Ethnobotanical study of the management use and commercialization of edible weeds plants in local markets, in Bogota, Colombia

Abstract

Identification of fifteen species of edible weeds (SEW) which can be considered potential food sources by the population in Bogotá, Colombia was carried out. The research was conducted through structured interviews concerning the edible plants (green vegetables) and medicinal plants in 18 markets in Bogotá. The study showed that 87 percent of SEW are sold along with medicinal plants and not sold in the same places as fruits and vegetables. On the other hand, the cultural index or relative importance of particular use (Friedman, 1986) showed that only species such as Galinsoga parviflora Cav. (guascas) and Spilanthes americana (Mutis) Hieron (guacas) are recognized as food. It means that vegetables resources with potential edible use are unexploited by the population of Bogotá.