FLORA ÚTIL Y SU MANEJO EN EL CONO SUR DEL ESTADO DE YUCATÁN, MÉXICO

Abstract

The object of the present investigation
was to document the knowledge of the use
and management of the inhabitants of the
southern cone of the state of Yucatan have of
their plants. This investigation was carried
out from September through November,
2005. Thirteen informants were selected
by the snow ball method that results in
one qualified informant being selected for
each of the 13 communities that form the
municipality. A list of 132 useful species
included fourteen categories. Of these,
79 are medicinal, 31 for construction, 17
melíferous, 12 for fuel, 12 edible and nine
for fences among other uses. The species
with the highest number of uses are Piscidia
piscipula with seven, Caesalpinia gaumeri,
Coccoloba spicata, Croton reflexifolius y
Cordia dodecandra, with four uses. Three
degrees of managing the local flora were
recognized by the informants. These are:
tolerated, protected and cultivated. In
conclusion, Mayan rural communities that
participated in the project are knowledgeable
in the use of the local flora, the majority of
which are native arboreal species.