Ethnoecology and Medicinal Plants of the Highland Maya / by John Richard Stepp.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Stepp, John R., author.

Contributor:

SpringerLink (Online service)

Series:

Biomedical and Life Sciences (Springer-11642)

Ethnobiology 2365-7553

Ethnobiology, 2365-7553

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Conservation biology.

Ecology.

Plant breeding.

Plant anatomy.

Conservation Biology/Ecology.

Community & Population Ecology.

Plant Systematics/Taxonomy/Biogeography.

Plant Breeding/Biotechnology.

Plant Anatomy/Development.

Local Subjects:

Conservation Biology/Ecology.

Community & Population Ecology.

Plant Systematics/Taxonomy/Biogeography.

Plant Breeding/Biotechnology.

Plant Anatomy/Development.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (IX, 112 pages) : 74 illustrations, 66 illustrations in color.

Edition:

First edition 2018.

Contained In:

Springer eBooks

Place of Publication:

Cham : Springer International Publishing : Imprint: Springer, 2018.

System Details:

text file PDF

Summary:

Plants play a central role in human existence. Medicinal plants, in particular, have allowed for the continued survival of the human species. This book, based on over a decade of research in Southern Mexico with the Highland Maya, explores the relationship between medicinal plants, traditional ecological knowledge and the environment. The biodiversity of the region remains among the highest in the world, comprising more than 9000 plant species. Over 1600 employed for medicinal uses and knowledge for approximately 600 species is widespread. Medicinal plants play an overwhelmingly primary role in the daily health care of the Highland Maya. Three principal objectives are addressed: 1) identifying which medicinal plants are used; 2) determining the role of environmental variation on use and selection of medicinal plants; and 3) identifying which habitats are preferred for medicinal plant procurement. Findings demonstrate the overwhelming importance of human modified environments for medicinal plants. Explanations are presented from human ecology and biochemical ecology. Implications for conservation, health and the environment are discussed.

Contents:

Preface

Introduction

Identifying medicinal plants used

The role of environmental variation on use and selection

Identifying preferred habitats

Importance of human modified environments for medicinal plants

Human ecology and biochemical ecology

Implications for conservation, health, and the environment

Index.

Other Format:

Printed edition:

ISBN:

978-3-319-69315-6

9783319693156

Access Restriction:

Restricted for use by site license.