Ethnobotanical research in Surmene district (Trabzon-Turkey, Black Sea Region)

Abstract

Traditional knowledge of plants is inter-generationally transferred. It is important to keep proper records in order to avoid the loss of the ethnobotanical heritage. This study is an ethnobotanical survey conducted in Surmene district in the Black Sea Region of Trabzon-Turkey. The study was conducted between 2018 and 2019. Plants were collected from different altitudes in the district. The required information was collected through ethnobotanical interviews with local people. Use value of species was determined and informant consensus factor was calculated for medicinal plants included in the study. In this study, eighty-two taxa belonging to 42 families were identified. Sixty-six of them are natural, while 16 of them are cultivated plants. One of the species is endemic, Anthemis melanoloma subsp. trapezuntica Grierson. Of the collected plants, 54 taxa are used for medical purposes, 31 is used for food, 17 is used for animal fodder, 16 is used as fuel, 3 is used as honey plant, 2 is used as organic fertilizers, and 16 is used for different purposes. Most of the plants used in the district belong to the families Asteraceae (11 species), Rosaceae (9 species), Lamiaceae (6 species), Poaceae (4 species), and Ericaceae (4 species). Of all the medicinal plants, Citrus sinensis, Actinidia deliciosa, Mentha x piperita, and Thymus nummularius seem are well-known to the locals, as indicated by their high UV. In conclusion, this study collected information regarding the traditional uses of plants in Surmene district and also helped to preserve the valuable information. Ethnobotanical studies are increasing the possibilities of identifying new molecules; thus, this study may serve as a basis for future pharmacological and phytochemical studies which could lead to the discovery and development of new pharmaceuticals.