of Campania, published from 1963 to 2019. The relative frequency of citation (RFC) index for each species is provided. Based on the interviews, 85 species and subspecies distributed in 29 families are documented as being used as food. Asteraceae was the most cited family (26.5%) followed by Brassicaceae and Lamiaceae (7.2%). The culinary uses of 11 wild species (13.5% of the total) were hitherto unreported in the ethnobotanical literature for Campania. The present study confirms the persistence of traditional plant use in the region of Campania. Ethnobotanical data, as well as the phytochemical and nutritional profiles of the species in question, offer insights into designing new dishes such as food pairing with other ingredients to improve nutritional and/or sensory quality (e.g., bitterness reduction, flavor enhancement, antioxidant bioavailability).

Myrtle, Basil, Rosemary, and Three-Lobed Sage as Ritual Plants in the Monotheistic Religions: an Historical–Ethnobotanical Comparison

Abstract: This study surveys the history, origin, and ethnobotanical evidence of why Myrtus communis L., Ocimum basilicum L., Rosmarinus officinalis L., and Salvia fruticosa Mill. are used as ritual plants in the main monotheistic religions (Judaism, Islam, and Christianity, but also Druze, Mandaeism, and Zoroastrianism). All these aromatic plants are odoriferous, medicinal, and apotropaic. By reviewing about 180 selected references, mainly from the Mediterranean basin, we compiled five tables with 313 citations on these ritual uses in different territories and according to diverse religions. The use of these species in rites of passage is found in all the main monotheistic religions and, in critical stages of the human life cycle, is related to warding off the evil eye/bad spirits/Satan, demons, or witches. These ritual customs have deep roots in ancient pagan cultures. The use of these plants in official religious ceremonies shows that different religious ritual uses of myrtle in Judaism (as a compulsory part of the Sukkoth festival), basil in the Greek Orthodox Church (mainly as a component of the Exaltation of the Cross), and rosemary mainly in the Catholic Church (especially as a decoration in the church). The uses of the three-lobed sage for a ritual by Muslims in the Holy Land are local and are not part of established religious ceremonies. While these plants have many similar ritual aspects in different regions/religions, it seems that they can be used interchangeably, probably as a result of syncretism and cultural migration of customs.

From Bush Mangoes to Bouillon Cubes: Wild Plants and Diet among the Baka, Forager-Horticulturalists from Southeast Cameroon

Abstract: Increasing deforestation affects tropical forests, threatening the livelihoods of local populations who subsist on forest resources. The disappearance of wild plants and animals and the increasing influence of market economies affect local health, well-being, and diet. The impact of these changes on wild meat consumption has been well documented, but little attention has been given to wild edible plants, despite their importance as sources of calories and micronutrients. Furthermore, the relationships among food behavior strategies adopted by local populations, their psycho-cultural representations of food, and their food preferences have been poorly explored. In this study, we investigate food behaviors with an emphasis on the role of wild edible plants among a forager-horticulturalist society from the Congo Basin: the Baka. By combining an ethnobotanical survey with data from interviews (n = 536) related to food behaviors and representations of food, our data show that the Baka valorize both agricultural and marketable foods, and that wild plants represent a minor part of their diet, both in frequency and diversity. Finally, by examining how some wild edible plants have shifted from being eaten to being sold, we explore how market-oriented uses of wild edible plants may affect dietary behaviors and biocultural resilience.

Dissymmetry at the Border: Wild Food and Medicinal Ethnobotany of Slovenes and Friulians in NE Italy

Abstract: Dissymmetry at the Border: Wild Food and Medicinal Ethnobotany of Slovenes and Friulians in NE Italy. Cross-cultural and cross-border research represents a valuable tool for addressing traditional plant knowledge variability and change. An ethnobotanical field study was carried out during late spring 2018 within two culturally and linguistically distinct communities (Friulian and Slovenian speakers) in Friuli Venezia Giulia, NE Italy. Data were gathered via semi-structured interviews with 32 local inhabitants regarding the use of wild and semi-domesticated food and medicinal plants. We recorded 108 botanical taxa, of which 79 were common to both communities. Despite a common ecological landscape and an overlap in the overall used taxa, some differences were recorded for the most commonly utilized taxa. This indicates that the culture and language of minorities may have played an important role in preserving biocultural identity and customs. Our study shows how dissymmetry was shaped by the different distances of the two groups to the dominant standard Italian mainstream over the last few centuries and how cultural identity is actually constructed in relation to a dominant cultural code. Future studies should address the strategies of biocultural adaptation and resilience in multiethnic and multilingual crossroad regions.

Local Knowledge, Uses, and Factors Determining the Use of Strychnos spinosa Organs in Benin (West Africa)

Abstract: Green monkey orange (Strychnos spinosa) is an important multipurpose tree in rural communities in sub-Saharan Africa, including Benin. The objectives of this study were to (i) examine the various indigenous uses of Strychnos spinosa, (ii) assess local perception of the major threats to Strychnos spinosa, and (iii) identify the conservation strategies adopted by local communities to ensure its sustainable use in Benin. A participatory rural appraisal study was undertaken across three climatic zones in Benin. Data were collected through structured questionnaires involving 733 informants from 22 ethnic and 7 sociolinguistic groups. Correspondence analysis (CA) showed that S. spinosa is most widely used in the Sudanian zone (20 uses). About 73% of the informants used Strychnos spinosa as food, and 68% used it for medicine. The most valued organs were fruits, leaves, bark, and seeds. The major threats to Strychnos spinosa were human activities rather than climatic factors. Religion and cultural values were the main strategies adopted by local communities to conserve the species. The value of Strychnos spinosa is well appreciated in Benin, and local knowledge depends on the particular climatic zone, ethnic group, study level, and gender.

“Hexing Herbs” in Ethnobotanical Perspective: A Historical Review of the Uses of Anticholinergic Solanaceae Plants in Europe

Abstract: Though not the most frequently used botanical family, the Solanaceae or nightshade family has provided many plants of great importance around the world. Throughout Europe, the “hexing herbs,” plants from this family with anticholinergic alkaloids, have played an especially important role in the history and formation of traditions pertaining to plant use in many aspects of human life. Represented in Europe by the genera Atropa, Datura, Hyoscyamus, Mandragora, and Scopolia, the alkaloids hyoscyamine/atropine and scopolamine in these plants have allowed them to be used as medicines, poisons, and intoxicants, leading to the creation of a large mythos and extensive cultural valuation. Through a review of the literature, the exact roles that these “hexing herbs” have played in Europe in the past and present are discussed in this paper, ultimately showing the immense importance of these often misunderstood and vilified plants.

Use and Cultural Significance of Raphia Palms

Abstract: The genus Raphia (Palmae / Arecaceae) contains 22 species and represents a major multiuse resource across tropical Africa and Madagascar. Raphia species provide goods that range from food to construction material and medicine. Its species play a vital cultural role in African societies. Despite its importance, the taxonomy, ecology, and ethnobotany of this genus remain poorly understood. Here, we review the multiplicity of uses, products and cultural importance of Raphia species across its distribution. We provide a near exhaustive list of all products derived from Raphia species, classified by species and major use categories. We record nearly 100 different uses, traded and commercialized at local, regional, and national levels. Most species have several uses. Raphia wine is the most important product, followed by grubs and fiber extraction. Our review improves our understanding of the uses and cultural importance of Raphia species. If Raphia resources are managed responsibly, they will contribute to alleviate poverty, fight against hunger and conserve tropical biodiversity, especially in Africa.

Socio–Economic Factors Determining Conservation and Cultivation of Garcinia kola Heckel—A Medicinal Plant Extinct in the Wild in Benin

Abstract: Garcinia kola is a multipurpose tree and an important medicinal plant in most Western and Central African communities. The species is highly valued for its edible nuts and its different parts are used for the treatment of diverse ailments. Because of its overexploitation, G. kola is now extinct in the wild in Benin. Conservation and cultivation are crucial for its maintenance. Eliciting determinants that influence farmers’ decisions in maintaining or cultivating the species in their homestead or land would contribute to design effective management policies. A semi–structured survey was carried out with 155 respondents involved in G. kola exploitation to elucidate those determinants. Data collected were related to the socio–economic characteristics of respondents, G. kola ownership and number of individuals owned, current propagation methods and management of the species, willingness to cultivate or in situ conservation of the species. Binomial logistic and Poisson generalized linear models were used to test the effects of land area size, gender, age, and main occupation on respondents’ decision to cultivate and/or to conserve the species in situ and its management. It was found that men were more likely to own G. kola trees than women. Similarly, the likelihood of owning a G. kola tree was higher for farmers than non–farmers, and was positively correlated with respondents’ age. Furthermore, men were more willing to conserve and cultivate G. kola. Our findings suggest that the studied factors are instrumental when designing conservation policies and programs for the species.

Value chain analysis of Chaya (Mayan Spinach) in Guatemala

Abstract: Chaya is a highly nutritious perennial leafy vegetable native to Mesoamerica. This drought-resistant crop has low production and consumption levels in Guatemala, but has the potential to help agriculture and food systems be more nutritious and resilient. This study analyzed the value chain of chaya in Guatemala, and identified bottlenecks and opportunities for its use-enhancement. This research, the first of its kind applied to this crop in Guatemala, combined Rapid Market Appraisal tools. Small-scale chaya production, consumption, and marketing were observed in three focal sites (Guatemala City, Peten, and Dry Corridor). It was observed that producers are not motivated to produce chaya commercially and vendors are unwilling to sell it because of low demand and profitability. One Guatemalan company identified produces nutraceutical chaya products with few sales points in the country and occasionally abroad. Low demand is a primary bottleneck in the value chain due to lack of consumer awareness, changing eating habits, limited recipes, and availability in home-gardens. There is also a reluctance to grow, consume, or sell a crop perceived as a “food of the poor.” Low prices and profitability were other constraints registered. The findings can inform future interventions for enhancing the use of this crop to fight malnutrition.

Comparing Apples and Pears: the Hidden Diversity of Central African Bush Mangoes (Irvingiaceae)

Abstract: Comparing Apples and Pears: The Hidden Diversity of Central African Bush Mangoes (Irvingiaceae). The fruits of Irvingiaceae trees, commonly known as “bush mangoes” or “mangues sauvages,” are crucial foods for Central African human populations, as well as local wildlife. Irvingiaceae oil-rich kernels play an important role in local diet, well-being, and livelihood. When collected for sale, they enter the international market of non-timber forest products (NTFPs), which represents a considerable source of income for central African countries. Despite the importance of bush mangoes, there is a general lack of precision in the literature on the exact species of Irvingiaceae present in local diets and NTFP markets. Few botanical studies include local names and uses of the different Irvingiaceae species, while ethnographical and social studies rarely corroborate their identifications by collecting vouchers. In this study, we combined ethnographic research and botanical collection to verify which Irvingiaceae species were consumed and collected for trade by the Baka, a group of forager-horticulturalists in southeastern Cameroon. We provide evidence of the floristic diversity hidden behind the term “bush mangoes”, as well as the knowledge and uses of Irvingiaceae fruits by the Baka. We discuss the importance of eight Irvingiaceae species for Baka livelihood as well as the potential threats regarding the future of these valuable trees.

The Economic and Biological Benefits of Non-wood Forest Products to Local Communities in Iran

Abstract: This study estimates the value per hectare of the Arasbaran deciduous forest based on returns from 17 fruit-providing species and mapping their economic value. We also studied the main influencing social drivers of collecting non-wood forest products (NWFPs). A biological inventory was carried out for all fruit-providing trees within the 6,484 hectares (ha) with registration of the geographical position of trees. Based on total fruit produced annually per hectare and the market price of each species, the economic value of each species in terms of the fruit produced was calculated and depicted. Results showed that the distribution area of fruit-providing species was about 10 percent (684 ha) of the studied forest area. In total, the annual sustainable production of all species was 52.6 thousand kilograms. The economic value varied from USD 6 to USD 983 per ha in different areas. The revenue of collected fruit-providing species varied from USD 0.9 to USD 14,903 per year for all involved households. The average contribution of NWFP income to household income was 21 percent. The collection of NWFPs had a negative correlation with the education of the household head, opportunity cost, and household wealth; on the other hand, NWFP collection had a positive relation with fruit price and yield. Forest management strategies can focus on the areas with the highest economic value. This research can help inform decision-makers regarding the selection of eligible forest areas for conservation and enforcement of regulations.

Ethnobotanical Knowledge Complexity in a Conservation Area of Northern Uruguay: Interlocutors-Medicinal Plant Network and the Structural Patterns of Interaction

Abstract: With the aim of generating a strategy for biocultural conservation, we explore the structure and robustness of the botanical medical systems in the Biosphere Reserve “Bioma Pampa-Quebradas del Norte,” Uruguay, combining ethnobotanical hypotheses and network theory. We report a heterogeneous distribution of knowledge of medicinal plants with a potential limit to the individual knowledge (truncated–power-law). The robustness analysis in the face of alternative potential scenarios of system degradation indicates that the ethnobotanical system presents a high level of resistance to the loss of agents and medicinal plants species, but also a nonlinear response with a threshold of degradation after which an abrupt collapse in system structure is expected. To counter these threats at the Biosphere Reserve, we propose to promote ethnobotanical knowledge transmission and sustainable development in rural areas, and to encourage the development of strategies for the conservation of medicinal plants.

The Inextricable Link Between Food and Linguistic Diversity: Wild Food Plants among Diverse Minorities in Northeast Georgia, Caucasus

Abstract: The Inextricable Link Between Food and Linguistic Diversity: Wild Food Plants Among Diverse Minorities in Northeast Georgia, Caucasus. Divergences in the categorization and use of wild food plants among ethnic and linguistic groups living within the same environment are prototypical for the dual nature of biocultural diversity, which is generally richer on ecological and cultural edges. We interviewed 136 people from seven ethnolinguistic groups living in Georgia documenting the use of wild food plants. The results show the inextricable link between food and linguistic diversity; moreover, we observed a greater number of commonly used plants among Christian communities, as Muslim communities shared just one taxon widely used in all regions. Comparison with other Georgian regions and selected ethnic groups living in Azerbaijan showed lower use of wild food plants. Future investigations in the region should widen the ethnolinguistic research to include other aspects of ethnobiology and to dedicate more in-depth studies to understanding the underlying reasons for homogenization and plant-use erosion.

From the “Norwegian Flora” (Eighteenth Century) to “Plants and Tradition” (Twentieth Century): 200 Years of Norwegian Knowledge about Wild Plants

Abstract: From the “Norwegian Flora” (eighteenth Century) to “Plants and Tradition” (twentieth Century): 200 Years of Norwegian Knowledge about Wild Plants. Much ethnobotanical knowledge is documented through history in books of various kinds, which allow diachronic studies of plant use. These texts can also contribute to investigate plant knowledge transmission. Here we evaluate the influence of the first Norwegian Flora, Flora Norvegica (J. E. Gunnerus 1766–1776), a major Enlightenment natural history work in Norway, by comparing it to Planter og Tradisjon (“Plants and Tradition,” O. A. Hoeg 1974), Norway’s most important ethnobotanical compilation. We systematized information from these two key historical sources of plant knowledge in Use Reports per category of use. In total, 2449 Use Reports for 552 taxa were collected, including vascular plants, ferns, mosses, algae, lichens, and fungi. We find over 100 unchanged traditions (i.e., plant-use combinations recorded in both books): only 270 Use Reports and 185 taxa are recorded in both sources. Plant knowledge may have changed, been lost or newly developed in Norway, but it is also possible that it has largely been under-documented. We argue that differences are explained to a great extent by the differing aims and socio-economic contexts of the two texts. Ultimately, perceptions of what nature is and what it is for determine what ethnobotanical knowledge is documented in historical sources. Fra Flora Norvegica (18th arhundre) til Planter og Tradisjon (20th arhundre): Norsk kunnskap om ville planter gjennom 200 ar. Etnobotanisk kunnskap, kunnskap om menneskers plantebruk, finnes bevart i forskjellige typer boker fra flere arhundrer. Diakrone sammenlikninger av. plantebruk er mulig ved a analysere slike boker. Tekstene gir ogsa innsikt i hvordan plantekunnskap er blitt formidlet. Her undersoker vi hvilken innflytelse den forste norske flora, opplysningstidens Flora Norvegica (J. E. Gunnerus 1766–1776) har hatt pa senere utbredelse og formidling av. plantekunnskap. Det gjor vived a sammenlikne den med Norges viktigste etnobotaniske oppslagsverk, Planter og Tradisjon (O. A. Hoeg 1974). I artikkelen har vi systematisert og deretter sammenliknet plantekunnskap fra disse to verkene i kategorier av. angitte bruksomrader (UR). Vi har samlet 2449 bruksomrader for 552 ulike planter, inkludert bregner, moser, alger, lav og sopp. Selv om intensjonen bak de to verkene og de sosio-okonomiske kontekstene er svaert ulike, finner vi over 100 uendrede tradisjoner (bruksomrader angitt i begge verk), mens bare 270 bruksomrader og 185 taxa er angitt i begge verk. Kunnskapen kan ha blitt endret, gatt tapt, eller er ny i Norge, men det er ogsa mulig at plantekunnskapen ikke har vaert godt nok dokumentert over tid. Vi argumenterer for at det skyldes at intensjonen bak de to verkene og de sosio-okonomiske kontekstene er svaert ulike. Vi diskuterer hvordan en grunnleggende forstaelse av. naturen og bruken av. naturen har pavirket formidlingen av. plantekunnskap i de historiske kildene.

Ethnicity Differences in Uses and Management Practices of Bitter Kola Trees ( Garcinia kola ) in Cameroon

Abstract: Ethnicity Differences in Use Values and Management Practices of Bitter Kola (Garcinia kola) in Cameroon. Bitter kola (Garcinia kola) is an indigenous multipurpose tree species in West and Central Africa, threatened by overexploitation and classified by the IUCN as vulnerable. Understanding local knowledge and management patterns in different socioecological contexts could contribute to designing strategies for conservation and long-term use of the species. In order to characterize the parts of the plant and the harvesting techniques that are used by different ethnic groups in Cameroon, we conducted surveys through the use of semi-structured questionnaires (N = 182) in six different sites covering different agro-ecological zones where the species is present (forest and savanna). Ethnic groups from the savanna agro-ecological zone shared similar patterns in G. kola organs/parts used and harvesting techniques, but these patterns differed among ethnic groups from the savanna and forest zones and within the forest zone. Ethnic groups from the savanna zone mainly harvest the species for its seeds that are used as stimulants. Conversely ethnic groups from the forest zone mainly collect bark and roots, and uses differ between agriculturalists (Fang and Bassa) and hunter-gatherers (Baka). These patterns have direct consequences on species management practices. Savanna farmers applied sustainable harvesting as they extract fruits and seeds and planting more trees in order to increase the species’ contribution to their livelihood. People in the forest zone destructively felled standing trees, threatening the species in its natural environment. The influence of these results on the conservation status of the species in the region are discussed.

Underutilized Crops in the Agricultural Farms of Southeastern Sri Lanka: Farmers’ Knowledge, Preference, and Contribution to Household Economy

Abstract: Research on underutilized crops in Sri Lanka is limited. This study, conducted in Uva and Eastern provinces of southeastern Sri Lanka, is aimed at identifying common underutilized crops in the dominant agricultural farms, estimating their contribution to household income and food security, and understanding key actors’ (leaders of farmers’ associations, collectors/middlemen, and traders/wholesalers) knowledge of and preference for underutilized crops. Participatory rural appraisal methods were followed and snowball sampling was used for 88 semi-structured interviews with farmers who cultivate underutilized crops on their farms. In addition, 36 key actors were interviewed to explore their knowledge of and preference for potential underutilized crops. Thirty farming plots were visited to identify the composition of underutilized crops. Three mixed cropping agricultural farms—home gardens (mean area, 0.80 ha), chena (shifting cultivation, 0.82 ha), and off-season paddy lands (1.16 ha)—were observed. We identified 37 underutilized crops of which finger millet (60% of households) was most common, followed by cowpea (50%), cassava (41%), sweet melon (36%), and cashew nut (24%). Key actors prioritized four crops, namely finger millet (Eleusine coracana [L.] Gaertn.), cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.), and mung bean/green gram (Vigna radiata L. R.Wilczek), as high potential underutilized crops. The contribution of underutilized crops to household income and food security in Uva and Eastern province was 31% and 16%, and 61% and 43%, respectively. An integrated approach can be undertaken in order to promote and sustain underutilized crops in the region for agro-biodiversity conservation and benefiting farmers.

People and Plants Through Generations of Polish Descendants in Brazil

Abstract: Exploring the dynamics of knowledge through generations of immigrants and their descendants can elucidate different variables that contribute to the transformation of traditional ecological knowledge. In this study, we present a quantitative investigation of intergenerational plant knowledge among Polish descendants in Brazil. We seek to answer the following questions: 1) Would plant knowledge vary with age? 2) Does the composition of species vary in accordance with the descendant’s generation? 3) Does the strengthening of identity act as a homogenizer of plant knowledge? We interviewed 150 Brazilian descendants of Polish immigrants from three generational groups (second, third, and fourth generations). We classified them into two groups based on their participation in cultural associations. We found that the fourth generational group cited significantly fewer plants than the second and third groups. However, the composition of plant knowledge was similar throughout the generations. The involvement in cultural associations did not play a role in homogenizing plant knowledge. We discuss and reflect on the differences in knowledge between generations and groups that do and do not participate in cultural organizations.

The Relationship between a Western Amazonian Society and Domesticated Sedges ( Cyperus spp.)

Abstract: The article discusses the relationships between the Ashaninka people from Peruvian Amazonia and the domesticated sedges (Cyperus spp.) cultivated in almost every Ashaninka home garden, and mostly exchanged within family circles. An over-differentiation phenomenon is observed, in which four species of Cyperus correspond to 86 folk species. The names of folk species are formed by secondary lexemes, composed of a semantically active constituent and a generic suffix (i)benki. The names contain mnemonic cues to differentiate otherwise morphologically similar plants, and their meanings correspond to Ashaninka ontological categories, thus revealing many levels of connectivity between them and non-humans. The wide scope of specific uses (approx. 60 registered) assigned to Cyperus spp. is only partly supported by phytochemicals and ergot alkaloids in the fungus-infested sedges. The key to understanding the ibenki’s (Cyperus) agency lies in local cosmologies, in which domesticated sedges are viewed as plant-persons and kin. The Ashaninka are engaged in producing the bodies of their kin, the ibenki. Simultaneously, ibenki are powerful allies in restoring harmonious social relations and protecting people against the intentional actions of other humans and non-humans.

An Ethnobotanical Study of the Genus Elymus1

Abstract: Grains of domesticated grasses (Poaceae) have long been a global food source and constitute the bulk of calories in the human diet. While most contemporary grass domesticates consumed by humans are annual plants, there are over 7000 perennial grass species that remain largely unexplored for domestication purposes. Documenting ethnobotanical uses of wild perennial grasses could aid in the evaluation of candidate species for de novo crop development. In this study, we 1) provide an ethnobotanical survey of the perennial grass genus Elymus; and 2) investigate floret size variation in Elymus species used by people. We identified at least 21 taxa with recorded nutritional, medicinal, and/or material uses and at least 25 different indigenous communities associated with a use. The most common ethnobotanical use of Elymus in this survey is as forage, though at least 12 species are consumed by humans. Elymus species used for food warrant pre-breeding and future analyses to assess potential utility in perennial agricultural systems. We found average floret area does not differ significantly across geographic regions and among documented ethnobotanical uses, with the exception of species used for medicine in North America. A variety of Elymus species show promise for continued human use, and standing morphological variation in the genus should be further explored.

Ethnobotany in the North Coast of Peru: Use of Plants in the Fishing Community of Huanchaco for Subsistence

Abstract: The subsistence strategies that coastal fishing communities have developed over time are closely related to their interaction with the sea. Fishing is generally the principal economic activity of the members of these communities; however, the use of botanical resources has also contributed to their subsistence through time. This is the case of the Huanchaco fishing community that live on the north coast of Peru. They use reeds to construct sea vessels for fishing and other plants growing locally for diverse economic and cultural activities. To study their traditional relationships with useful plants, an ethnobotanical survey was conducted with 40 members of the fishing community. The objective of this research was to determine the use of local plants for daily activities and the intracultural variation of that knowledge as it relates to age and gender. Results showed that people use plants for food, medicinal, and industrial purposes, and that women and elderly people are more knowledgeable about medicinal and industrial plants than their male and younger counterparts. Although processes of modernization have influenced many aspects of the fishing community’s lifestyle, the existing TEK suggests that plants still play an important role in their daily subsistence strategies.

Pre-European Plant Consumption and Cultural Changes in the Coastal Lluta Valley, Atacama Desert, Northern Chile (Ca. 5140–390 Cal Yr BP)

Abstract: Pre-European Plant Consumption and Cultural Changes in the Coastal Lluta Valley, Atacama Desert, Northern Chile (Ca. 5140–390 Cal Yr BP). The introduction of domesticated plants into ancient hunting and gathering economic systems expanded and transformed human societies worldwide during the Holocene. These transformations occurred even in the oases and hyperarid environments of the Atacama Desert along the Pacific coast. Human groups inhabiting this desert incorporated adjacent habitats to the semi-tropical valleys through transitory or logistic camps like Morro Negro 1 (MN-1), in the Lluta valley (~12 km from the littoral in northernmost Chile), into their settlement patterns. During the earliest occupation (Late Archaic period, 5140–4270 cal yr BP) people collected and consumed wild plants, although crops such as Lagenaria were present. Following a gap of more than 2000 years between 4270 and 1850, people returned and introduced new domesticated plants at the site (Gossypium, Zea mays, Capsicum), which displaced the use of wild reed (Schoenoplectus) rhizomes as the chief staple during the first occupation. This change in food consumption was linked to the transformations that took place during the Archaic-Formative transition, but did not entirely shift the ways of life of these coastal marine hunter-gatherers.

Ethnobotanical Uses of Pandanaceae Species in Selected Rural Communities in the Philippines

Abstract: Pandanaceae is recognized for its diverse traditional uses in many tropical countries. In the Philippines, little has been documented regarding its use and significance in rural communities. This study explores the ethnobotanical uses of Pandanaceae species in five target areas to perceive the transfer and dispersal of traditional plant knowledge within the communities. Results suggest a good transfer and dispersal of traditional knowledge within the members of its respective communities, with females and elder informants generally displaying extensive plant knowledge. Different localities exhibit specialized uses of Pandanaceae plants. Eight species are documented, of which six are endemic species. Highest use-values (UV ≥ 1) come from Pandanus tectorius, P. luzonensis, and P. radicans, owing to their diverse ethnobotanical uses. Most medicinal Pandanaceae are used to treat genitourinary diseases, primarily urinary tract infection. Pandanus amaryllifolius, P. radicans, and Sararanga philippinensis serve as food, commonly used as rice flavoring and as different viands. The leaves of all species, except P. amaryllifolius, are sources of material for woven-products and crafts. Despite the communities’ heavy reliance on Pandanaceae species, good management and harvesting practices are being observed, allowing these economically important plants to thrive abundantly in their area.

Clonal Diversity, Cultivar Traits, Geographic Dispersal, and the Ethnotaxonomy of Cultivated Qat (Catha edulis, Celastraceae)

Abstract: Farmers and traders have developed a system of names to refer to different qat (Catha edulis) cultivars, using stem color as the primary trait to differentiate them In this study, we tested if the named cultivars from Ethiopia, Kenya, and Yemen represent genetic clusters We also quantified clonal reproduction and tracked the geographic dispersal of cultivated–qat genotypes using microsatellite genotypes of specimens collected from across the major qat growing regions (Ethiopia, Kenya, and Yemen) Specimens were mapped to determine whether names, morphology, genetic clusters, or genotypes (in particular clones) were geographically restricted Stem color was found to be a plastic trait because specimens of the same genotype have different colored stems A single cultivar name was often applied to numerous clonal groups and genetic clusters, creating widespread homonymy in the ethnotaxonomy of qat cultivars The East African Rift (EAR) in central Ethiopia was found to be a barrier to the exchange of both clonal groups and certain cultivar names In Kenya, both cultivar names and clonal groups were broadly dispersed geographically Nearly all of these clonal groups originated from the Mt Kenya/Meru area in central Kenya

A Mural of Psychoactive Thorn Apples ( Datura spp.) in the Ancient Urban Center of Teotihuacan, Central Mexico

Abstract: Most of the little we know about the use of psychoactive plants in pre-Hispanic Mexico comes from post-contact sources, and from the occasional archeological artifact that is suggestive of cultural continuity into the deeper past (Nesvig 2017). One of the most prominent genera in this context is Datura, which has significant implications for many indigenous cultures and remains widespread in traditional medicine. We know from accounts produced from the early sixteenth century onwards that the Aztecs considered several species sacred. However, it is unclear how much deeper into the preHispanic past this role extends, because the prehistoric roots of Datura use are poorly understood throughout the Americas, and archaeobotanical evidence is scant (Rafferty 2018). Here it is proposed that botanical motifs in mural paintings of ancient Teotihuacan represent Datura thorn apples. This extends cultural continuity back to this urban center, which was at its height from about 150 to 550 CE (Cowgill 2015), and thus preceded the Aztec empire by a millennium. Even today, despite centuries of post-contact suppression, Datura continues to have traditional medicinal uses in Mexico, and it is still employed as a potent aid to magical rites (Benítez et al. 2018). In high doses it has a deliriant effect on consciousness (Díaz 2010). As few as 10 seeds can lead to profound perceptual changes. According to Siegel (1981), the effects begin with an initial excitation, the urge to dance, frenzy, and fits of laughter before leading to acute hallucinosis and finally, in the case of an overdose, to death through respiratory paralysis. Given this broad range of effects, including medicinal, stimulating, and visionary, yet also fierce and even deadly effects, it is understandable why Datura has held a special place in Mexican culture until today. Rätsch (2005: 197) proposed that since ritual and medicinal use occurs throughout modern Mexico, it can be assumed that it was also utilized in pre-Hispanic times. But how far back in time is this assumption valid? Solid archaeobotanical evidence is hard to come by due to poor preservation of organic remains. An alternative strategy is to base investigations on cultural elements of the archeological record. A particularly rich record comes from the ancient metropolis of Teotihuacan, albeit not in terms of the codices known from later periods, but in the form of mural paintings, which abound in floral and vegetal imagery. There is a tradition of trying to identify plant species in Teotihuacan murals, including psychoactive plants, but so far with inconsistent results (Angulo 1995; Luna 1995). To give just a couple of examples of this botanical confusion, already Pasztory (1976: 147–48) noted that one researcher’s morning glory flower is practically identical to another researcher’s stylized maguey flower. Similarly, one researcher’s representation of a magic mushroom (Wasson 1980: 166) is another’s flower bud of a water lily (Von Winning 1987: 33). It is likely that this confusion partly reflects that the inhabitants did not intend to paint realistic botanical representations, and that they instead also relied on contextual and symbolic information to identify species. Plants are sometimes depicted with additional signs to disambiguate them, such as in the Tepantitla compound and in the Wagner murals, but unfortunately these plant glyphs remain largely undeciphered (Helmke and Nielsen 2014). The identification of Datura has suffered from this ambiguity. Pasztory (1988: 161) ventured that a plant in one of the Wagner murals, whose flowers consist of blue and green petals and a yellow stigmata, and which occurs with “yellow platform” and “blue-green net medallion” glyphs, represents Datura species. Uriarte (1995: 235) deems that a personage in the “Tlalocan” mural of the Tepantitla compound is holding the flower of D. stramonium