Knowledge and Access to Medicinal and Aromatic Plants by Women from the Maghrebi Diaspora in Marseille.

We analyse the knowledge and utilization of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) among Maghrebi women residing in Marseille, France, as means to maintain their cultural identity and describe their sourcing strategies in a pan-Mediterranean context. Our qualitative and quantitative analyses of interviews with 24 participants indicate that knowledge of MAPs is primarily transmitted through female lineages. Participants cited 131 species; the most frequently mentioned and utilized MAPs are those with multiple uses. Mint and olive oil have significant cultural symbolism in terms of familial traditions and identity and likely constitute cultural keystone species. Religious and spiritual beliefs are reflected in the therapeutic practices (e.g., averting the evil eye). Maghrebi women acquire plants from shops in Marseille and their country of origin. Foraging locally and community gardens are also a source of MAPs. Quality and authenticity of plants are validated through cultural quality markers (e.g., 'local,' beldi in Arabic) and motivate choice of trusted plant sources. Plants brought directly from North Africa are favoured. Despite the availability of local substitutes, there is minimal replacement of original MAPs due to efficient supply networks and similarities in flora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]