Past and present knowledge of the medicinal species Tuberaria lignosa L. in Northeastern Portugal, Montesinho Natural Park, Deilão
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abstract
A highly prized medicinal plant widely used in Deilão, Trás-os-Montes, Portugal, (Tuberaria lignosa (Sweet.) Samp.), locally known as alcária, was selected considering that the species is much appreciated but has a restricted distribution, occurring mainly sheltered by evergreen sclerophyll shrubs. Using different approaches (ethnobotanical, ethnoecological and edaphological parameters) this presentation focuses on traditional ecological knowledge in order to report and document plant-use and to describe the species habitat and the best gathering sites.
The main results were obtained through out ethnographic methodologies (consented semi structured interviews and field expeditions) applied to key informants chosen out of the inhabitants of Deilão. The compiled data provided significant information about alcária (plant-use, local practices, soil types, distribution and management) which may be useful to understand the ecological status of the species, as well as, local uses and practices and their importance in sustainable management.
