Ethnobotanical, Bioecological and Phytocoenological Analysis of Species of the Genus Chenopodium L. in Arid Zones of Azerbaijan

Abstract

The research was carried out in the arid regions of Azerbaijan in 2021-2023. The main goal of the research was to provide a bioecological and phytocoenological analysis of species of the genus Chenopodium, widespread as a weed plant, in the composition of coenosis, and to reveal the possibilities of use based on ethnobotanical surveys among the population. Floristic, phytocoenological, ethnobotanical methods were used during the research. It was determined that 15 species of the genus in Azerbaijan flora are more widespread in the plains and mid-mountain belt, mainly in the desert, semi-desert steppe vegetation, and in cultivated areas. During the surveys conducted among the local population, it became clear that only 10 species of the genus are used, of which 5 species are used only as wild vegetables, 3 species are used only for treatment in folk medicine, and one species — Chenopodium album is used by the population both as a medicinal plant and as a vegetable plant. It has been recorded that one species (Chenopodium foliosum) of the genus is used as a dye plant.