A contribution to the flora and ethnobotanical knowledge of Mount Hermon, Lebanon
2015; Volume: 25; Linguagem: Inglês
10.7320/flmedit25.013
ISSN2240-4538
AutoresNelly Apostolides Arnold, Safaa Baydoun, L. Chalak, Th. Raus, Ras El Biyada, Nahr Saida, Ras Kalb, Deir Chekka, Beit Al Qamar, Wadi Meri, Ehden Qannoubine, D Blanchei, Wild Carrot, Naher Damour,
Tópico(s)Ethnobotanical and Medicinal Plants Studies
ResumoDespite the generally recognized role of Mt Hermon as a key area of biodiversity, there is still a lack of sufficient data on the vascular flora of the Lebanese side of the mountain.To fill this gap a list of 221 phanerogams, collected during 2011-2014 at altitudes of 1100 to 2800 m, is presented including information on the eco-geographical traits of the taxa.Ethnobotanical knowledge of identified species was gathered through interviews and focus group meetings with herbalists, folk medicine healers, bee keepers and knowledgeable elderly people of the local Lebanese community.Among the 53 ascertained plant families Asteraceae (32 spp.), Lamiaceae (25 spp.), Apiaceae (17 spp.), Fabaceae (14 spp.) and Rosaceae (14 spp.) form the major shares.Among the observed 221 taxa, 24 endemics (Lebanon and Syria) are recorded and 115 taxa are for the first time detected in the mountain ecosystem.Associated with the valuable wealth of traditional ethnobotanical knowledge gathered, these findings can highlight the importance of Mt Hermon in terms of flora diversity and its valuable potential in enhancing the livelihood of local human communities.Thus, it is of significance to set the necessary approach to include the mountaine among the high priority areas considered for the national and global biodiversity conservation efforts.
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