Etnobotânica de árvores e palmeiras em três comunidades ribeirinhas do rio Jauaperi, na divisa entre Roraima e Amazonas

Abstract

This study is of the use and knowledge of trees and palms in four trails used by the inhabitants of three villages, Gaspar, Itaquera and Xixuaú, on the banks of the River Jauaperi, on the frontier between Novo Airão (Amazonas state) and Rorainópolis (Roraima state). A total of 48 independent interviews made during a guided walk with a structured questionnaire, during 50 days from July to October 2012. The questions were based on previously marked trees and palms which were shown to the interviewees, with the question “do you know this plant?”. If the reply was affirmative, the interviewee was asked for its name, and what was the utility of the plant, and which part was used. A total of 44 informants between 12 and 66 years of age participated in the interviews. The knowledge and use of 126 species of trees and 11 palms was documented, and informants were of both genders, various ages, and with different histories and experiences within the communities. This is the first structured study of local knowledge of trees and palms of communities on the River Jauaperi. Twenty six names for vegetation types were recorded. One hundred consensus names were registered. The ethnobotanical competence level of the interviewees varied from 5 to 96%. The length of previous residence provided a better explanation for competence level than age. The family Arecaceae had the highest FUV (Family Use Value). On the four trails, 94% (37 of 39) of the families and 92% (127 of 137) of the species were cited as being used by members of the three communities. Excluding the general category of fuel, 92% of the familes (36) and 89% of the species (122) were cited as being useful.