The ethnobotany of bryophytes in Mexico

Abstract

Background: Mexico has an extensive record of vascular plants that are used by humans and associated with traditional ecological knowledge (TEK). However, for non-vascular plants like bryophytes, there is no consensus on how many and which species have any TEK associated with them. Questions: How many bryophyte species are used by humans in Mexico? What TEK is associated with them? Why is it important to document ethnobotanical information on bryophytes? Studied species: Bryophytes sensu lato. Study site and dates: Mexican territory. Time span covered by the studies reviewed was from 1552 to 2020. Methods: Information in published materials, repositories, and personal fieldwork records were used to build a database on bryophyte taxa associated with some TEK in Mexico. Results: According to available data, the bryophyte flora with some associated TEK in Mexico includes 36 species belonging to 30 genera and 23 families. The main use is ceremonial, although craft, environmental, medicinal, and ornamental uses are also reported. Conclusions: This study updates the number of bryophytes used as non-forest timber resources. Ethnobotanical records for Mexico are among the highest in countries that use bryophytes in human enterprises.

Keywords

• ethnobryology
• mosses
• liverworts
• non-vascular plants
• traditional ecological knowledge