PLANTS TRADITIONALLY USED IN THE COMMUNITY OF COCHARCAS, PROVINCE OF CHINCHEROS, APURIMAC, PERU

Abstract

Ethnobotanical studies highlight the close relationship between human groups and the plant resources in their environment. In Peru, ethnobotanical studies developed in both the Andes and the Amazon confirm the predominant role of traditional knowledge in the lives of Peruvian inhabitants. This research was carried out in the peasant community of Cocharcas, located in the Province of Chincheros, Department of Apurimac. The objectives of this work were to identify, describe, and understand the plants of greatest cultural importance to the community. The methodology employed was based on free and semi-structured interviews and ethnobotanical walks, during which botanical specimens were collected. To calculate the cultural importance of the plants, the use value index of Phillips and Gentry was used. As a result, 103 plant species were identified, grouped into 44 families and 94 genera. The taxonomic family with the highest number of reported species was Asteraceae, followed by Fabaceae and Poaceae. The identified species were grouped into nine use categories, with the Medicinal category being the most prominent, containing 52 species, followed by Human Food with 45 species, and Social with 26. The species of greatest importance to the community were Schinus molle “molle,” Escallonia resinosa “chachas,” Clinopodium brevicalyx “salja muña,” and Escallonia pendula “pampana pauca”. In conclusion, the inhabitants of Cocharcas continue to utilize and preserve traditional knowledge associated with the plant resources in their environment.