Multipurpose function of home gardens in the family subsistence

Abstract

The floristic composition, species similarity and adopted management practices of 24 home gardens in central Mexico were studied. We investigated the multifunctional role of home gardens and their species richness and focused on food and medicinal plants because they were the largest contributors to families’ needs. Data were obtained by interviewing home garden owners, walking through each home garden, and recording eld observations. The floristic composition, use, and management practices were documented. The similarity between home gardens was estimated by listing the most frequently mentioned and most important plants. A total of 189 species were recorded, which were classified into eight use types, mainly corresponding to ornamental (48 %), edible (32 %), religious (20 %), and medicinal (20 %) plants. Some species presented more than one application. The similarity between home gardens based on the most cited and important species was 40 %. In 62 % of the home gardens, > 42 % of the species were edible. Among the recorded plants, 84 % were cultivated, 7 % were enhanced, 5 % were tolerated, and 4.2 % were protected. Plants were obtained through purchase, exchange and collection and included exotic species. Plant production was performed predominantly for self-supply, but 25 % of the owners sold corn, squash, ciruela and escoba surplus. The resources provided by the home gardens met the food preferences of the families. Medicinal plants were less important, and ornamental plants represented a luxury. The importance of home gardens as areas with multiple functions, including self-supply and improvement of family life, is highlighted.

Keywords

• edible plants
• medicinal
• ornamental
• relaxation
• plant exchange.