Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) of plant origin in five communities in Quilanga canton, Loja province, Ecuador

Abstract

Tropical forests are characterized by their great ecosystem diversity, biological richness and supply of ecosystem goods and services, which are essential for the subsistence of rural communities that use non-timber forest products (NTFPs). The research aims to characterize the plant species that provide NTFPs in terms of traditional and current uses in five communities in Quilanga canton. A total of 234 surveys were applied using a thirteen-question form directed to three age groups. Quantitative ethnobotanical parameters were calculated: use value, frequency of use by category and level of significant use. We report 139 species, from 130 genera and 68 families, of which 49 correspond to herbs, 46 trees, 36 shrubs, 6 lianas and 2 epiphytes. The species with the highest use value are Jacaranda sparrei and Cordia alliodora, present in seven and five use categories, respectively. The categories with the highest number of species are: human medicine and handicrafts, Piper aduncum, Cinchona officinalis, Zanthoxylum sp. are the most used. The species with the highest level of significant use were Psidium guajava and Bixa orellana. There is minimal difference in the knowledge of species between men and women, and older adults are the most knowledgeable, while young people claim to know, but no longer use. Knowledge and utilization of plant species that provide NTFPs is still common practice in the five communities studied, although there is a lack of interest among the youngest.