Ethnobotanical knowledge in some rural communities of northern Sicily (Palermo, Italy)

An ethnobotanical study was carried out to document the uses of wild plants among some local communities of Sicily(southern Italy). We recorded 48 taxa belonging to 45 genera included in 32 families. 30 taxa are used asmedicinal plants, 22 taxa as food and 9 for handicraft use. In comparison with other ethnobotanical studies carriedout in Sicily and other Italian territories, some uses of the plants reported by the local population in the study areaare peculiarities. The analysis of data shows that the level of traditional knowledge on use of plants in province ofPalermo is poor, highlighting a considerably advanced state of cultural erosion. The results of our investigationconfirm the deep bond that rural communities of Sicily have with plants since ancient times.