Plants and uses in Alta Floresta homegardens, Mato Grosso, Brazil

Abstract

The plants of the urban homegardens are used for multiple purposes with emphasis on food and medicinal species. The aim of the present study was to survey the plant species and their respective uses in the homegardens of two neighborhoods in Alta Floresta, Mato Grosso State and to establish the profile of the informants. In the selection of the interviewees the snowball sampling was used where the techniques of direct observation and participant were used, being the main ones involved in the maintenance of the quintals inquired about the management of the plants and the parts used for each use. A total of 99 taxa belonging to 49 botanical families were observed. The most frequent families were Lamiaceae, Fabaceae and Myrtaceae. Cocos nucifera L., Myrciaria cauliflora (Mart.) O.Berg and Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E.Br. ex P. Wilson were the species present in 50% of the homegardens. The categories of use cited by the informants were: a) afforestation; b) seasoning; c) cultivation; d) fruitful; e) medicinal and f) landscaping. More than 50% of the species is destined for food use, highlighting the food security function of the backyards. The second category with the greatest number of species was the one of medicinal use with 29 taxa belonging to 17 families, and Lamiaceae was the family with the largest number of species used. The most cited medicinal use was in the form of decoction (tea) for colds and flus.