Abstract Detail

Ethnobotany

Faber, Tabitha [1], Montejo, Angelita [2], Calderon, Claudia [3], Keefover-Ring, Ken [4].

Understanding ethnobotanical, chemical, and genetic diversity in the edible/medicinal/toxic plant Dysphania ambrosioides in Guatemala.

Dysphania ambrosioides (Amaranthaceae) is an aromatic, weedy herb used as a food and medicine in many cultures across the globe, especially in its native range in Latin America. Despite its importance to a vast multitude of cultures, the plant is highly understudied in regard to its chemical diversity, morphological plasticity, and genetic species boundaries. Poor understanding of the plant in these areas prevents meaningful public health interventions in areas where the plant has been associated with fatal poisonings, especially for children. Addressing these gaps in the scientific literature surrounding D. ambrosioides may be aided through collaborations with communities that have long-standing ethnobotanical ties with the plant. This presentation will discuss preliminary results from interviews with members from several different communities in rural and urban Guatemala and avenues for research uncovered through these conversations.

1 - UW Madison, Botany, 430 Lincoln Dr., Madison, WI, 53706, United States
2 - Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala, Agronomia, Campus Central , Ciudad Universitaria, Cdad. de Guatemala, 01012, Guatemala
3 - University of Wisconsin--Madison, Botany, Moore Hall, 1575 Linden Dr., Madison, WI, 53703, USA
4 - University of Wisconsin--Madison, Botany, Birge Hall, 430 Lincoln Dr, Madison, WI, 53703, USA

Keywords:
Dysphania
traditional knowledge
phytochemistry
collaboration
Guatemala
medicine
edible.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Number: ETH1006
Abstract ID:40
Candidate for Awards:Economic Botany Section best student paper