Ethnobotanical and ethnoecological study of Butia catarinensis Noblick & Lorenzi: contributions to the conservation of an endangered area in southern Brazil

Leonardo Kumagai, Natalia Hanazaki
2013 Acta Botânica Brasílica  
Butia catarinensis Noblick & Lorenzi is a small palm (approximately 2 m high when full-grown) endemic to the southern coast of Brazil. Local farmers use the fruit and pulp for various purposes, and this extractive activity complements their income. Th e objective of this study was to understand the relationships between local people and B. catarinensis in its natural environment. Ethnobotanical and ethnoecological data were collected through participant observation, participatory research tools
more » ... and semi-structured interviews. Th e density of B. catarinensis was measured in two areas, each containing twelve 10 m × 20 m plots. Interviewees recognized diff erent varieties of the palm, its phenological stages, as well as potential pollinators and seed dispersers. Eighteen diff erent uses for the palm were registered and three diff erent collection practices were observed, depending on the purpose for which the fruit was used. Th e mean density in the two areas studied ranged from 38.6 to 7.9 adults per plot. Th e rate of production (per hectare) can be as high as 927 kg of fruit and 190 kg of pulp. Th e local community can contribute to the conservation of this coastal ecosystem through extractive activities of some scale, with potential environmental, economic and socio-cultural sustainability.
doi:10.1590/s0102-33062013000100002 fatcat:ngzb54njw5g7lf3peftoro3o6q