Wild plants with edible underground storage organs: cultural transmission about neglected resources in Patagonia

OCHOA, JUAN; LADIO A H

BOLETíN LATINOAMERICANO Y DEL CARIBE DE PLANTAS MEDICINALES Y AROMáTICAS

SOC FITOQUIMICA LATINOAMERICANA

Lugar: Santiago de Chile; Año: 2015 vol. 14 p. 287 - 300

0717-7917

In this study we documented the knowledge and use of wild plants with edible underground organs (PEUO). We have also evaluated the cultural transmission mechanisms in two rural populations of NW Argentinean Patagonia. Thirty-four informants were interviewed about this topic and they became part of participant observation and gathering join actions. Data were analyzed by quali and quantitative approaches. In total, 6 species are known by people, but only 3 species are used at present. Gathering occurs meanwhile other rural activities, such as cattle raising, medicinal plant collection or fuelwood gathering. Edible underground organs are generally consumed raw in situ. Cultural learning about plants with edible underground organs occurs in the childhood including observation and instruction activities from adults, mainly mothers and grandmothers. Horizontal transmission in ludic contexts has also an important role. The singularity about the learning and use contexts, give a certain fragility in the continuity in the practice of use of PEUO.