Search

This study was aimed at delving into the relationship between botanical species with cultural significance and both the managed environments they inhabit (Coffee plantation, Forest, Garden, Orchard, Market) and their origin (Wild, Cultivated), as established by people from vereda Las Delicias, Colombia. We tested the hypothesis that cultivated plants from the coffee plantations would have the highest cultural significance. One hundred and ninety-two plants were recorded by common name, however, upon taxonomic analysis, 238 botanical species were established. The most relevant spaces in terms of diversity were the coffee plantation (91 useful plants) and the garden (81 useful plants). Regarding origin, most of the plants were cultivated (151), with only 50 wild species. Likewise, there is a significantly larger cultural significance of coffee plantantion plants than there is garden plants and forest plants. Furthermore, cultivated plants have a significantly larger cultural significance than do wild plants. In conclusion, there is a diversity of useful plants within coffee plantation systems, which guarantee family livelihoods, diversify income sources, and protect the natural resources of the region. Finally, the importance of coffee (Coffea arabica L.) comes from its role as a customary heritage for this community, which strengthens agricultural, environmental, and cooperative processes after each generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The appreciation and taste towards mushrooms are influenced by sociocultural factors and ecological variables. This study evaluated the mycophilic degree among the Wixaritari and mestizo communities in a municipality in the north of Jalisco, settled in different types of vegetation, to determine if ecological and sociocultural factors influence the attitude towards the mushrooms. The MycophiliaMycophobia Index was evaluated in 10 communities in which structured interviews were conducted with a representative number of people. Responses to 18 indicators were analyzed by statistical tests. In general, the population resulted mycophilic. There were significant differences between the Wixaritari and mestizo attitudes in 10 of the 18 indicators. The model that best explained the mycophilic attitudes was communitycultural group in which the vegetation type was involved. Nevertheless, the cultural group alone affected the perception towards some issues, as the indicators include here have shown. One Wixarika community in pineoak forest was extremely mycophilic, in contrast to a mestizo community in oak forest that was indifferent to the mushrooms; these attitudes were the result of historical events that have modified the lifestyle of people. The differences in the evaluated indicators were due to the cosmovision of each cultural group. Changes in lifestyle and diet have caused a lack of interest and an apathetic attitude towards wild mushrooms in a community, but the farthest communities showed a greater appreciation towards mushrooms, especially since these and the rest of the wild resources are used to meet their basic needs. These attitudes could have implications for biological conservation because of the appreciation of a strong dependence on the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]