ETHNOBOTANY OF THE CONvOLvULACEAE FAMILY IN MEXICO

Abstract

The Convolvulaceae family is economically and ethnobotanically important worldwide. Mexico is considered one of the countries with the greatest richness of this group; however, information on its use remains scarce, as few studies have focused on this topic. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compile ethnobotanical information on the Convolvulaceae family in Mexico and thus provide an inventory of useful species. To achieve this, ethnobotanical studies of vascular flora in general and specialized literature on the group from different states in the country were consulted. Information from scientific articles, books, book chapters, flora fascicles, and thesis were included. As a result, twelve genera and 71 useful species of Convolvulaceae were recorded, including 14 endemic species and two introduced species. A total of 220 common names were collected, both in Spanish and in various indigenous languages. Nineteen categories of use were recognized, among which medicinal (39 species), ornamental (32 species), and forage (22 species) were the most representative. The species are used at varying levels of management, and seven of them are sold in traditional markets. Thus, this study provides the first inventory of useful species of the Convolvulaceae family in Mexico. However, ethnobotanical studies of the group should continue to gain more precise knowledge and promote their use and conservation.