Etnobotánica del chiltepín. Pequeño gran señor en la cultura de los sonorenses.

Chilies have a great importance in Mexican culture and identity. Chiltepin, a wild species growing in Sonora's Sierra Madre, is no exception; it has a very special place in Sonoran culture. However, research work on this species is scarce and limited to one dimension alone. This paper focuses on the importance of chiltepin on everyday lives of Sonorans. Considering the geographical distribution where chiltepin grows and is collected by local residents, two locations were selected: one located in the Rio Sonora region, and the other in Sierra Alamos. Field work in these areas was the basis for better understanding the relevance of this kind of chili among highlanders (serranos) and two native groups: Mayo and Guarijío. Among methodological tools used are direct observation and participation; personal interviews included local old people, chiltepin gatherers, traditional medicine representatives, and housewives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]