An ethnobotanical survey of useful wild plants in the north-eastern part of Croatia (Pannonian region)

Abstract

Croatia, having high plant species diversity, offers an important opportunity for studying the wild plant uses in an ethnobotanical context. Comprehensive investigations were undertaken in Croatian Mediterranean areas, but little is currently known about wild plants traditionally used by local populations in the north-eastern part of Croatia situated in the Pannonian sector of Pannonio-Carpathian province. An ethnobotanical survey was undertaken at the two study areas: in the six settlements around the town of Našice and seven settlements in the area of Đakovo. A study was performed using questionnaires with 54 informants. A total of 44 plant taxa belonging to 25 families were recorded. The highest number of taxa belongs to families Asteraceae, Lamiaceae and Rosaceae. Plants were mostly used for the treatment of various disorders, while only seven taxa were used as food. Urtica dioica, Rosa canina and Matricaria chamomilla were the most important plants used for the treatment of various diseases. Comparison with traditionally used plants in neighbouring regions indicated similarity concerning plants uses and the mode of applications. The study represents a baseline for further investigations of valuable wild plants and ethnobotanical knowledge in the investigated area.