A numeric index to establish conservation priorities for medicinal plants in the Paravachasca Valley, Córdoba, Argentina.

Medicinal plant extraction is a relevant issue in the province of Córdoba, Argentina. A quantitative methodology is proposed for the evaluation of conservation priorities for species used in popular medicine in the Paravachasca Valley, Córdoba. Qualitative attributes were surveyed through the knowledge and perception of local communities. Species are ranked by their index of conservation priority (ICP) values. This index takes into consideration the following data: harvest, abundance, propagation method, origin and commercial demand of species in the area. Among the native species prioritized for conservation are Minthostachys mollis, Hedeoma multiflora, Julocroton argenteus, Baccharis crispa, Trixis divaricata subsp. discolor, Passiflora caerulea, Usnea spp. and Equisetum giganteum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]