Local varieties of Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntze (Pinales: Araucariaceae) in southern Brazil: A brief discussion about landscape domestication

Abstract

Araucaria is an emblematic species of Mixed Ombrophilous Forest (MOF). The pinhão (the seed of araucaria) commerce is economically important to regional groups, which influences the use and management of this species. Historically, araucaria populations were manipulated by humans, who identify local varieties, characterizing the possible domestication of the species and local landscape. Thus, the goals of this study were to identify araucaria varieties, to characterize the use and management of araucaria seeds (pinhões) in local communities surrounding São Joaquim National Park (SJNP), and to discuss human-plant interactions that are relevant to the structure of domesticated cultural landscapes. We conducted semi-structured surveys with fifteen farmer-extractors in the surrounding areas of SJNP, a federal conservation unit. Through guided tours, we set up nine 1,600 m² plots for data collection. During the surveys, four varieties were mentioned, Cajuvá, Macaco, Do cedo and Do tarde, and three varieties were identified during the guided tours (N=54). All interviewees affirmed that they directly or indirectly use pinhão, which is evidence of a landscape domestication process. Araucaria can be favored by local human populations that use and manage the resources of this species, which strengthen its conservation in a managed landscape with conservation units.