Ethnobotanical for Acca sellowiana (Myrtaceae): a multiple use species from Misiones, Argentina

Abstract

This study reports on the link between the inhabitants of Campo Viera, Misiones, Argentina, and the plant species Acca sellowiana (O. Berg) Burret (Myrtaceae). Following ethnobotanical methodologies were used: semi-structured interviews, direct observation, and use of visual stimuli. In addition, a preference ranking was carried out with school children from a rural school of the area where the assessed species occurs. Lastly, the Informant Diversity Value (VDI) and Use Diversity Value (VDU) indices were applied. Results reveal a strong link between the inhabitants and A. sellowiana, which does not only respond to utilitarian terms but also to the affective type. Four main use categories were distinguished: food, medicinal, fuel and ornamental, with food being the most frequently mentioned (69%) due to the in situ consumption of fruits and the use of petals to prepare sweets and desserts. School children had an impressive good knowledge of the studied species. Finally, our study allows us to conclude that the presence of the species in the area and its multiple uses make it an important resource with the potential to generate local development alternatives.