Folk Nomenclature of Quercus (Fagaceae) in the Southern valleys of Cantabria (Spain)

Abstract

A survey of the Ethnotaxonomy and Ethnonomenclature of southern Cantabria Quercus (Q- faginea subsp. faginea, Q. ilex subsp. ilex, Q. petraea, Q. pyrenaica, Q. robur) is presented. An extensive vocabulary associated with these popular species has been compiled. The analysis of this lexicón shows the richness and complexity of folk plant taxonomy and nomenclature. In total 28 vernacular ñames, which are different forms of 12 principal lexemes, have been compiled. Maps with the geographical distribution of the ñames let us delimit lingüistical áreas. An analysis of this rich lexicón is also presented. The meaning of the ñames, often polisemic, theiretymologies and geographical distribution is studied.

Keywords

• quercus
• cantabria
• ethnotaxonomy
• ethnonomenclature
• plant ñames
• vernacular names
• evergreen oak
• oak