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Plants
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Plants and Peoples: Quo Vadis?
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Plants and Peoples: Quo Vadis?

A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 May 2024 | Viewed by 11703

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Renata Sõukand

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Guest Editor
Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155, Mestre, 30172 Venice, Italy
Interests: ethnobotany; ethnobiology; ecosemiotics; biocultural diversity; Eastern Europe; post-Soviet
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Andrea Pieroni

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Ethnobotany and Ethnobiology, University of Gastronomic Sciences, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II 9, I-12042 Pollenzo, Cuneo, Italy
Interests: food heritage; ethnobiology; ethnobotany; wild food plants; fermentations; neglected species
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Human life is inevitably related to plants: they offer us food, shelter, and medicine, etc. Yet, to benefit from their presence, we must not only know about them but also know when and how to use them. Throughout the history of humankind, different communities have developed various relations with, perceptions of, and practices related to plants. This Special Issue will focus on the inextricable interrelations between plants and peoples, i.e., plant perceptions and uses in specific human communities and their changes in space and time.

Given the importance of culture in the development of plant science, especially from local perspectives, the Special Issue will also address the conundrum of decolonizing botany, i.e., reconsidering first botanical explorations and their contradictions, plant cultural markers, and the effects of broader socio-political frames and borders on plant use changes and dynamics. We also welcome contributions on plant environmental education and on the revitalization of local plant knowledge in all educational levels and cultural settings.

Dr. Renata Sõukand
Prof. Dr. Andrea Pieroni
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Plants is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • plants and people
  • perceptions of plants
  • human–plants relations
  • decolonization of botany
  • ethnobotany
  • cross-culture comparison
  • diachronic ethnobotany
  • plant cultural markers
  • socio-economical aspects of botany
  • environmental education
  • wild food plants
  • medicinal plants
  • household plants

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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36 pages, 4394 KiB  
Article
Preserving Ethnoveterinary Medicine (EVM) along the Transhumance Routes in Southwestern Angola: Synergies between International Cooperation and Academic Research
by David Solazzo, Maria Vittoria Moretti, José J. Tchamba, Marina Filomena Francisco Rafael, Matteo Tonini, Gelsomina Fico, Txaran Basterrecea, Silvano Levi, Lorenzo Marini and Piero Bruschi
Plants 2024, 13(5), 670; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13050670 - 28 Feb 2024
Viewed by 2395
Abstract
This study delves into the ethnoveterinary medicine (EVM) practiced by pastoralists along the transhumance routes in southwestern Angola. Within the framework of three cooperation projects, we conducted 434 interviews, collecting information on 89 taxa used for treating 16 livestock diseases. The most cited [...] Read more.
This study delves into the ethnoveterinary medicine (EVM) practiced by pastoralists along the transhumance routes in southwestern Angola. Within the framework of three cooperation projects, we conducted 434 interviews, collecting information on 89 taxa used for treating 16 livestock diseases. The most cited species was Ptaeroxylon obliquum (132 citations), followed by Salvadora persica (59) and Elaeodendron transvaalense (49). Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) was the disease most cited (223 citations; 44 species), followed by wounds (95; 20) and Newcastle (86; 14). We found that 30 species and 48 uses have not been previously reported in the ethnoveterinary literature. Jaccard index (mean value = 0.13) showed a greatly diversified knowledge among the ethnic groups: Kuvale and Nyaneka were the most knowledgeable and should be included in the various strategies for disseminating EVM in the area. Most informants recognized that abundance of some species decreased in the last years as a result of human activities and climatic changes. Finally, we discuss challenges in preserving the EVM in the area. Our findings suggest that preservation of the EVM in southwestern Angola is widely impacted by the access to biomedicine. Future studies should investigate the opportunity to integrate traditional medicine into mainstream development projects, which is crucial for decolonizing the veterinary sector in Angola. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plants and Peoples: Quo Vadis?)
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32 pages, 4972 KiB  
Article
New Plants, New Resources, New Knowledge: Early Introductions of Exotic Plants to Indigenous Territories in Northwestern North America
by Nancy J. Turner
Plants 2023, 12(17), 3087; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12173087 - 28 Aug 2023
Viewed by 1299
Abstract
Plants have always been important for the Indigenous Peoples of Northwestern North America. Collectively, these peoples named and used hundreds of different native plant species, along with diverse animal species. When traders and settlers from Europe and other parts of the world arrived [...] Read more.
Plants have always been important for the Indigenous Peoples of Northwestern North America. Collectively, these peoples named and used hundreds of different native plant species, along with diverse animal species. When traders and settlers from Europe and other parts of the world arrived in the region, they brought many new species of plants with them. Some (e.g., turnips (Brassica rapa) and onions (Allium cepa)), were from Europe, and some (e.g., potatoes (Solanum tuberosum)) were from South America or elsewhere. Other plants, like dandelion, Taraxacum officinale, probably arrived unintentionally, as weeds. Examining the ways in which the Indigenous Peoples have incorporated these new species into their lexicons and lifestyles provides insight into processes of acquiring and embracing new products and expanding the cultural knowledge base for human societies in general. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plants and Peoples: Quo Vadis?)
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20 pages, 3014 KiB  
Article
Medical Ethnobotany of the Bissau-Guinean Community of Migrants Living in Northern Italy and Comparison with the Ethnopharmacology of Guinea-Bissau
by Alfredo Sambù, Laura Cornara, Luís Catarino, Bucar Indjai, Marco Biagi and Paolo Giordani
Plants 2023, 12(9), 1909; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12091909 - 08 May 2023
Viewed by 1593
Abstract
This study compares the knowledge of medicinal plants of Bissau-Guinean migrants now established in Italy with the ethnopharmacology still present in their country of origin. We also investigated how traditional ethnobotanical knowledge is changing following the phenomenon of migration from Africa to Europe. [...] Read more.
This study compares the knowledge of medicinal plants of Bissau-Guinean migrants now established in Italy with the ethnopharmacology still present in their country of origin. We also investigated how traditional ethnobotanical knowledge is changing following the phenomenon of migration from Africa to Europe. The ethnobotanical data were collected during 2017–2018, by interviewing 49 informants belonging to 8 ethnic groups, living in 8 provinces of northern Italy. The final inventory of botanical taxa included 81 species belonging to 34 families, with Fabaceae and Malvaceae the most represented, followed by Euphorbiaceae, Apocynaceae, Combretaceae, and Solanaceae. Plant remedies were used to treat 21 ailment categories, such as fever, internal infections, intestinal and respiratory problems, and pains. The traditional ethnobotanical knowledge of Bissau-Guinean migrants in Italy was associated with gender, with women showing the highest knowledge. In addition, a negative relationship was observed between the maintenance of this knowledge and the number of years migrants have spent in Italy. Overall, a loss of knowledge was observed in the less numerous ethnic groups. However, traditional preparations based on plants from the country of origin are in general well preserved to maintain a good state of health. Our work could help in transferring to the next generation the cultural heritage of Bissau-Guinean people permanently moved to European Countries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plants and Peoples: Quo Vadis?)
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22 pages, 3973 KiB  
Article
An Ethnobotanical Investigation into the Traditional Uses of Mediterranean Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: The Case of Troodos Mountains in Cyprus
by Andreas M. Savvides, Constantina Stavridou, Sotiroula Ioannidou, Christos Zoumides and Andreas Stylianou
Plants 2023, 12(5), 1119; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12051119 - 02 Mar 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2884
Abstract
The Troodos mountains in Cyprus are a hotspot of plant diversity and cultural heritage. However, the traditional uses of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs), a significant aspect of local culture, have not been thoroughly studied. The aim of this research was to document [...] Read more.
The Troodos mountains in Cyprus are a hotspot of plant diversity and cultural heritage. However, the traditional uses of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs), a significant aspect of local culture, have not been thoroughly studied. The aim of this research was to document and analyze the traditional uses of MAPs in Troodos. Data on MAPs and their traditional uses were collected through interviews. A database was constructed with categorized information on the uses of 160 taxa belonging to 63 families. The quantitative analysis included the calculation and comparison of six indices of ethnobotanical importance. The cultural value index was selected to reveal the most culturally significant MAPs taxa, while the informant consensus index was utilized to quantify the consensus in information obtained related to uses of MAPs. Furthermore, the 30 most popular MAPs taxa, exceptional and fading uses, and the plant parts used for different purposes are described and reported. The results reveal a deep connection between the people of Troodos and the plants of the area. Overall, the study provides the first ethnobotanical assessment for the Troodos mountains in Cyprus, contributing to a better understanding of the diverse uses of MAPs in mountain regions of the Mediterranean. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plants and Peoples: Quo Vadis?)
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25 pages, 3041 KiB  
Article
Disadvantaged Economic Conditions and Stricter Border Rules Shape Afghan Refugees’ Ethnobotany: Insights from Kohat District, NW Pakistan
by Adnan Ali Shah, Lal Badshah, Noor Khalid, Muhammad Ali Shah, Ajmal Khan Manduzai, Abdullah Faiz, Matteo De Chiara, Giulia Mattalia, Renata Sõukand and Andrea Pieroni
Plants 2023, 12(3), 574; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12030574 - 28 Jan 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1988
Abstract
The study of migrants’ ethnobotany can help to address the diverse socio-ecological factors affecting temporal and spatial changes in local ecological knowledge (LEK). Through semi-structured and in-depth conversations with ninety interviewees among local Pathans and Afghan refugees in Kohat District, NW Pakistan, one [...] Read more.
The study of migrants’ ethnobotany can help to address the diverse socio-ecological factors affecting temporal and spatial changes in local ecological knowledge (LEK). Through semi-structured and in-depth conversations with ninety interviewees among local Pathans and Afghan refugees in Kohat District, NW Pakistan, one hundred and forty-five wild plant and mushroom folk taxa were recorded. The plants quoted by Afghan refugees living inside and outside the camps tend to converge, while the Afghan data showed significant differences with those collected by local Pakistani Pathans. Interviewees mentioned two main driving factors potentially eroding folk plant knowledge: (a) recent stricter border policies have made it more difficult for refugees to visit their home regions in Afghanistan and therefore to also procure plants in their native country; (b) their disadvantaged economic conditions have forced them to engage more and more in urban activities in the host country, leaving little time for farming and foraging practices. Stakeholders should foster the exposure that refugee communities have to their plant resources, try to increase their socio-economic status, and facilitate both their settling outside the camps and their transnational movement for enhancing their use of wild plants, ultimately leading to improvements in their food security and health status. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plants and Peoples: Quo Vadis?)
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Review

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17 pages, 1081 KiB  
Review
Forgotten Gems: Exploring the Untapped Benefits of Underutilized Legumes in Agriculture, Nutrition, and Environmental Sustainability
by Oluwatoyin A. Odeku, Queeneth A. Ogunniyi, Omonike O. Ogbole and Joerg Fettke
Plants 2024, 13(9), 1208; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13091208 - 26 Apr 2024
Viewed by 263
Abstract
In an era dominated by conventional agricultural practices, underutilized legumes termed “Forgotten Gems” represent a reservoir of untapped benefits with the unique opportunity to diversify agricultural landscapes and enhance global food systems. Underutilized crops are resistant to abiotic environmental conditions such as drought [...] Read more.
In an era dominated by conventional agricultural practices, underutilized legumes termed “Forgotten Gems” represent a reservoir of untapped benefits with the unique opportunity to diversify agricultural landscapes and enhance global food systems. Underutilized crops are resistant to abiotic environmental conditions such as drought and adapt better to harsh soil and climatic conditions. Underutilized legumes are high in protein and secondary metabolites, highlighting their role in providing critical nutrients and correcting nutritional inadequacies. Their ability to increase dietary variety and food security emerges as a critical component of their importance. Compared to mainstream crops, underutilized legumes have been shown to reduce the environmental impact of climate change. Their capacity for nitrogen fixation and positive impact on soil health make them sustainable contributors to biodiversity conservation and environmental balance. This paper identifies challenges and proposes strategic solutions, showcasing the transformative impact of underutilized legumes on agriculture, nutrition, and sustainability. These “Forgotten Gems” should be recognized, integrated into mainstream agricultural practices, and celebrated for their potential to revolutionize global food production while promoting environmental sustainability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plants and Peoples: Quo Vadis?)
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