Ethnobotanical study of food plants in Sotzil village, municipality of San Juan Chamelco, Alta Verapaz

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: to identify the native and introduced food plant species in Sotzil village, municipality of San Juan Chamelco, Alta Verapaz, aimed to recognize their contribution to the community’s food and nutritional security. METHOD: the research was conducted using a mixed methods approach, applying ethnobotanical techniques such as transect walks, structured interviews, bibliographic review, and collection of plant material. The sample consisted of 34 families selected through simple random sampling from a total of 197. This methodology made it possible to gather information on the species used for food purposes, their edible parts, and forms of consumption. RESULTS: a total of 57 species were identified, of which 35 were introduced and 22 natives; 67% corresponded to herbs, 23% to trees, and 10% to shrubs. The most consumed plants were Sechium edule Jacq Sw, Solanum nigrescens Mart. & Gal, Amaranthus hybridus L., Cucurbita pepo L., Cucurbita ficifolia Bouché., Beta vulgaris var. cicla (L.) K. Koch., Dahlia imperialis Roezl ex Ortgi., Crotalaria longirostrata, Tinantia erecta. (Jacq.) Schltdl y Nasturtium officinale. The most frequently used parts were leaves, fruits, and seeds. CONCLUSION: the results highlight the relevance of traditional knowledge in the conservation and use of local plant resources. It is concluded that the diversity of food species recorded represents a viable alternative to strengthen food security through the sustainable use and appreciation of the nutritional potential of the flora present in the natural environment.