Sustainable wild-collection of medicinal and edible plants in Lefke region of North Cyprus

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to record medicinal and edible wild plants and associated traditional knowledge in the five villages (Lefke, Yesilirmak, Gemikonagi, Yedidalga, Baglikoy) located in Lefke region of North Cyprus. Data on the target plants and relevant traditional knowledge were collected during autumn and winter of 2013 and spring of 2014. These data upon (e.g. plant harvested, local name, part of plant used and type of use) were obtained from the informants by semi-structured and structured interviews. Accordingly, a total number of 135 informants of various ages and backgrounds and with a sound traditional knowledge of the target plants were interviewed. A total of 47 species (8 medicinal, 18 edible and 21 edible-medicinal) belonging to 26 families was recorded as a result of the structured interviews. 11 of the species are cultivated in small-scale home gardens. The species are collected for a variety purposes, including traditional food (47 %), spice (16 %), pickle and/or appetizer (9 %), herbal tea (11 %), medicine (2 %), ornament (2 %), fruits and/or jam (13 %). The plant parts most widely used are young stems (36 %), leaves (33 %), fruits (14 %), flowers (5 %), aerial part (4 %), young shoots (4 %), bulbs (3 %) and roots (1 %). Major processing techniques include: boiled (24 %), raw (19 %) and spice for food flavouring (15 %). Assessment of the associated traditional knowledge shows that this knowledge has been in decline in the region due to the impact of modernization. A range of responses for the maintenance and transmission of traditional knowledge with the target plants (e.g. establishment of a database, support for small-scale cultivation in home gardens and eco-labelling of the plant material) were proposed. It is hoped that the results of this study will draw attention on the neglect of traditional knowledge in the island of Cyprus in terms of its significance for intangible cultural heritage, biodiversity conservation, sustainable rural development strategies and the vitality of traditional food systems.