Author's Accepted Manuscript

Ethnobotanical and phytomedical knowledge

in the North-Western Ligurian Alps
Cornara Laura, La Rocca Arianna, Terrizzano
Luca, Dente Fulvio, Mariotti Mauro Giorgio

www.elsevier.com/locate/jep

PII: S0378-8741(14)00415-2
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2014.05.046
Reference: JEP8826

To appear in: Journal of Ethnopharmacology

Received date: 28 December 2013

Revised date: 20 May 2014
Accepted date: 23 May 2014

Cite this article as: Cornara Laura, La Rocca Arianna, Terrizzano Luca, Dente
Fulvio, Mariotti Mauro Giorgio, Ethnobotanical and phytomedical knowledge
in the North-Western Ligurian Alps, Journal of Ethnopharmacology, http://dx.doi.
org/10.1016/j.jep.2014.05.046

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EthnobotanicalandphytomedicalknowledgeintheNorthWesternLigurianAlps

CornaraLaura*,LaRoccaArianna,TerrizzanoLuca,DenteFulvio,MariottiMauroGiorgio

PoloBotanicoHanbury,DISTAV,UniversityofGenova,corsoDogali1M,Genova,16136,Italy

*correspondingauthor:

Dr.LauraCornara

PoloBotanicoHanbury,DISTAV,UniversityofGenova,corsoDogali1M,16136Genova,Italy

Email:cornara@dipteris.unige.it

Fax:+390102099377

Abstract

Ethnopharmacologicalrelevance

 TheethnobotanyofEuropeanalpineregionsismuchdiversifiedandscarcelyinvestigated.Theseregions

retain a welldeveloped heritage culture and botanical traditional knowledge, favored by the isolated

montanelocation.

Aims

 Wecarriedoutastudyoftherapeuticandtraditionalusesofnativeplantsofapoorlyexploredareaof

theWesternItalianAlpsintheLigurianregion(NWItaly).Theareahasbeentheobjectofhumanactivities

sinceprehistoricages,andanobligedcrossroadforpeoplemovingacrossProvence,LiguriaandPiemonte.

Methodology

 TheinvestigationwasconductedintheupperTanarelloandArrosciaValleysbyusingsemistructured,

openinterviews.Dataweresummarizedbydifferentindexes:RelativeFrequencyofCitation(RFC),Cultural

ValueIndex(CV),EthnobotanicityIndex(EI)andInformantConsensusFactor(Fic).

Resultsanddiscussion

1


 Agroupof65informantswereinterviewed,yieldinganinventoryof199botanicaltaxafrom64families,

andatotalof2661citations.Atotalof12categoriesofusewerefound,ofwhichthemostfrequentones

were medicinal and food. In addition, 12 main medicinal subcategories were recorded. Botanicals were

mainlyusedtotreatdigestivesystem,respiratorysystem,andtheskin.Arelevantrolewasplayedbyplants

with digestive and remineralising properties. On the basis of quantitative analysis (RFC and CV indexes)

amongthe30mostrelevantplantsareincludedrareand/orprotectedspecies,suchasAchillealigustica,

Arnicamontana,Gentianaligustica,Gentianalutea,andAchilleaerbarotta.

Conclusions

 An exhaustive prospect of the ethnobotanical knowledge in NorthWestern Ligurian Alps has been

achievedthroughtherecordingofalargenumberofdata.About50%oftherecordeduseshavesurvivedin

the area. A great traditional importance is retained by species such as Artemisia absinthium, Lavandula

angustifolia and Arnica montana which were formerly cultivated and marketed for their therapeutic

virtues. A substantial role is also attributable to the tree species Pinus sp. pl., Castanea sativa and Olea

europaea that have been exploited as sources of wood/food since long ago. These plants are a natural

resourcedeservingreevaluationamonglocalagricultureandcommercialactivities.

Keywords

CulturalValueIndex(CV),ethnobotany,EthnobotanicityIndex(EI),InformantConsensusFactor(Fic),Italian

WesternAlps,plantmedicinalproperties,RelativeFrequencyofCitation(RFC),traditionalmedicine.

1.Introduction

 TheethnobotanyandethnopharmacologyofAlpineregionsinNorthernItalyareparticularlydiversified

andhavebeenapproachedinvariousstudies(Barbinietal.,1999;ChiovendaBensi,1955;CoassiniLokar

andPoldini,1988;LomagnoandLomagnoCaramiello,1977;PedrottiandBertoldi,1930;Vitalinietal.,2009

and 2013). Western Italian Alps are a particularly interesting area due to the historical isolation of the

2


communities of alpine and prealpine valleys (Mattalia et al., 2013; Pieroni and Giusti, 2009). The

extraordinary closeness between the sea and the mountains creates an exceptional biogeographical

context,includinganunusualvarietyofclimaticconditions(atleastthreeclimatezonesandsevendifferent

thermalclimates).Thisparticularcontextoriginatedanextraordinaryrichnessintermsofbiodiversitydue

tothepresenceofAlpineandMediterraneanspecies.This,togetherwiththeparticularunusualgeological

features,haveledtothenominationforUNESCOWorldHeritageSiteofthecrossborderregionbetween

MercantourParkandHanburyBotanicalGardensinCapeMortola.

 In this region, the strong attachment to land and original culture has maintained a welldeveloped

traditionalknowledge(TK)ofbotanicalmedicinesandnutraceuticals(LaRocca,2012),formingthebasisfor

a traditional medical system that has been preserved in these montane districts. Ligurian Alps are a

biogeographical region characterized by a remarkable floristic richness and a rich complex of plant

communities, including various plant endemisms that have contributed to the development of

ethnobotanicaltraditions.Moreover,thisareaisalsointerestingfromthelinguisticpointofview.Sucha

complex of features represents exploitable resources for the economy of surviving rural populations, as

relatedtothediffusionofsustainabletourismfocusedonculturalheritageandenvironmentalvalues.

 Wecarriedoutastudyoftherapeutic,culinaryandtraditionalusesofnativeplantsofupperTanarello

and Arroscia Valleys and neighboring zones, a poorly explored area of the Western Italian Alps in the

Ligurianregion.Wecollectedinformationfrom65residentpeople,andreportthetraditionalusesof199

taxadistributedamong64families.Thestudyisalsoaimedatprovidingacontributionforthepreservation

ofthenaturalandculturallandscapeofthisarea.

2.Materialsandmethods

2.1Studyarea

 The study area (Fig. 1) is located in the upper Tanarello and Arroscia Valleys and falls in the

municipalities of Cosio d'Arroscia, Mendatica, Montegrosso Pian di Latte, and partially, Triora, located in

3


theLiguriaRegion(NWItaly).Insinglecases,someinformantsofthisareahavedeclaredthegatheringof

plants(e.g.Artemisiagenipi)intheneighboringmunicipalitiesofBrigaAltaandOrmea(PiemonteRegion).

Thesampledareacoversabout86km2,ofwhich20%fallswithintheRegionalNaturalParkoftheLigurian

Alps.Anareaof64.1km2isincludedintheSCIIT1314609,IT1314610,IT1313712,whileother16.8km2are

included in the SPA (IT1314677, IT1314678, IT1313776). These surfaces are partially overlapping and

completelyincludedinanImportantPlantArea(IPAITA4).

 The Ligurian Alps are a hotspot of floristic diversity (Médail and Quézel, 1997), resulting from the

convergenceoftheMediterranean,European,andAlpinebiogeographicregions.Thealternationsofglacial

and interglacial stages, the variety of lithosols and geomorphological conditions, the heterogeneity of

microclimaticconditions,andtheactivitiesofhumansettlements,haveledtoaremarkablerichness and

complexity of flora and plant communities. In the study area, about 72 species are listed as protected

species by regional law (n. 28/09), “Repertorium of the Protected Italian Flora” and/or international

conventions(Aeschimannetal.,2004;Alloisioetal.,2010;Marsilietal.,2013;Martini,1982).Thediversity

oftaxaislarge,duetotheelevationrangingfrom452mto2199ma.s.l.(M.Saccarello,thehighestpeakin

Liguria).Thenumberofvascularplantspecieswasestimatedtobeabout1500(unpublisheddataobtained

fromthestudiesconductedwithintheEuropeanprojetALCOTRAn.016Natura2000ADM).Accordingto

Taberletetal.(2012)whoconsidertheentirerangeoftheAlps,thestudyareahasahighlevelofspecies

diversity and endemism. Different vegetation levels can be recognized (Barberis et al., 1988; Mariotti,

2008),belongingtoopenandclosedhabitats:forests,grasslands,shrublandsandshrubsandherbaceous

crops.

 According to the bioclimatic map of the Liguria Region (http://www.regione.liguria.it/opendata/dati

cartografici/item/34484biodiversitbiogeografiaebioclima.html) and the Synoptical Worldwide

BioclimaticClassificationSystem(RivasMartinezetal.,2004),theclimateofthestudyareabelongstothe

continental variant of the temperate macrobioclimate, with thermotypes from supratemperate to

cryorotemperate,andombrotypesfromsubhumidtoultrahyperhumid.

4


 Theareahasbeen theobjectof humanactivities since longago, and anobligedcrossroad forpeople

movingacrossProvence,LiguriaandPiemontethroughanextensivenetworkofoldroutes,amongwhich

the most important are “Marenca Road” and “PollenzoSea Road” (Gastaldi, 1991). These paths are still

usedduringtheperiodsoftranshumance,whentheherdsofBrigascasheep(atypicalraceoftheWestern

Alps)aretransferredalternatelybetweenthecoastandmountainpastures.

 Closednaturalhabitats cover77.6%ofthesurface,opennaturalhabitats17.8%,andsettlementsand

cultivations4.6%(Table1).ThemainplantcommunitieshavebeenstudiedbyBarberisetal.(1988)andby

Dente (2013). Woodland vegetation comprises: subalpine forests dominated by Larix decidua Mill.

(VaccinioPiceetalia Br.Bl. 1939); mesophile forests of the montane level locally dominated by Fagus

sylvaticaL.,PinussylvestrisL.,LarixdeciduaMill.,AbiesalbaMill.,Piceaabies(L.)H.Karst.,Castaneasativa

Mill., Ostrya carpinifolia Scop., Acer pseudoplatanus L. and mesophile thickets dominated by Corylus

avellana L., Alnus incana (L.) Moench, Alnus viridis (Chaix) DC. (Fagetalia sylvaticae Pawl. 1928); meso

thermophileforestsdominatedbyOstryacarpinifoliaScop,QuercuspubescensWilld.,CastaneasativaMill.

(Quercetalia pubescentis Br.Bl. 1932). Shrubby vegetation includes: subalpine shrubby formations of

Rhododendron ferrugineum L. (VaccinioPiceetalia Br.Bl. 1939); shrubby stages of the montane and

submontane levels of the Prunetalia spinosae Tuxen 1952 sometimes with elements of the Quercetalia

pubescentis Br.Bl. 1932. Herbaceous and herbaceousshrubby vegetation includes: highland grasslands,

moreorlessacidophilousandusuallygrazed,oftenwithdominantNardusstrictaL.andFestucapaniculata

(L.) Schinz & Thell. (Caricetalia curvulae Br.Bl. 1926), and locally invaded by shrubs of Rhododendron

ferrugineumL.,Alnusviridis(Chaix)DC.,Rosasp.pl.andJuniperuscommunisL.;mesoxerophilegrasslands

of the montane level, mowed or grazed, especially with Bromus erectus Huds. and/or Brachypodium

caespitosum (Host) Roem. & Schult. dominant (Brometalia erecti Br.Bl. 1936 and/or Arrhenatheretalia

elatiorisPawl.1928),locallyinvadedfromshrubsandsuffrutescentslikeRosasp.pl.,Juniperuscommunis

L., Lavandula angustifolia Mill. subsp. angustifolia, Genista cinerea (Vill.) DC. and sometimes with sparse

treesofPinussylvestrisL.andLarixdeciduaMill.Vineandolivetreeprevailamongcrops,whereascereals

5


are not much widespread. In the past, lavender cultivation was widespread, but at present, the plant is

cultivatedonlyinafewareas.

In the studied area, the population has decreased by over 82% during the last in 150 years. The

municipalities of Cosio d'Arroscia, Mendatica and Triora were classified as very deprived with high

mortality,whileMontegrossoPianLattewasclassifiedwealthyenough(CarloniandSticchi,2009).In2011,

Cosio d'Arroscia counted 158 families, about 334 houses, a density of 6 residents/km² and an average

income of 10,840 €; Mendatica counted 142 families, 848 houses, a density of 6.2 residents/km² and

12,283 € of average income; Montegrosso Pian Latte counted 75 families, 196 houses, a density of 12

residents/km²andanaverageincomeof12,190€;Trioracounted244families,1,145houses,adensityof

5.6 residents/km² and an average income of 9,438 €. Farming and forestrypastoral, especially vines and

olivesgrowingandcheeseproduction,arethemaineconomicresourceofthestudyarea.

 Fromthelinguisticpointofview,intheArrosciaValleyavariantofLigurianisspoken,buttheLigurian

Alpine area also reflects the influence of Occitan and FrancoProvençal languages. For example, in the

hamletofPiaggia(MunicipalityofBrigaAlta,ProvinceofCuneo),thebrigašcdialectisstillspoken.Because

of these peculiarities, some villages of the hinterland of Imperia and Cuneo are included in the National

Legislation(LN.482/1999)fortheprotectionofhistoricallinguisticminorities.

2.2Methodology

 Fieldwork was conducted along several time periods during 2009–2011. Prior informed consent was

obtainedverballybeforeeachinterview,followingtheISECodeofEthics(ISE,2006).Weinterviewedlocal

population by selecting experts or key informants (Martin, 2004) who have retained ethnobotanical

knowledge because of their elder age, job (farmers, shepherds, beekeepers or agritourism managers),

familytradition,orpersonalinterest.

 Wecarriedoutsemistructuredinterviews,oftenhelpedbylocalassistants.Theinterviewswerecarried

out in Italian or in the Ligurian local dialect, without the help of interpreters. To avoid risk of missing

6


information, two interviewers recorded data independently and most interviews were taperecorded.

Manyinformantsinvitedustotheirhousesorvegetablegardens,toshowtraditionalremediesandfresh

plants.Forallinformantswerecordedgender,age,professionandculturalbackground.Dataofthequoted

botanical species included: local names, used portions, processing and eventual association with other

plants,harvestingtime,recipes,current/pastuses.

 Theinformationcollectedonplantusewasorganizedincitations,eachcorrespondingtoausetypeas

describedbyaninformant.Distinctcitationsdifferfromoneanotherinatleastoneofthefollowingdata:

species, informant, category and subcategory of use (Signorini et al., 2009). For instance, two different

subcategories concerning a given plant and mentioned by an informant (or the same preparation

mentionedbytwoinformants)accountedfortwocitations.Eachcitationcoincidedwithasinglerowina

databasecompiledusingMicrosoftAccess®2007.

 Different ethnobotanical indexes were adopted (ReyesGarcía et al., 2006; Tardio and Pardode

Santayana,2008).Thelocalimportance ofeachspecieswascalculatedbyusingtheRelativeFrequencyof

Citation(RFCs):

FCs
 RFCs 
N

whereFCsisthenumberofinformantswhomentionedtheuseofthespeciesandNisthetotalnumberof

informants.Moreover,toestimatetheculturalsignificanceofeachspecies,theCulturalValueindex(CVs)

wasused:



NU s FCs uNC iN URui

 CVs u u ¦¦ 
NC N u u1 i i1 N

For this index, we took into account only the categories of use, not the subcategories, e.g. if one

informantusedaplanttotreatmorethanonediseaseinthemedicinalcategory,weconsidereditasingle

use report (Treyvaud Amiguet et al., 2005; Srithi et al., 2009). In the formula, NUs is the number of the

differentcategoriesofusereportedforthespeciess;NCisthetotalnumberofcategoriesofuse(NC=13in

7


thepresentstudy);FCsisthenumberofinformantswhomentionedtheuseofthespecies;Nisthetotal

numberofinformants(N=65inthepresentstudy);thethirdfactoroftheformulaisthetotalnumberofuse

reportsforthespeciessdividedbyN,whereURuitakesthevalue1ifthecategoryofuseuismentionedby

informanti,otherwise,ittakesthevalue0(TardioandPardodeSantayana,2008).

Toestimatetheimportanceoftheusefulplantsinthearea,weusedtheEthnobotanicityIndex(EI),i.e.

theratiobetweenthenumberofusedvascularplantspeciesandthenumber ofspeciesconstitutingthe

flora of the studied territory (Portères, 1970). In addition, to estimate use variability of the medicinal

plants, the Informant Consensus Factor (Trotter and Logan, 1986) was calculated for each medicinal

subcategory. This index was calculated as follows: number of citations in a subcategory (nur) minus the

numberoftaxausedinthesamesubcategory,dividedbythenumberofcitationsminusone(Collinsetal,

2006;Singhetal,2012).

nur  nt
 Fic 
nur  1

 Thevalueofthisfactorrangesfrom0to1.Ahighvalue(closeto1)indicatesthatrelativelyfewspecies

areusedbyalargeproportionofpeople,whilealowvalueindicatesthattheinformantsdisagreeonthe

taxatobeusedinthetreatmentwithinamedicinalsubcategory.

 PlantidentificationswerecarriedoutwiththeauxiliumofFlorad’Italia(Pignatti,1982).Thesystematic

arrangement follows the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group III classification (Angiosperm Phylogeny Group,

2009),whilethenomenclaturemostlyfollowstheChecklistoftheItalianVascularFlora(Contietal.,2005;

2007),andThePlantListwebsite(http://www.theplantlist.org/).Author’sabbreviationswereaccordingto

BrummittandPowell(1992).Inafewinstances,e.g.plantsbelongingtocriticalgroups,suchasTaraxacum

officinale,Thymusserpyllumetc.,abroadconceptofthespecies(speciesaggregate)wasused(Signoriniet

al.,2009).

 In most cases, the identity of mentioned plants was checked in the field. When needed, plants were

sampledforlaboratoryidentificationattheherbariumoftheUniversityofGenova,byfollowingpublished

keys(Pignatti,1982;Tutinetal.,1968–1980).Voucherspecimensofthecitedplantspecieswereprepared
8


and deposited at the Museo delle Erbe “In Herbis Salus”, Comune di Cosio d’Arroscia (IM),

http://www.comunecosiodiarroscia.info/site/erty/multimedia/guida_museo.pdf.

3.Resultsanddiscussion

3.1.Quantitativeethnobotanicalanalyses

 Weinterviewed65informants(25men,40women)whoseaverageage(±standarddeviation)was66.9

±13.5 years (range 38–88 years). We compiled an inventory of 199 taxa from 64 families. In all, 2661

citations were obtained for all taxa (Table 2). Traditional Knowledge of plants was unevenly distributed

amonginformants,asshownbythehollowshapeofafrequencyrankchart,wheretherankofanyspecies

correspondstothenumberofinformantsthathavementionedit(Fig.2).

 As shown in table 3, the categories of use mostly concerned medicinal applications (962 citations).

Medicinalplantsinclude105taxaamongwhichareincludedspeciesusedtopreparedigestivespirits,wild

greensconsidered“cleansing”,andaromaticplantswithstomachicproperties.

 The most mentioned families were Asteraceae (515 citations, 19% of total citations, 37 species),

followed by Lamiaceae (203, about 8%, 13), Rosaceae (163, 6%, 20) and Fabaceae (127, about 5%, 10)

(Table3).Themostfrequentlyrecordedspecies(>70citations)includeArtemisiaabsinthium,Urticadioica,

Lavandula angustifolia, Pinus sp. pl., Chenopodium bonushenricus, Castanea sativa, and Taraxacum

officinale(Table4).

 ThedegreeofknowledgeofusefulplantswasmeasuredbytheEthnobotanicityIndex,calculatedasthe

ratio between the number of the recorded useful vascular plants (198) and the estimated number of

speciesinthefloraofthearea(about1500).TheresultingvalueEI=13.2%fallsabovetherangeofvalues

(5.3710.75%)reportedinGuarreraetal.(2008)fordifferentItalianregions.Vitalinietal.(2013)reporteda

valueof6.2%foranItalianAlpinearea,calculatedonmedicinal,cosmetic,veterinary,andfoodspecies.By

consideringthesamecategoriesinourdata,avalueof11%isfound.Thesecomparisonsindicatethatthe

knowledgeofusefulplantsisstillwellconsolidatedinthestudiedarea.

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 Dataconcerningquantitativeanalysisforthe30mostrelevantandusefulspeciesintheareaareshown

intable5.Thelocalimportanceofeachspecies,wascalculatedbyusingtheRelativeFrequencyofCitation

(RFC), showing that Artemisia absinthium (RFC = 0.52) and Lavandula angustifolia (RFC = 0.49) represent

the core of the cultural ethnobotanical heritage of the investigated area. Artemisia absinthium was used

mainlyformedicinalandveterinaryscopes,asavermifugeandcleansingofthedigestivesystem.Thisplant

isknownas“bunmegu”(=gooddoctor)becauseduringthepandemic“Spanishflu”spread,since1918to

1920,itwasusedtoreduceinfectiontransmissionandtreatsymptoms.Lavandulaangustifolia,waswidely

grownintheareauntil1960.OtherplantswiththehighestRFCscores(t0.35)includeTaraxacumofficinale,

Pinus sp. pl., Arnica montana, Chenopodium bonushenricus, Equisetum sp.pl., Lapsana communis.,

Sambucus nigra, Urtica dioica and Gentiana ligustica. An important role is also attributable to ruderal

andsynanthropicspecies,suchasChenopodiumbonushenricus,Urticadioica,andMalvasylvestris,mainly

usedasfoodormedicine.

 At the opposite side, species cited only by a few informants include plants whose traditional use has

been almost completely lost, e.g. Polygala nicaeensis, Alchemilla vulgaris, Teucrium chamaedrys and

Pinguiculavulgaris.

 Aslightlydifferentrankingofspecieswasfoundbasedontheculturalvalue(CV)index(Table5).This

lattertakesintoaccountthespreadofuse(numberofinformants),butalsotheversatilityofaplant,i.e.

thediversityofitsusesandtheirimportance.Thespeciesincludedinthetoptenofthisindex,whichdonot

appear in the top ten of the RFC, are Castanea sativa, Olea europaea, Triticum aestivum, which have

representedforcenturiesstaplesofthelocalagriculturaltradition.Inadditiontotheirvalueasfood,these

specieshavebeenwidelyusedfordifferentotherpurposes(Table2).

 Itisinterestingtonotethatthe30mostrelevantplantsincluderareand/orprotectedspecies,suchas

Achillealigustica,Arnicamontana,Gentianaligustica,Gentianalutea,andAchilleaerbarotta(Table5).

3.2MedicinalPlants.

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 Medicinalplantsarethefirstusecategory,formingatotalof105species.Thisfigureisclosetoorhigher

thanthenumbersofmedicinaltaxareportedindifferentstudiesonotherareasoftheWesternAlps(see

review in Pieroni and Giusti, 2009). Medicinal plants are mainly used to treat digestive system (29.8% of

citations),respiratorysystem(11.9%),andskin(9.9%).Forthesepurposes,themostusedpartsareflower

inflorescences(about25%)andleaves(about24%).Remediesaremostlypreparedasdecoction(46.5%),

followedby“notprepared”(21.5%),andbymacerationinwater,wine,oiloralcohol(11%)(Table6).

 TheInformantConsensusFactor,calculatedforeachmedicinalsubcategory,rangedfrom0.63to0.83,

with the exclusion of the less homogeneous subcategories “General state of health” and “Other” that

showed lower values (Table 6). These data indicate that the informants tend to agree on the taxa to be

usedinthetreatmentwithinacategoryofillness.

 The most cited family of medicinal plants was Asteraceae (about 25% of citations), followed by

Lamiaceae, Pinaceae and Equisetaceae (>5%). More than 50% of citations concern cures for digestive,

respiratory, and skin problems (Table 6). Such a result is quite in line with other ethnobotanical surveys

carriedoutindifferentItalianalpineandnonalpineareas,wherethedigestivesystemisalmostinvariably

the most quoted apparatus, followed by the respiratory system and/or the skin (Signorini et al., 2009;

Vitalinietal.,2009;2013;DiNovellaetal.,2013).

 Most medicaments resulted to be administered as decoction, raw material (not prepared), macerate,

and infusion. This finding is in line with the most frequently adopted preparations of the Italian popular

medicine (Guarrera, 2006). However, the parts of the plants used, or the period of administration, are

frequentlyregulatedbyfixedoddnumbershavingamagicalconnotation.Forexample,3,5or7leavesof

Gentianaligusticaaremaceratedinwaterovernightandthepreparationisingestedinthemorningfor5

daysaspurgative.

 MostoftherecordedusesarecommoninItalyandarelistedintheItalianMedicinalFlora(Gastaldo,

1987;Guarerra,2006).AfewusesthathavenotbeenreportedbyPieroniandGiusti(2009)andbyMattiala

et al. (2013), but are known for other Italian areas, have been confirmed by study. The woundhealing

11


propertiesofPinguiculavulgariswereknownalsointheTrentinoLadiniadolomitica(PedrottiandBertoldi,

1930),Valsesia(ChiovendaBensi,1955),ValliChisoneandGermanasca(CaramielloLomagnoetal.,1984),

Garfagnana(UnciniManganelliandTomei,1996)andValvestinozones(Vitalinietal.,2009).Thedecotion

ofTeucriumchamaedrysisusedagainstdigestivediseases;inadditionitisquotedashypotensive,asalso

referredforValLerroneandBassaValleArroscia(Maccionietal.,2004),andforotherzones(Bandini,1961;

Gastaldoetal.,1979;CaramielloLomagnoetal.,1984;UnciniManganelliandTomei,1996;Pieroni,2000).

The frond decoction of Adiantum capillusveneris is quoted as diuretic and for its antiinflammatory

propertiesonthegenitalurinarytract,similarlytothewellknownuseinCentralSouthernItaly(Guarrera,

2006).TheinflorescencesofAchilleamillefoliumareusedtopreparearelaxingteaknownascamomillùn

(Fig.3a,b).Anotherplantofthisgenus,Achillealigustica,isquotedfornutritiveanddepurativepoperties,

whilemixedwithUrtica,Betavulgaris,garlicandeggsisusedforthepreparationofareinvigoratingsoup

recommended for children or men employed in strenuous work (Fig. 3c,d). The green inner bark of

Sambucus nigra, heated in oil and mixed to beeswax, is applied topically for its antiinflammatory and

cicatrizing activities. A similar use is found in other Italian regions (Camangi et al., 2003; Guarrera et al.,

2005), but in the alpine area the plant is also used to treat other dermatological problems, such as

erysipelas(PedrottiandBertoldi,1930;Guarrera,2006).

 Afewalmostexclusiveuseswerealsofoundinthestudiedarea.TherootofDipsacusfullonumisused

asdecoctionagainsttheirritationofthesciaticnerve.ThedecoctionofVerbascumthapsusleavesandthe

barksapfromFraxinusornusareappliedtosnakebites.AsimilaruseisreportedonlyforVerbascuminthe

region of Uttar Pradesh, India (Jain and Puri, 1984). Gentiana ligustica and Crocus ligusticus, which are

characteristicelements ofthelocalflora,aretypicallyusedasfebrifuge.Anotherpeculiarityseemstobe

the past use of the sclerotia of Claviceps purpurea as an abortive. The medicinal use of this fungus is

reportedinItalyonlyforSardinia(Atzei,2003).AnotherabortivethatseemspeculiartotheArrosciavalley

istheinfusionofFumariacapreolata.

12


 Inaddition,variousedibleherbsarealsoquotedfortheirbeneficialactionasdepurative,as“cleansing”

agentsforliver,intestine andblood,orfortheirdigestiveproperties(culinaryaromatic herbsandherbal

macerates).Therefore,theseplantshavebeenincludedintothemedicinalplantcategory(Table4).These

curativevirtuesofalimentaryplantsarealsoknowninotherareasofLiguria(Cornaraetal.,2009)andin

Toscana(Pieroni2000;Pieroni2001).

 In different Italian Alpine regions, liqueurs consisting of herbal macerates in alcohol are considered

traditionalmedicinalpreparations.AccordingtoPieroniandGiusti(2009),thispossiblyreflectsanancient

use of these products that shifted from medicine towards liqueurs when improved economic conditions

enabled rural communities to have at their disposal larger amounts of industrial alcohol. In the studied

area, digestive liqueurs are made using Achillea erbarotta, Artemisia genipi and Artemisia glacialis,

collected in the upper Tanarello Valley. Other liqueurs are made with Gentiana ligustica, Gentiana lutea

andVeronicaallionii.Theselatterarerarealpinespeciesprotectedbyenvironmentlaws.Anotherpopular

digestive liqueur called archebuse is made by using Tanacetum vulgare var. crispus, testifying an

overlappingwiththeFrenchtradition.

3.3Foodplants.

 Alimentaryplantsarethesecondmostimportantcategory, withatotalof921citationsconcerning105

ediblespeciesof50families(Table3).Majorusesincludethestuffingofvegetablepiesandravioli,fritters

andomelettes,flavouringplants,freshfruits,andsalads.

 The most typical use concerns the leaves of Chenopodium bonushenricus (engari, aenghi or ingri),

whicharethemainstuffingingredientofrajore,atraditionalvegetablepie, andarealsofoundinsoups,

omelettes,greentagliatelle(atypicalpasta)andboiledvegetables.Otherspecieswidelyusedasstuffing

areUrticadioica,Lapsanacommunis,andCirsiumarvense.

13


 Variouswildfruitsareeatenfreshorusedforjelly,jam,orsyrup,includingdifferentspeciesofRibes,

Rubus,andPrunus,Cerasusvulgaris,Fragariavesca,Rosacanina,Sorbuschamaemespilus,andAmelanchier

ovalis.

3.4Veterinarytreatments,animalfood,andotheruses

 Various plants are used to improve livestock growth and health. In the past, the Helleborus root was

inserted under the skin of animals (cow, pigs and sheep) for treating various ailments, similarly to other

zonesofItaly,e.g.EasternLiguria(Cornaraetal.,2009)andTuscany(UnciniManganellietal.,2001).An

interesting finding concerns the decoction of Tanacetum vulgare, called “camamilla de vacche”, that is

giventocowsforitsdigestivepropertiesandhasalsoamedicinaluseforhumansasadepurative.

 Somespeciesarewellknownfortheirpsychoactiveproperties,causingintoxicationofanimals(“make

them walk as if they were drunk”), such as Coriaria myrtifolia and Cytisus hirsutus for goats. Among the

differentcasesofhumanintoxicationbyCoriariareportedintheliterature,onewasduetotheingestionof

milkfromagoatthathadbeengrazingontheplant(Girre,2001).

 Besides medicines and food, plants are also exploited for a number of different uses, including agro

pastoral,handicraft,domestic/cosmetic,ludic,religiousandmagic/ritualuses(Table2).

 Amongtheseuses,differentkindsofwood(21treespecies)wereusedinthepastfortheproductionof

typicalartefacts,suchasdecoratedcollarsforgoatandcowbells(gambixe),madeofLaburnumalpinum.In

addition, the decoctions of different plants were used to dye wool, while the flowers of Lavandula

angustifoliaarestillusedtoperfumeclothes.

 Differentplantspeciesareknownfortheirantiparasiticandpesticideeffects,whileritualplantsinclude

anthelmintics, such as the envelope of Allium bulbs mixed with honey, which was used to treat cheek

swellingknownas“uxepilla”.

3.5Harvestingandtrading

14


 Between1920and1960largescaleharvestingwasconducted,particularlybythedistillationCompany

“ValenzoMorchio & C.ia”, who asked local coworkers to harvest different medicinal and cosmetic wild

species. Among these, there was a considerable demand for Arnica montana, Aconitum napellus, Atropa

belladonna, Colchicum autumnale, Gentiana lutea, Helleborus niger and Dryopteris filixmas, which were

sold to pharmaceutical industries for different uses. In addition, the same Company cultivated various

species to produce and market their essential oil: Lavandula angustifolia subsp. angustifolia (Lavandula

officinalisChaix,L.veraDC.),Artemisiaabsinthium,Bulgarianrose(cfr.RosaxdamascenaMill.)andThymus

sp.pl.Grapeseedandfruitbrandieswerealsoproduced.Hazelnuts(Corylusavellana)wereharvestedand

packedinbagsthatwerethentradedforpastaatthehamletofPontidiNava.

4.Conclusions

 This study has provided an exhaustive prospect of the traditional knowledge (TK) of herbal medicines

andnutraceuticalsintheNorthWesternLigurianAlps.Suchanachievementhasbeenmadepossiblebythe

recordingofalargenumberofethnobotanicaldata,whichhasallowedanindepthcharacterizationofthe

traditional knowledge of this area. The sum of data from two studies on medicinal and food uses in

neighboring areas (Mattalia et al., 2013; Pieroni and Giusti, 2009) share only a fraction of 33% of the

hereinreportedcitationsinthesecategories(Table2).

 The studied region results to be ideal for this kind of investigations, owing to the presence of well

developedheritagecultureandbotanicaltraditionalknowledge,alsofavoredbyaratherisolatedmontane

location.However,knowledgeoftraditionaluseswasunevenlydistributed,sincealargenumberofspecies

werereportedbyfewinformants,generallyofelderlyage.Atpresent,about50%oftherecordeduseshave

survivedinthearea,asalsotestifiedbytheoccurrenceofanherbalmedicinemuseuminCosiod’Arroscia

(In Herbis Salus), established in 2006 on behalf of the local Municipality. This institution is part of an

ethnologicalmusealnetworkofWesternLiguriainland.

15


 The peculiarities of the area include homemade digestive herbal macerates  made with rare alpine

plants, cleansing wild greens quoted for their depurative properties, and aromatic herbs used as

ingredientsmakingmoredigestiblemeatandwildgamerecipes.Amongwildgreens,Chenopodiumbonus

henricus has a particular relevance as the major stuffing ingredient of the typical “rajore”. A great

traditionalimportanceisalsoretainedbyspeciessuchasLavandulaangustifolia,Artemisiaabsinthium,and

Arnica montana, which up to the middle of the last century were cultivated and marketed for their

essential oil. Finally, the trees Pinus sp. pl., Castanea sativa and Olea europaea have been exploited as

sourcesofwood/foodsincelongago.Suchacomplexofplantsarestillapotentialnaturalresourceforthis

area,whichwoulddeservetobereevaluatedandrestitutedtolocalagricultureandcommercialactivities.

Acknowledgements

 The study was supported by the Ph.D. program of Botany Applied to Agriculture and Environment

(DISTAV, University of Genoa, Italy). Special thanks are due to the informants from the municipalities of

Cosio d'Arroscia,Mendatica, and Montegrosso PiandiLatte. Wearealso grateful toDr.AntonioGalante

andthe‘ProLoco’associationofCosiod’Arroscia.

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Figurelegends

Figure1.Mapofthestudyareawithinformationonlanduse.

Figure2.Frequencyrankdistributionofthementionedspecies,wheretherankofanyspeciescorresponds

tothenumberofinformantsthathavementionedit.

Figure 3. Typical medicinal and food preparations with Achillea species. Relaxing tea (camomillùn) (a),

prepared with A. millefolium (b). Traditional soup with medicinal properties (bròddu d’erba besa) (c),

preparedwithA.ligustica(d).


Table1.Environmentalfeaturesandmainplantcommunitiesofthestudyarea(Barberisetal.1988;
Mariotti,2008).
typesofhabitats sqKm %
Cliffsandbareareas 1.6 1.9
Grasslands 11.9 13.8
Coppices 30.1 33.0
Submontane,montaneandsubalpinescrubs 1.8 2.1

Submontanecoppiceswithhornbeam,mannaashand/orchestnutasdominant 8.9 10.4

Montanecoppiceswithbeechasdominant 19.4 22.6
Broadleavedforest 3.5 4.1
Submontanebroadleavedforest 1.8 2.1
Montaneforestofbeech 1.7 2.0
Mixedconiferandbroadleafforests 21.5 25.1
Coniferandbroadleafmixedforestswithbeechorscotchpineasdominant 19.6 22.9
Coniferandbroadleafforestswithlarchasdominant 1.9 2.2
Coniferforests 13.3 15.5
Larchwoods 9.5 11.1
Scotchpineforest 3.8 4.4
Cultivations 3.5 4.0
Settledareas 0.4 0.5
  
plantcommunities
Woodland SubalpineforestsdominatedbyLarixdecidua Mill.(VaccinioPiceetaliaBr.Bl.
vegetation 1939)

MesophileforestsofthemontanelevellocallydominatedbyFagussylvaticaL.,
PinussylvestrisL.,LarixdeciduaMill.,AbiesalbaMill.,Piceaabies(L.)H.Karst.,

22


 CastaneasativaMill.,Ostryacarpinifolia Scop.,Acerpseudoplatanus L.and
mesophilethicketsdominatedbyCorylusavellanaL.,Alnusincana(L.)Moench,
Alnusviridis(Chaix)DC.(FagetaliasylvaticaePawl.1928)
MesothermophileforestsdominatedbyOstryacarpinifoliaScop,Quercus
pubescensWilld.,CastaneasativaMill.(QuercetaliapubescentisBr.Bl.1932)

Shrublands SubalpinealpenroseheathswithRhododendronferrugineum L.(Vaccinio
 PiceetaliaBr.Bl.1939)
Montaneandsubmontaneshrubstages(PrunetaliaspinosaeTuxen1952,
sometimeswithelementsoftheQuercetaliapubescentisBr.Bl.1932)

Grasslandsand Highlandsgrasslands,moreorlessacidophilousandusuallygrazed,oftenwith
herbaceousshrub NardusstrictaL.,Festucapaniculata(L.)Schinz&Thell.asdominant(Caricetalia
formations curvulaeBr.Bl.1926)andlocallyinvadedbyRhododendronferrugineumL.,Alnus
 viridis(Chaix)DC.,Rosasp.pl.andJuniperuscommunisL.
Montanemesoxerophilegrasslands,mowedorgrazed,especiallywithBromus
erectusHuds.and/orBrachypodiumcaespitosum(Host)Roem.&Schult.
dominants(BrometaliaerectiBr.Bl.1936and/orArrhenatheretaliaelatioris
Pawl.1928),locallyinvadedbyshrubsanddwarfbushessuchasRosasp.pl.,
JuniperuscommunisL.,LavandulaangustifoliaMill.subsp.angustifolia,Genista
cinerea(Vill.)DC.,sometimeswithsparsetreesofPinussylvestrisL.andLarix
deciduaMill.

Crops Vineyardsandolivegrovesandassociatedcrops.

Table2(seeseparatefile) 

23




Table3.Categoriesofuseofethnobotanicalplantsandlistofmostimportantbotanicalfamilies*.
n.of n.of
Categoriesofuse citations species
Medicinal 962 105
Food 921 105
Animalfeeding 137 43
Domestic 129 35
Handicraft 120 23
Agricultural 111 28
Ludic 83 27
Veterinary 50 23
Harvestedfortrading 46 12
Cosmetic 40 10
Religious 28 15
Pastoral 21 9
Magic/Ritual 13 6
 
n.of n.of
Botanicalfamilies citations species
Asteraceae 515 37
Lamiaceae 203 13
Rosaceae 163 20
Fabaceae 127 10
Urticaceae 107 2
Amaranthaceae 105 3
Fagaceae 101 4
Poaceae 93 8
Pinaceae 91 3
Oleaceae 72 3
Gentianaceae 68 3
Adoxaceae 57 1
Boraginaceae 54 2
Ranunculaceae 51 7
*Familieswithlessthan50citationsarenotshown.


 

24


Table4.Listsofthemostcitedspeciesinabsolutetermsandineachofthemaincategories.
Mostcitedspecies Family n.of n.ofuse
  citations reports*
Artemisiaabsinthium Asteraceae 88 43
Urticadioica Urticaceae 81 51
Lavandulaangustifolia Lamiaceae 75 64
Pinussp.pl. Pinaceae 74 47
Chenopodiumbonushenricus Amaranthaceae 73 29
Castaneasativa Fagaceae 71 45
Taraxacumofficinale Asteraceae 71 35
Sambucusnigra Adoxaceae 57 34
Oleaeuropaea Olaceae 51 29
Boragoofficinalis Boraginaceae 48 19
Equisetumsp.pl. Equisetaceae 47 26
Arnicamontana Asteraceae 45 28
Malvasylvestris Malvaceae 42 23
Primulavulgaris Primulaceae 42 24
Gentianaligustica Gentianaceae 41 30
Triticumaestivum Poaceae 40 28

*UsereportsconsideredfortheCVindex,i.e.referredonlytocategories,not
tosubcategories(seeMaterialsandMethods).
,
 
Medicinal Food AnimalFeeding

Artemisiaabsinthium Chenopodiumbonushenricus Medicagosativa

Pinussp.pl. Taraxacumofficinale Onobrychisviciifolia
Equisetumsp.pl. Boragoofficinalis Trifoliumpratense
Malvasylvestris Urticadioica Centranthusruber
Arnicamontana Primulavulgaris Lactucasppl.
  
Domestic Handicraft Agricultural
Lavandulaangustifolia Castaneasativa Spartiumjunceum
Genistacinerea Corylusavellana Euphorbialathyris
Pinussp.pl. Alnusglutinosa Laburnumalpinum
Helleborusfoetidus Fraxinussppl. Salixsppl.
Parietariaofficinalis Fagussylvatica Crocusligusticus


 

25


Table5.Resultsofquantitativeanalysesforthe30mostrelevantspeciesinthearea.

Species Family Basicvalues Indices Ranking

FC NC RFC CV RFC CV
Artemisiaabsinthium Asteraceae 34 3 0.52 0.074 1 5
Lavandulaangustifolia Lamiaceae 31 6 0.49 0.201 2 1
Taraxacumofficinale Asteraceae 30 2 0.46 0.053 3 7
Pinussp.pl. Pinaceae 29 8 0.45 0.184 4 2
Arnicamontana Asteraceae 28 3 0.43 0.040 5 10
Chenopodiumbonushenricus Amaranthaceae 28 2 0.43 0.027 6 16
Equisetumsp.pl. Equisetaceae 26 1 0.40 0.011 7 28
Lapsanacommunis Asteraceae 24 2 0.37 0.023 8 19
Sambucusnigra Adoxaceae 24 3 0.37 0.041 9 9
Urticadioica Urticaceae 24 7 0.37 0.145 10 3
Gentianaligustica Gentianaceae 23 3 0.35 0.035 11 11
Castaneasativa Fagaceae 22 7 0.34 0.117 12 4
Hypericumperforatum Hypericaceae 22 2 0.34 0.017 13 24
Malvasylvestris Malvaceae 21 2 0.32 0.016 14 25
Thymusvulgaris Lamiaceae 21 3 0.32 0.022 15 20
Achillealigustica Asteraceae 20 2 0.31 0.015 16 26
Oleaeuropaea Oleaceae 20 7 0.31 0.069 17 6
Gentianalutea Gentianaceae 19 4 0.29 0.028 18 15
Primulavulgaris Primulaceae 19 4 0.29 0.031 19 12
Silenelatifolia Caryophyllaceae 19 3 0.29 0.020 20 21
Vacciniummyrtillus Ericaceae 19 3 0.29 0.023 21 18
Boragoofficinalis Boraginaceae 18 3 0.28 0.017 22 23
Clematisvitalba Ranunculaceae 18 2 0.28 0.012 23 27
Triticumaestivum Poaceae 18 5 0.28 0.043 24 8
Achilleaerbarotta Asteraceae 17 2 0.26 0.010 25 29
Betavulgaris Amaranthaceae 16 5 0.26 0.028 26 14
Laburnumalpinum Fabaceae 17 5 0.26 0.030 27 13
Parietariaofficinalis Urticaceae 17 4 0.26 0.026 28 17
Humuluslupulus Cannabaceae 16 1 0.25 0.004 29 30
Fraxinussp.pl. Oleaceae 15 4 0.23 0.019 30 22
FC Numberofinformantsmentioningthespecies
NC Numberofcategoriesofuse
RFC RelativeFrequencyofCitation
CV CulturalValueIndex
 

26


Table6.Medicinalsubcategoriesandmedicinalpreparations.
Medicinalsubcategories n.of n.of Informant 
citations species Consensus
Factor
Digestivesystem 288 49 0.83
Colds,respiratorytract 114 33 0.72

Dermatologicaffections 95 29 0.70

Ginaecol.,obstet.,puerp.troubles 81 18 0.79

Injuries 56 16 0.73

Urinarysystem 52 10 0.82

Circulatorysystem 52 20 0.63

Generalstateofhealth 51 28 0.46

Nervoussystem 48 17 0.66

Oropharyngealaffections 41 15 0.65

Muscularandskeletalsystem 36 13 0.66

Ophthalmicaffections 34 8 0.79

Other 14 9 0.38


Medicinalpreparations n.of n.of 
citations species
decoction 404 77
notprepared 187 45
macerationinwater,oil,wine,alcohol 96 18
infusion 74 29
cooked 63 33
others 22 7
distillate 17 4
poultice 6 4




 

27





Table2.

Currentl
Wester
1 2 3 4 y
Families  Species Localnames Partsused Usecategories nItalian
5 existing
Alps 
uses6
Clavicipitaceae Clavicepspurpurea(Fr.) canìggia(Me) sclerotia MED:decoctionas 
Tul. abortive
  TRADE:harvested 
andmarketed.
Fruitingbodiesof
Secalecereale
infectedbyC.
purpureausedfor
abortivedecoction
Adiantaceae Adiantumcapillus capovénere leaves MED:decoctionof  
venerisL. (Co) leavesusedas
(GE(IHS)9912001/133) diureticand
antinflammatoryof
thegenitourinary
tract;thedecoction
takenfor20
consecutivedays
helpspregnancy
Adoxaceae SambucusnigraL. sambügu(Co, flowers,bark MED:decoctionof + +
(GE(IHS)8515002/001) Me,Pi) flowersusedas
depurative,against
coldsandgingival
inflammation;
appliedasa
compresson
bloodshoteyes,used
forchildren'sbaths
againstskinredness
andforinhaling
fumesagainst
headache.Ointment
obtainedfromthe
innerofsprouts
appliedlocallyon
burnsandboils
  fruits,flowers FOOD:fruitsusedto + +
preparesyrup,jellies
andjams;flowersas
ingredientoffritters
  wholeplant AGR:used asa  +
poisonagainstmoles
Amaranthaceae AtriplexhortensisL. geùn(Co) basalleaves FOOD:ingredientsof  +
(GE(IHS)2229004/055) omelettes,soups,
vegetablepies,and
stuffingofravioli
 BetavulgarisL. géa(Me,Mo, leaves MED:appliedwarm 
(GE(IHS)2221001/056) Co) tofuruncles(ciavelli)
28


 orindecoctionfor
whitlow
  MED:depurativeand  +
digestivebroth
  FOOD:omelette, + +
stuffingofvegetable
pie,andsidedish
  A.FEED:foodfor  +
cattle
  AGR:cultivatedasa  +
vegetable
 Chenopodiumbonus a(r)ènghi basalleaves, FOOD:ingredientof + +
henricusL. (Mo,Co), shoots omelette,vegetable
(GE(IHS)2223006/057) èngari(Me, pies,ravioli,soups,
Co),ìng(r)i andgreentagliatelle;
(Pi) usedassidedish
  seeds AGR:grownin  +
kitchengardens
fromseedscollected
inthewild
Amaryllidaceae AlliumcepaL.* seùla(Co) bulb MED:bulbdirectly  +
(1049020) appliedagainstjoint
pain;poulticewith
garlicandmilk
appliedon
abscesses;freshor
boiledbulboninsect
bites,calluses,boils,
ingrownnails,and
furunclesnamed
ciavelli
  DOM:decoctionof  
outerscalesaswool
dye
 AlliumsativumL.  àiuservàigu bulb MED:eatenrawor + +
(1049075) (Co) boiledinmilkagainst
coughandcatarrh,
appliedtowounds
ascicatrizantand
antinflammatory;
vermifuge(asa
necklaceorunder
thepillow)
  MED:cookedinthe  +
brothasdepurative
andvermifuge
  FOOD:flavourin  +
stuffedpasta
  MAG:dippedin  
honeyandappliedto
cheeksagainst
dentalabscesses
(syndromenamed
uxepilla)while
repeatingthree
times"Satango
29


 away"
 Alliumschoenoprasum erbacipollina bulb FOOD:eatenrawor + +
L. (Co,Me), cooked
(GE(IHS)1049018/002) aglietti(Me)
Apiaceae AngelicasylvestrisL. angelica root MED:decoction 
(GE(IHS)6082002/003) againstcold
  wholeplant VET:decoctiongiven 
tocattlefor
tuberculosis
 ConiummaculatumL. segùa(Me) leaves MED:compress 
(GE(IHS)5970001/004) madeofcrushed
leavesagainst
rheumatism
  MED:afewleavesin  
thesoupas
depurative
 DaucuscarotaL.* carota root VET:boiledand  +
(GE(IHS)6142008) giventolambsas
astringent
  fenugéttu aerial MED:waterof  
servàigu portions macerationingested
(Mo), asdigestiveand
fenùggiu againstbadbreath
(Me),
fenùggiu
sarvàigu(Co)
  seeds FOOD:flavourfor  
candies,boiled
chestnuts,and
charcuterie
  leaves LUD:ruralsnacks 
 Foeniculumvulgare fenugéttu aerial MED:waterof  +
Mill.(GE(IHS)0012013) servàigu portions macerationingested
(Mo), asdigestiveand
fenùggiu againstbadbreath
(Me),
fenùggiu
sarvàigu(Co)
  seeds FOOD:flavourfor + +
candies,boiled
chestnutsand
charcuterie
  aerial  +
portions LUD:ruralsnacks
 Petroselinumcrispum* brunsemmu leaves MED:warmedwith  
(Mill.)Fuss(= (Co) oliveoilforotitis;
Petroselinumsativum rawleavesas
Hoffm) abortifacient
(GE(IHS)6006001)
  FOOD:flavourfor  +
raviolistuff
Araliaceae HederahelixL. lèllua(Co) leaves,fruits MED:decoction 
(GE(IHS)5855001/005) usedascollutory;
poulticeoffruits
crushedinvinegar
30


 appliedtocalluses;
fruitsconsumed
aftermenstruation
asanticonceptive
  leaves DOM:colddecoction  
usedtokeepcolorof
blackclothesafter
wash
  COSM:decoction  
usedtostainhairs
andmakethem
shine
Asteraceae Achilleacollina(Wirtg.) camamilla inflorescences MED:digestive  +
Heimerl infusion
(GE(IHS)9332029/006)
 AchilleaerbarottaAll.  camomilladi inflorescences MED:decoction  +
(GE(IHS)9332005/007) montagna usedforcompress
(Co,Me,Pi), oneyesagainst
c.deColla conjunctivitisand
Russa(Me), styes
c.millefiori
(Me)
  MED brandy; + +
digestiveinfusion
 AchillealigusticaAll. erbaamàra leaves,shoots MED:usedwith  +
(GE(IHS)9332034/008) (Mo,Me), beet,borage,garlic,
erbabésa eggsandcheeseto
(Co) preparean
energizingsoup
  FOOD:stuffingof  +
ravioreand
vegetablepies
 AchilleamillefoliumL. camomillùn inflorescences MED:relaxingtea + +
(GE(IHS)9332024/009) (Co)
 ArctiumlappaL. lapùrna(Pi) inflorescences LUD:pricklyheads  
(GE(IHS)9452002/010) thrownonclothesby
children
 Arctiumnemorosum gètte(Co), root,leaves MED:decoction  
Lej. lapasö(Me) againstthootache;
(GE(IHS)9452005/011) compressofwarm
leavesappliedto
breastagainst
asthma
  leaves DOM:smallbrooms 
tocleanoven,
namedscuàssu
  HAND:usedto  
collectwateroras
toiletpaper
  inflorescences LUD:pricklyheads  
thrownonclothesby
children
  root VET:decoctiongiven  
tocattleaspurgative
 ArnicamontanaL. arnica(Co, inflorescences MED:compressof + +
(GE(IHS)9396002/012) Me), decoctionusedas
31


 betonica medicationfor
(Mo,Me) sprainedankle,
wounds,bursts,
insectbites;warm
leavesappliedon
furunclesnamed
"ciavelli";alcoholic
oroilmacerateof
driedflowersused
forrelievingmassage
orapplicationsto
bruisesandsprains
  AGR:cultivatedor 
wildplants
harvestedand
marketed
  VET:appliedto 
sheeplegsagainst
bacterialinfections
 ArtemisiaabsinthiumL. bunmégu aerial MED:decoction + +
(GE(IHS)9358004/013) (Co,Me,Mo, portions takenas
P) hypotensive,
depurativeforliver,
vermifuge,digestive,
againstfeverand
headache,andfor
vaginalwashing;
juiceobtainedfrom
grindedleavesmixed
withsaltandlardfor
bruises;juiceas
vermifuge,
hypotensive,and
againstheadache;
distillateas
vermifuge
  FOOD:grappa + +
  VET:decoctiongiven  +
tolambsas
vermifugeand
astringent;to
enhancerumination
(rumego)incows
andasdepurative
postpartum
 Artemisia genepì inflorescences FOOD:genepì + +
genipiStechm.  liqueur
(GE(IHS)9358037/011)
 ArtemisiaglacialisL.  genepìgiallo inflorescences FOOD:liqueur + +
(GE(IHS)9358038/012)
 BellisperennisL. pratolina(Co, inflorescences MED:depurative  +
(GE(IHS)8879002/013), Me) infusion
B.sylvestrisCirillo
(GE(IHS)8879006/014)
  leaves FOOD:ingredientof  +
32


 vegetablepies
 CalendulaofficinalisL. calendula inflorescences MED:flowersmixed  +
(GE(IHS)9423002/015) ,leaves withlardusedfor
varicoseveinsand
asamoisturizing
creamforhands;
freshleavesapplied
onwoundsandto
treatcrackedand
callusedhands;
decoctionas
depurativeand
refreshing
  inflorescences FOOD:freshsalad  +
 CarlinaacanthifoliaAll. cardéla flowerbuds FOOD:eatenlikean + 
(=CarlinautzkaHacq) artichoke
(GE(IHS)9449016/016),
C.acaulisL.
(GE(IHS)9449010/017)
  aerial DOM:dried + +
portions floweringaerial
partsarehungon
theoutsidedoorto
forecastweather
 CichoriumintybusL. radìccia basalleaves FOOD:freshsalad, + +
(GE(IHS)9553001/018) sarvàiga boiledassidedish
(Me),
radicétta(Co)
 Cirsiumarvense(L.) striggiùi(Co), basalleaves, FOOD:ingredientof + +
Scop. stuggiùi shoots vegetablepies,
(GE(IHS)9462060/019) (Me),grissùi soups,orsidedish
(Co)
  leaves A.FEED:boiledand  +
giventocattle
 Inulaconyza(Griess.) arnica(Co) aerial MED:decoctionas  +
DC. portions liverdepurative,for
(GE(IHS)9061019/020) mouthwashand
againsttoothache;
oleoliteusedfor
painalleviating
massage
 LactucaserriolaL. lacciusso aerial A.FEED:foodfor  +
(GE(IHS)9596009/021), portions rabbit
L.virosaL.
(GE(IHS)9596013/022)
 LapsanacommunisL. gallinegrasse basalleaves FOOD:ingredientof + +
(GE(IHS)9555001/023) (Me),erba vegetablepies,
gianca(Mo), ravioli,soups
mulétta(Co)
  leaves A.FEED:forage  +
 Leucanthemum margheitta inflorescence LUD:flowercrown  +
adustum(W.D.J.Koch) sarvàiga(Co) andbracelet
Gremli
(GE(IHS)9341920/024),
L.vulgareLam.
33


 (GE(IHS)9341901/025)
  REL:church  +
decorations
 Matricariachamomilla camomilla inflorescence MED:ointment  +
L.*(9339901) vera(Me), appliedforpleuritis,
camomilla otitis,andmassage;
millefiori decoctionusedfor
(Me) compressagainst
conjunctivitisand
styes;infusion
againstinsomniaand
abdominalpain
  shoots FOOD:ingredientof  +
fritters
  inflorescence VET:decoctiongiven 
tolivestockagainst
dyspepsia
  COSM:decoction  +
usedtogetshineon
blondehair
 Petasiteshybridus(L.) erbadecàre wholeplant, MED:decoction  
P.Gaertn.,B.Mey.& (Co),càa(Co) seed usedforgargling
Scherb. againsttoothache;
(GE(IHS)9381002/026) seedusedforvapor
againstdentalcaries
  aerial DOM:smallbrooms  
portions tocleanoven
  leaves LUD:hats,bottles  
 Reichardiapicroides(L.) laccialébre basalleaves FOOD:salad,  +
Roth (Me), ingredientof
(GE(IHS)9599003/027) laccetta(Co) vegetablepies,side
dish
 Scorzonerasp.pl.,S. scorzonera seeds AGR:seeds 
laciniataaL. harvestedin
(GE(IHS)9581902/028), mountainpastures
S.laciniataL.subsp. inordertoplant
decumbens(Guss.) theminkitchen
Greuter gardens
(GE(IHS)9581903/029)
 SonchusoleraceusL. laciüssu(Co, leaves FOOD:ingredientof  +
(GE(IHS)9595003/030), Me,Mo) vegetablepies,
S.asper(L.)Hill ravioli,andsidedish
(GE(IHS)9595001/031)
  aerial A.FEED:foodfor  +
portions rabbit
 Tanacetumbalsamita menta leaves FOOD:ingredientof  +
L.*(=Balsamitamajor
fransése omelettes,stuffing
Desf.) (9341501) (Me),erbadi ofvegetablepies
SanPietro
(Me),erba
pé(r)a(Mo)
 Tanacetumparthenium erbama(r)ià leaves MED:digestivespirit  +
(L.)Sch.Bip. (Mo),ma(r)ià
(GE(IHS)9341811/033) (Co)
  FOOD:ingredientof  +
34


 vegetablepies
 TanacetumvulgareL. camamillade aerial MED:digestive + +
(GE(IHS)9341801/034) vacche(Me), portions infusionor
camomilla decoction;oleolite
gialla(Co), appliedtofuruncles
camumilàssu
(Me)
  shoots A:FEED:forage  +
  flowers COSM:decoction  
usedtogetshineon
blondeanddarkhair
 TanacetumvulgareL. archebüse aerial MED:digestivespirit  +
var.crispumDC.  (Co), portions
(9341801) archebüs(Pi),
belladonna
(Co),
  inflorescence VET:decoctiongiven  
tolivestockas
analgesic
 Taraxacumofficinale sciuede leaves MED:eatenboiled + +
group baggiu(Co), asdepurative
(GE(IHS)9592215/035) sanpéru
(Me),radiccia
sarvàiga
(Mo),
ingrascia
porchi(Co)
  leaves, FOOD:ingredientof + +
inflorescence omelettes,vegetable
pies,salad;syrup
madewith
inflorescences
  leaves A:FEED:forrabbits  +
 TussilagofarfaraL. fàrfu(r)a(Me, leaves MED:decoction + 
(GE(IHS)9380001/036) Co) againstinflammation
oftherespiratory
tract;hotleaves
appliedtofuruncles
  wholeplant AGR:environmental  
marker
 Urospermum ingrascia leaves FOOD:ingredientof  +
dalechampii(L.)F.W. porchi(Me) ravioliandsidedish
Schmidt
(GE(IHS)9573001/037)
Betulaceae Alnusglutinosa(L.) vèrna(Co) leaves DOM:decoction  
Gaertn. usedinwooldyeing
(GE(IHS)1888002/038)
  stem, HAND:branches 
branches usedtomake
baskets;woodfor
threadspoolsand
smokingpipes
  bark LUD:smallbaskets 
forbramblefruits
 CorylusavellanaL. linsö(r)a(Co) hazelnuts FOOD:eatenraw,  +
35


 (GE(IHS)1886001/039) dried,orusedto
stuffdriedfigs
  stem, AGR:manufactureof  
branches agriculturaltoolsand
rodstoshake
branchesand
harvestolives
  PAST:walkingsticks  
forshepherds;forms
forbutterand
cheese
  stem DOM:ashfor 
laundry
  HAND:shootsused  +
tomakebaskets;
woodusedtomake
ladles
  bark LUD:usedtomake  
basketsforcollecting
berries
  hazelnuts TRADE:harvested  +
andmarketed
(offeredinexchange
forpasta)
 Ostryacarpinifolia càrpano(Co) aerialportion A.FEED:foodfor  +
Scop. rabbits
(GE(IHS)1885001/040)
  stem DOM:woodusedto  
makecoke;ashfor
laundry
  HAND:woodusedin  
fisheryformaking
thekeelofsmall
boat(gozzo)
Boraginaceae BoragoofficinalisL. buràxe(Co), flowers MED:decoction + 
(GE(IHS)7091001/041) scùassu(Co) againstbronchial
catarrh
  basalleaves, FOOD:ingredientof + +
flowers vegetablepie,
ravioli,omelette,
fritters,soup,green
tagliatelle,andside
dish
  aerialportion DOM:broom 
"scuassu"
 PulmonariaofficinalisL. bonvìn(Mo), fruits MED:decoction  
(GE(IHS)7098002/042) polmonaria againstbronchitis
(Me)
  leaves FOOD:ingredientof  
vegetablepie,
ravioli,andsoup
Brassicaceae BrassicaoleraceaL.* còu(Co) leaves MED:appliedto  
(GE(IHS)2949004/043) bellyagainst
intestinalpain
  FOOD:ingredientof + +
vegetablepie
36


  aerialportion AGR:cultivation  +
 Capsellabursapastoris erbabagàscia leaves MED:decoctionas 
(L.)Medik. (Me),borsa hypotensive
(GE(IHS)2986001/044) delpastore
(Me)
  FOOD:ingredientof  +
vegetablepieand
sidedish
  aerialportion A.FEED:supplement  +
foodforlivestock
 Diplotaxistenuifolia(L.) rüga(Me) leaves FOOD:salad  +
DC
(GE(IHS)2946004/045)
 Nasturtiumofficinale* cresciùn(Mo, leaves MED:depurative + +
R.Br.(2965001) Co,Me) salad
Campanulaceae Campanularapunculus bunométti basalleaves FOOD:ingredientof + +
L. (Me) soup
(GE(IHS)8644019/046)
Cannabaceae CannabissativaL.* canapa stem AGR:cultivatedfor  
(1973001) hempproductionto
makelinen
  aerialportion MAG:ritualas  
antihelminthic
 HumuluslupulusL. spàrxu shoots FOOD:youngshoots + +
(GE(IHS)1972001/047) sarvàigu(Co), areboiledandused
ambutrìghi asingredientof
(Mo) vegetablepie,
omelette,soup,and
sidedish
Caprifoliaceae DipsacusfullonumL. spèrxe(Me) root MED:decoction  +
(GE(IHS)8540003/048) againstirritationof
thesciaticnerve
(sciatica)
  youngleaves FOOD:afewleaves  +
additionedto
vegetablepie
stuffing
 Centranthusruber(L.) cana(r)éza aerial A.FEED:foodfor  +
DC. portions livestock,mainly
(GE(IHS)8531001/049) goats
 ValerianaofficinalisL. valeriana root,leaves MED:rootorleaf  +
(GE(IHS)8532001/050) decoctionagainst
toothacheoras
febrifuge;root
macerateagainst
hypertension
 Valerianellalocusta(L.) sciarxéttu leaves FOOD:salad + +
Laterr. (Mo,Co,Me)
(GE(IHS)8529010/051)
Caryophyllaceae SilenelatifoliaPoir. erbaciàira fruits MED:fumigationof  
(GE(IHS)2490178/052) (Me),erba dentalcaries
gianca(Co)
  leaves MED:depurative  +
  FOOD:ingredientof  +
vegetablepie

37


 Silenevulgaris grüs,sciupèt basalleaves, FOOD:ingredientof + +
(Moench)Garcke (Pi),sonaglìn shoots vegetablepie,soup,
(GE(IHS)2490056/053) (Me),erbade omelette
scioppi(Co),
schicchi(Co),
ciocche(Co)
  fruits LUD:crushedonthe  
backofthehandto
produceatypical
sound
 Stellariamedia(L.)Vill. brùtta(Co) shoots FOOD:ingredientof  +
(GE(IHS)2429003/054) vegetablepie,
ravioli
  wholeplant AGR:commonweed 
ofcultivatedland.
Colchicaceae ColchicumautumnaleL. colchico wholeplant AGR:harvestedand 
(GE(IHS)0978014/058) marketed
Convolvulaceae ConvolvulusarvensisL. scurzöa(Co) aerial A.FEED:freshor  +
(GE(IHS)6993019/059) portions driedforagesfor
livestock
Coriariaceae CoriariamyrtifoliaL. murta(r)èxe aerial A.FEED:greatly  +
(GE(IHS)4538001/060) (Co,Me) portions appreciatedby
gouts,cancause
intoxication(animals
behaveasifthey
weredrunk)
Cornaceae CornusmasL. corniolo fruits FOOD:fruitjelly  +
(GE(IHS)6159004/061)
  stem HAND:woodusedto  
maketoolhandles,
screws,wood
mallets,targetbows
Crassulaceae SedumdasyphyllumL. risudabàgi wholeplant DOM:usedas  
(GE(IHS)3161031/062) (Me),risìn decoration
(Co,Pi)
  leaves LUD:usedfor  
“cooking”aspasta
andrice
 Umbilicusrupestris campanélla leaves FOOD:afewleaves  +
(Salisb.)Dandy (Mo) additionedto
(GE(IHS)3164004/063) vegetablepie
stuffing
Cucurbitaceae Cucurbitamaxima* succa(Co) seeds,fruit MED:seedschewed 
Duchesne(8622003) pulp asanthelmintic;a
sliceofpumpkin
appliedtothe
abdomenagainst
abdominalpain
Cupressaceae JuniperuscommunisL. zenéveru fruits MED:decoction  +
(GE(IHS)0045002/064) (Co) usedforgargling
againsttoothache;
asantisepticforthe
urinaryand
respiratorytracts
  MED:usedto + +
improvedigeribility
38


 ofmeat,andgrappa
  stem HAND:woodused  
tomakekitchen
tools
Dennstaedtiacea Pteridiumaquilinum(L.) fèrxe(Co) aerial AGR:beddingfor  +
e Kuhn portions postharvestripening
(GE(IHS)9917001/065) ofapples
  PAST:livestock  
bedding
  DOM:hanging  
bouquetsagainst
flies;usedfor
ornaments
  REL:ornamentfor  +
churches
Dioscoreaceae Dioscoreacommunis faxöservàigu shoots MED:toxicplant 
(L.)Caddick&Wilkin(= (Me),töxegu
TamuscommunisL.) (Co)
(GE(IHS)1254001/066)
Equisetaceae Equisetumsp.pl.E. àsi(Co), aerial MED:decoctionfor + +
arvenseL. asinétti(Co), portions urinarytractand
(GE(IHS)9906006/067), sega(r)ìn urogenitaldiseases,
E.telmateiaEhrh. (Me) vaginalwashing,hip
(GE(IHS)9906010/068) baths,childrenbath;
appliedascompress
againstnosebleeds
andhemorrhoids
Ericaceae Callunavulgaris(L.) brüghi(Mo, aerial DOM:smallbrooms,  
Hull(6236001) Me,Co) portions called"scuvi";
flowerarrangements
 Rhododendron burgugnùn flowers FOOD:melliferous  +
ferrugineumL. (Pi), plant.
(GE(IHS)6184003/069) brugugnùn
(Co)
  aerial VET:decoctiongiven  
portions tocowsfordiseases
ofthedigestive
system
 VacciniummyrtillusL. ampiéle(Co), fruits,leaves MED:theinfusionof  +
(GE(IHS)6216006/070) pièlle(Me), thefruitistakenfor
bugnùn(Pi) coughs,toregularize
bowelmovements,
andforsight
problems;leaves
decoctionusedas
diuretic
  fruits MED:eatenrawto  +
treatpathological
conditions
  FOOD:eatenraw; + +
syrup,jamsand
jellies;melliferous
plant
Euphorbiaceae EuphorbialathyrisL. erbagatta wholeplant AGR:usedagainst  
(GE(IHS)4498060/071) (Me),erba moles;waterof
dellatopa macerationsprayed
39


 (Mo,Co) ongrapestomake
thembitterand
avoidthefts
 MercurialisannuaL. mercu(r)ina aerial MED: infusionas  
(GE(IHS)4371001/072) (Co,Me) portions digestive
  leaves MED:oneleaf  +
additionedtosoup
toimprovedigestion
  aerial DOM:smallbrooms,  
portions called"scuàssu",to
cleanoven
  VET:abortive 
Fabaceae Bituminariabituminosa mòu(Co) aerial A.FEED:foodfor  
(L.)C.H.Stirt.(= portions livestock,mainlyfor
PsoraleabituminosaL.) rabbits
(GE(IHS)3703001/073)
 CytisushirsutusL. lecarìa(Co) aerial A.FEED:greatly  
(GE(IHS)3682005/074) portions appreciatedby
goats,cancause
intoxication(animals
behaveasifthey
weredrunk)
 Genistacinerea(Vill.) scùvi(Co), aerial DOM:broomscalled  
DC. scùve(Pi), portions "scuvi"
(GE(IHS)3675005/075) ginestra(Me)
 Laburnumalpinum arbùrn(Pi), stem,whole AGR:woodusedto  
(Mill.)Bercht.&J.Presl arbùrnio(Co) plant makesupportpoles
(GE(IHS)3678002/076) forvineyard,
woodenhandlefor
shovel;wholeplant
usedtorepelmoles
  stem PAST:woodusedto + +
maketypicalcollars
("gambixe")forgoat
andcowbells;putin
thehenhouseto
deterparasites
  DOM:goodfuel  +
wood
  HAND:woodusedin  
fishery(shipkeel),to
maketoolhandles,
targetbows
  flowers REL:floral  +
decorations
(infiorate)toadorn
thefrontofthe
churchandthe
streetsatthe
solemnityofCorpus
Domini
 LathyruslatifoliusL. scarpetteda aerial A.FEED:forage + +
(GE(IHS)3854033/077) Madonna portions
(Co)
  flowers LUD:crownsmade 
40


 bychildren
  REL:floral  
decorations
(infiorate)forthe
solemnityofCorpus
Dominiandforthe
worshippingofMary
 MedicagosativaL. erbamedica aerial A.FEED:freshand  +
(GE(IHS)3688005/078) portions driedforage,mainly
forcattle
 Onobrychisviciifolia sanfèn(Co) aerial A.FEED:forage, + +
Scop. portions mainlyforgoats
(GE(IHS)3780021/079)
 RobiniapseudoacaciaL. acacia inflorescences FOOD:fritters,jelly, + +
(GE(IHS)3733001/080) syrup,andhoney
  aerial A.FEED:foodfor  +
portions rabbits
  inflorescences REL:floral  +
decorationsforthe
solemnityofCorpus
Domini
 Spartiumjunceum ginestra wholeplant AGR:maceratedin  +
L.(GE(IHS)3674001/081 watertobespread
) oncultivations
againstaphids;plant
ties
  flowers REL:floral  +
decorationsforthe
solemnityofCorpus
Domini
 TrifoliumpratenseL. trifoglio, leaves, FOOD:salad  +
(GE(IHS)3690063/082) sciuada flowers
madonna
(Co)
  aerial A.FEED:forage  +
portions
  flowers LUD:female  
ornaments,
necklaces,bracelets
Fagaceae CastaneasativaMill. castagno fruits,flowers FOOD:boiledinmilk, + +
(GE(IHS)1891001/083) dried;chestnut
honey;flour
  leaves,fruits A.FEED:foodfor  +
goatsandcattle
  stem AGR:sproutsusedto  +
makesupportpoles
forvineyard;hollow
stumpsusedashive;
leafybranchesused
asprotectionfor
haystackbases
  stem, PAST:walkingsticks  
branches forshepherds
  stem,fruits DOM:ashusedas  
laundrybleach;
bunchofbranches
41


 usedasflyswatter;
chestnutpeelused
asfireproofmaterial
  stem,bark HAND:sproutsused  +
forbasketry,tool
handles;barkused
tomakegutters;
woodusedtomake
tilesforroof
covering,furniture,
barrels,shipbuilding
  leaves LUD:huts,small 
skirts,smallcrowns,
basketsforchildren
 FagussylvaticaL. fòu(Co) stem AGR:woodusedto 
(GE(IHS)1890001/084) maketoolhandles
andracksfor
chestnutdrying
  PAST:mule  
packsaddle
  DOM:coal;ashfor  
laundry
  HAND:shipbuilding  
  bark LUD:smallbaskets  
forberries
 Quercuspetraea rùve(Co) fruits FOOD:substituteof  
(Matt.)Liebl. coffee
(GE(IHS)1893012/032),
Q.pubescensWilld.
(GE(IHS)1893023/085)
  fruit A.FEED:foodforpigs 
  galls PAST:leather  
tanning
  stem DOM:ashusedas  
laundrybleach
  HAND:woodusedto  
makebeams,
barrels,andin
shipbuilding
Gentianaceae Centauriumerythraea piantau(r)a wholeplant MED:febrifuge  
Rafn (Me) decoction
(GE(IHS)6496002/086)
 GentianaligusticaR. genzianella flowers MED:decoctionor  +
Vilm.&Chop. (Co,Me,Mo, waterofmaceration
(GE(IHS)6509017/087) Pi) asfebrifuge,
digestiveand
purgative,blood
depurative,against
hypertensionand
hypercholesterolemi
a
  flowers,root MED:digestive  +
liqueur
  root VET:decoctiongiven  
tocattleagainst

42


 hypertension
 GentianaluteaL. genziana(Co) root MED:decoction + +
(GE(IHS)6509001/088) against
hypertension;water
ofmacerationas
digestive
  FOOD:liqueur + +
  VET:decoctiongiven  
tocattleagainst
hypertension
  TRADE:harvestedin  
thewild,dried,and
marketedto
pharmaceuticalfirms
Grossulariaceae RibespetraeumWulfenribesbianco fruits FOOD:eatenfreshor  +
(GE(IHS)3249004/089) (Co) jam
 RibesrubrumL. ughétta(Co), fruits FOOD:eatenfreshor  +
(GE(IHS)3249002/090) ribesrosso jam
(Pi)
 RibesuvacrispaL. uvaspina(Pi, fruits FOOD:eatenfreshor  +
(GE(IHS)3249006/091) Co) jam
Hypericaceae Hypericumperforatum erba flowers MED:oilusedfor + +
L. impé(r)o massage,against
(GE(IHS)5168054/092) (Me),erbadi pain,onwoundsand
SanGiovanni ulcers;decoction
(Me,Co), usedasblood
arnica(Co) depurative;
decoctionor
macerateas
compressorbathfor
painsandinsect
stings
  aerial MAG:hanging  +
portions bouquetson
homedoorsas
talismans
Iridaceae Crocusligusticus safràn(Me, flowers, MED:febrifuge,  
Mariotti Co),sciùrada stamina remedyfor
(GE(IHS)1259035/093) néxe(Mo) cardiovascular
disorders
  flower AGR:ecological  
indicator
(particularlyfor
wheatseedtime)
Juglandaceae JuglansregiaL. nùxe(Me, leaves MED:decoction + 
(GE(IHS)1881001/094) Co) usedforhipbaths
againsturinary
diseaseand
inflammation;kernel
toastedonember
appliedtocaries;
internalcoatingof
shoesagainstfoot
blisters
  seeds FOOD:eatendried  +
43


 withbreadorstuffed
infigs("torrone")
  fruits DOM:decoction  
usedaswooldye
  stem HAND:woodusedto  
makefurniture,
screwsandtool
handles
  unripenfruit, COSM:decoctionas  
leaves reflexantforblack
hairs,tomakethem
shineandprevent
baldness
Lamiaceae Lavandulaangustifolia steccadò inflorescences MED:decoction  +
Mill. (Me),cadò usedforgargling
(GE(IHS)7235004/095) (Co) againstasthmaand
steaminhalationfor
cold;oilusedfor
massageagainst
muscularpain;
alcoholicmacerate
appliedtoforehead
againstheadache
  FOOD:flavoringof + +
syrup,jelly,biscuits,
fritters
  DOM:inflorescences  +
anddistilledoilused
toperfumeclothes
andagainstmoths,
herbwaterusedas
roomdisinfectant
  TRADE:cultivated  
andmarketed
  COSM:distilledoil  
usedasperfume
  MAG:decorations  +
fortraditional
festivities
 MelissaofficinalisL. melissa leaves,aerial MED:decoction  +
(GE(IHS)7304001/096) portions againstdyspepsia
andasdepurative;
appliedtowounds
 Menthasp.pl. menta aerial MED:decoction + +
portions digestiveand
relaxant
  FOOD:flavoringof + +
potatoravioliand
vegetablepies;
fritters
 OriganummajoranaL.* pèrsia(Co) aerial FOOD:flavoringof  +
(7315005) portions vegetablepiesand
soups
 OriganumvulgareL. cornabùggia aerial MED:decoction  
(GE(IHS)7315003/097) (Co) portions againstcoldand
usedforgargling
44


 againstasthma
  FOOD:flavoringof + +
meat,sauces,
vegetablepies
 Rosmarinusofficinalis rusma(r)ìn leaves MED:decoction  
L.*(7219001) (Co) usedagainstcough
andtoimprove
bloodcirculation
  aerial FOOD:flavoringof  +
portions olivesinbrine
(salamoia)
 SalviaofficinalisL.* sarvia(Co) leaves MED:decoction  +
(7290001) usedagainst
stomachand
toothache;usedfor
coughandheadache
togetherwithother
aromaticherbs
  FOOD:flavoringof  +
olivesinbrine;
ingredientoffritters
andvegetablepie
  COSM:teeth  
cleaning
 SaturejamontanaL. erbadel aerial FOOD:flavoringfor + +
(GE(IHS)7305005/098) coniglio(Me), portions meat
timoservèigu
(Pi),per(r)isö
(Co)
 Stachysofficinalis(L.) betonica flowers MED:oilyextract  
Trevis. appliedtowounds
(GE(IHS)7281003/099)
  VET:oilyextract  
appliedtothesores
ofpackanimals
 StachysrectaL. erbada aerial MED:decoction  
(GE(IHS)7281026/100) madonna portions usedasdepurative
(Me)
  flowers LUD:usedas 
candies;female
games
 Teucriumchamaedrys calamandrina leaves MED:decoction  +
L. , usedashypotensive
(GE(IHS)7212019/101) caramandrin andforabdominal
a(Co) pain
 Thymusserpyllum peverina aerial FOOD:flavoringof + +
group (Me),erba portions meat,mainlyrabbit
peverétta
(Mo),pervisö
(Co)
 ThymusvulgarisL. tùmma(r)u aerial MED:decoction  +
(GE(IHS)7319019/102) (Mo,Co) portions usedtoalleviate
couch;steam
inhalationagainst
cold

45


  FOOD:flavoringof  +
olivesinbrine,meat
(mainlyrabbit),and
variousdishes
  wholeplant TRADE:cultivated  
andmarketed
Lauraceae LaurusnobilisL. oufòiù(Co) leaves MED:decoction  +
(GE(IHS)2823001/103) usedasdigestive
  FOOD:flavoringof  +
olivesinbrine,dried
figs,condiments
  aerial MAG:smallcrown 
portions hungonoutside
dooraswelcome
decoration
Lentibulariaceae PinguiculavulgarisL. föied'öriu leaves MED:appliedto 
(GE(IHS)7898012/104) (Me) woundspromotes
cicatrization
Liliaceae LiliumbulbiferumL. gigliodiSan flowers REL:ornamentfor  
(GE(IHS)1072003/105) Pietro churches
Linaceae LinumusitatissimumL.* lino seeds MED:decoction + 
(3945024) usedtotreat
ailmentsofthe
digestivesystem;
crushedseedsused
aswarmpoultice
againstbronchitis
andskinrednessin
children
  aerial A.FEED:cultivatedas + 
portions foragecrop
Malvaceae MalvasylvestrisL. valma(Co), leaves MED:decoction + +
(GE(IHS)4992008/106) varma(Co) againsttoothache,
mouthandgut
inflammation;
mouthwashagainst
gingivitis;chewed
againsttoothache;
hipbathsand
children'sbaths
againstskinredness
  FOOD:ingredientof + +
vegetablepiesand
soups
 TiliaplatyphyllosScop. tiglio flowers MED:decoction + +
(GE(IHS)4964003/107) againstcatarrh,
cough,cold,andasa
febrifuge;steam
inhalationagainst
cough
  FOOD:honeyplant  +
Melanthiaceae Veratrumlobelianum varàvr(Pi), root MED:hypotensive  
Bernh. ebano(Co),
(GE(IHS)0960002/108) garàva(r)u
(=V.albumL.ssp. (Me)

46


 lobelianum(Bernh.)
Arcang)
  root VET:decoctionused + 
inantiparasiticbaths
forlivestock
  root COSM:decoction + 
usedtowashhairs
andagainstlice
  wholeplant MED:poisonous  
Moraceae FicuscaricaL. scùassu(Co) latex MED:appliedto  +
(GE(IHS)1961001/109) callusesandworts
  fruits FOOD:eatenfresh  +
anddried
  leaves, DOM:fruitsstored  +
branches wrappedinleaves;
broomsmadewith
leafybranches
  stem HAND:usedfortool  
handlesandpipes
Myrtaceae Eucalyptusglobulus eucalipto leaves,fruits MED:steam  +
Labill.*(5598009) inhalation
  flowers FOOD:honey  +
Oleaceae FraxinusornusL. frascia(Me), bark MED:barkdecoction 
(GE(IHS)6420001/110), frasciu(Co) usedasblood
FraxinusexcelsiorL. purifier;barksap
(GE(IHS)6420003/111) appliedtoviperbites
  flowers AGR:ecological  
indicator
  stem HAND:woodused  
tomakesnowskis,
toolhandles,and
boats
  bark,leaves VET:barkinfusion  
giventolivestockas
tonic;macerateof
leavesandbark
giventopoultry
againstmouth
infectioncalled
"peria"
 OleaeuropaeaL.* urìu(Co) leaves,oil MED:decotionor  
(6434002) waterofmaceration
ashypotensive;
tablespoonofoilas
liverdepurative;ear
dropsforotitis;fresh
leaveschewed
againstappendicitis;
ointmentappliedto
calluses,burns,and
skinrednessin
children
  fruits FOOD:olivesinbrine  +
  oil DOM:soap  +

47


  HAND:oillampfuel  
  VET:oilmixedwith 
milkgiventocows
andgoatsas
purgative
  COSM:compressfor  +
hairstrengthening;
creamforhands
  aerial REL:branches  +
portions blessedonPalm
Sunday
Orobanchaceae Rhinanthusovifugus spìedusegnù aerial A.FEED:forage  
Chabert (Co) portions
(GE(IHS)7647019/112)
  REL:church  +
decorations
Papaveraceae FumariacapreolataL. fumàa(Co), aerial MED:highdensity  
(GE(IHS)2861009/113) cantagalétti portions infusionasabortive
(Mo)
  leaves FOOD:ingredientof  +
vegetablepie
  aerial AGR:commonweed  
portions ofcultivatedland
 PapaverrhoeasL. papavero basalleaves FOOD:ingredientof + +
(GE(IHS)2853002/114) saladsandvegetable
pies
  flowers LUD:flowerbuds 
usedbychildrento
makelittledolls
 ChelidoniummajusL. erbadapurìn latex MED:appliedto + +
(GE(IHS)2845001/115) (Co), wortsandcalluses
teùscegu
(Mo)
Pinaceae AbiesalbaMiller avéu(Co) shoots MED:decoctionfor  +
(GE(IHS)0029006/116) bronchitisand
pneumonia
  cones DOM:driedcones  
usedtolightupthe
fireplace
  stem HAND:woodusedas  
buildingmaterial
  resin TRADE:harvested  
andmarketed
  wholeplant, REL:Christmastree  +
branches
 LarixdeciduaMill. làrxu(Mo), resin,cones MED:youngcones + +
(GE(IHS)0024002/117) làrsu(Me) usedtoprepare
coughsyrup;resin
compressusedas
expectorant,to
removethornsfrom
skin,andappliedto
boils;resinroasted
onemberforsteam
inhalationagainst

48


 catarrh
  stem HAND:woodusedto  
makebeamsand
tools
 Pinussp.pl.,P.nigraJ.F. pìn cones,shoots, MED:greencones  +
Arnold resin andshootsusedto
(GE(IHS)0022006/117), makesyrupor
P.sylvestrisL. decoctionagainst
(GE(IHS)0022007/118) coughandsore
throat;resinusedfor
steaminhalation
againstbronchitis,
andappliedtoskin
toremovethorns
  cones FOOD:distilledto  +
makegrappa
  branches A.FEED:foodfor 
rabbits
  stem,cones DOM:resinous  
branchesusedto
maketorches;wood
anddriedcones
usedasfuel
  stem HAND:woodusedto  
maketools
  resin LUD:boiledresin  
usedbychildrenas
glue
  TRADE:harvested  
andmarketed
  wholeplant REL:Christmastree  +
Plantaginaceae DigitalispurpureaL.* digitale wholeplant TRADE:cultivated 
(7593002) andmarketed
 PlantagolanceolataL. pèid'àse leaves MED:theleafjuiceis + +
(GE(IHS)8116020/119), (Me), usedascicatrizant
P.majorL. cinquenervi andtotreat
(GE(IHS)8116001/120) (Co),föieda hematomas;leaves
tàiu(Co) roastedappliedto
boils;decoctionused
totreatsoreeyes
  inflorescences A.FEED:leavesgiven  +
,leaves torabbitasfood,
inflorescencesgiven
tobirds
  leaves LUD:thrownby  
childrenasajoke
 VeronicaallioniiVill. tède aerial FOOD:tea + +
(GE(IHS)7579028/121) Sant'Antognì portions
n(Me),tèdi
montagna
(Pi),tè
sarvàigu(Co)
  wholeplant TRADE:harvested + 
andmarketed
 VeronicachamaedrysL. veronica leaves, MED:decoctionas  +
49


 (GE(IHS)7579030/122) flowers hypotensiveand
digestive
Poaceae AvenafatuaL. avenassu aerial A.FEED:freshand  +
(GE(IHS)0273010/123), (Co) portions driedforage
A.barbataPottexLink
(GE(IHS)273004/124)
  fruits LUD:spikelets  
thrownatplaymates
tomakethemstick
toclothes
 AvenasativaL.* avena seeds MED:flourcompress  
(GE(IHS)0273011) domestica againstcatarrh
(Co)
  FOOD:flour; 
substituteofcoffee
  aerial A.FEED:foodfor + +
portions cowsandhens
  wholeplant AGR:cultivatedat  
alpinepastures
  aerial PAST:litterfor  
portions livestock
  DOM:usedtomake  
strawmattresses
andtorches(tecci)
forhuts(baita)
 Cynodondactylon(L.) gramigna root MED:decoctionas + 
Pers. diureticand
(GE(IHS)0282001/125) depurativeof
intestine
  leaves VET:eatenby  
livestockasvomiting
agent
 HordeumvulgareL. orzo seeds FOOD:substituteof  
(GE(IHS)410003/126) coffee
  A.FEED:foodfor  
cows
  wholeplant TRADE:cultivated + 
andmarketed
 SecalecerealeL.* sega(Co), seeds,spikes MED:poulticewith 
(0407003) canìggia(Me) albumenappliedto
abscesses;
decoctionas
depurativeof
intestine.Plants
infectedbytheergot
ascomycete
Clavicepspurpurea
usedtocollect
fruitingbodies,the
decoctionofwhichis
abortive
  seeds FOOD:flourusedfor + 
bakery;substituteof
coffee
 TriticumaestivumL.* gràn(Co) seeds MED:compress  
(0408008) appliedtoboils;
50


 decoctionappliedto
thereddenedskinof
children
  FOOD:flourusedfor  +
bakery
  A.FEED:foodfor  
livestockandpoultry
  wholeplant AGR:cultivatedat  
alpinepastures
  aerial PAST:livestock  
portions bedding
 ZeamaysL.*(0102001) granoturco seeds MED:diuretic 
decoction
  husks HAND:usedtofill 
mattresses
  leaves LUD:usedtomake 
dolls
  seeds FOOD:flourfor + +
“polenta”
Polygalaceae Polygalanicaeensis polìgala leaves MED:decoction  
W.D.J.Koch againstbronchitis
(GE(IHS)4273021/127) andfever
Polygonaceae RumexacetosaL. agrétte(Me), leaves, MED:chewed  
(GE(IHS)2195014/128), lapassùn inflorescence againststomatitis
R.crispusL. (Co),rìmixe
(GE(IHS)2195036/129) (Me)
  leaves FOOD:usedas  
wrappingfoilforthe
storageofbutter
  PAST:usedasbutter  
wrappingfoil;
grindedleaves
rubbedonthe
beehivetoattract
swarmingbees
  LUD:ruralsnacks + 
Polypodiaceae Polypodiumcambricum racanissu root LUD:ruralsnacks  
L.(GE(IHS)9939001/130 (Co,Me,Mo)
),PolypodiumvulgareL.
(GE(IHS)9939002/131)
Primulaceae PrimulavulgarisHuds. pampippu flowers, MED:ingredientof  +
(GE(IHS)6315001/132) (Co), leaves soup,anti
pamparàu hypecholesterolemic
(Mo),
pancüccu
(Me)
  FOOD:ingredientof + +
fritters,omelettes,
andvegetablepies;
salads
  flowers DOM:decoction  
usedaswooldye
  LUD:ruralsnacks;  
childrenblow
flowers

51


Ranunculaceae AconitumnapellusL. aconito wholeplant AGR:cultivatedand  
emend.Skalický marketed
(GE(IHS)2540011/134)
 ClematisvitalbaL. viàrbura(Co, shoots FOOD:ingredientof + +
(GE(IHS)2542002/135) Me),vièrbura omelettes,fritters,
(Mo) vegetablepie,
ravioli,andsidedish
  A.FEED:foodfor  +
livestock,mainly
goats
 HelleborusfoetidusL. erbadraguna aerial MED:thesap  
(GE(IHS)2527001/136) (Co),scuàssu portions obtainedbygrinding
(Co,Me), theplantingested
lusèrciuo againstviperbites
liserciu(Co),
scumpìscia
còuocài
(Me)
  aerial DOM:smallbrooms  
portions, tocleanoven
flowers (scuàssu);flowers
usedfordecorations
  roots VET:decoctiongiven  
tocalvesas
astringent;dried
rootinserted
subcutaneouslyin
pigsandcowsfor
thetreatmentof
variousailments;
decoctionusedfor
thedisinfectionof
mammaryglands
 HelleborusviridisL. rosadinatale roots VET:subcutaneous  
(GE(IHS)2527005/137) (Co),erba insertionunderthe
dragùna(Me) tailofsheepsto
treatfever
  aerial REL:stainedofredat  
portions, Christmas
flowers
 RanunculusacrisL. cucùlli aerial A.FEED:foodfor 
(GE(IHS)2546008/138), sarvaìghi(Co) portions livestock
R.bulbosusL.
(GE(IHS)2546031/139)
  flowers REL:church  
decorations

 TrolliuseuropaeusL. cucculli aerial A.FEED:forage  +

(GE(IHS)2525001/140) domesteghi portions
(Co)
  flowers REL:church  
decorations
Rosaceae AgrimoniaeupatoriaL. tèdeSan flowers MED:infusionas  
(GE(IHS)3376002/141) Bernardìn antiinflammatory
(Me),erbada forthe

52


 Madonna gastrointestinaltract
(Me),
cremina(Me)
 Alchemillavulgaris n.d. leaves MED:antidiarrhoeal  
group agent
 Amelanchierovalis ruccalìn fruits FOOD:eatenraw  
Medik.
(GE(IHS)3343001/142)
  aerial DOM:broomused  
portions forcleaning
farmyards
 Aruncusdioicus sciùadesan shoots FOOD:eatenas 
(Walter)Fernald Giovanni asparagus,for
(GE(IHS)3322001/143) (Me), omelettesandin
asparagodi vegetablepie
montagna stuffing
(Co)
 CerasusvulgarisMill.* amarena fruits FOOD:syrup  +
(3396015)
 Crataegusmonogyna bòssaru(Pi) flowers MED:decoctionfor + +
Jacq. cardiovascular
(GE(IHS)3345914/144) disease,andas
depurativeof
intestine
 FragariavescaL. mi(r)ellu fruits FOOD:eatenraw, + +
(GE(IHS)3354001/145) servàigu(Me, usedforjamsand
Co) cakedecorations
 Malusdomestica melo MED: decoction  +
(Borkh.)Borkh.* againstcoldsand
(3338806) bronchitis
  FOOD:freshfruit  +
  A.FEED:eatenby 
cows
  stem HAND:woodusedto  
makeaparticular
tool("massa")for
cleaningchestnuts,
andhammerheads
 PrunusaviumL.* ce(r)éxa(Me, fruits MED:pedicel  +
(3396014) Co) (pedicels) decoctionagainst
infectionsofthe
urinarytract,
hypertension,andas
febrifuge
  fruits FOOD:eatenfresh + +
andassyrup
 PrunusdomesticaL.* prugna fruits MED:decoction  +
(3396010) ingestedagainst
cough
  FOOD:eatenfresh + +
 Prunuspersica(L.) pèrscegu(Co) fruits FOOD:eatenfresh  +
Batsch*(3396001)
  TRADE:cultivated 
andmarketed
 PrunusspinosaL. bòssa(r)u fruits MED: decoction  
53


 (GE(IHS)3396008/146) (Co),bòssu ingestedas
(Pi) astringent;applied
tohealtraumas
  FOOD:eatenfreshat  +
ripening;usedto
makesyrup,jam,
andspirit
  stem DOM:usedtomake  
forks
 PyruscommunisL.* pero fruits FOOD:eatenfresh  +
(3338013)
  stem HAND:usedtomake 
tools
 RosacaninaL. rosacanina flowers,fruits MED:petal  +
(GE(IHS)3389018/147) decoctionagainst
cold;fruitalcoholic
macerateusedfor
massagesagainst
muscleandbone
pain
  FOOD:petalsand + +
fruitsusedtomake
jellyandjam;fruit
eatenfreshandused
tomakespirit
  fruits LUD:usedtomake  
necklaces
  REL:floral  +
decorationsusedto
adornthestreetsat
thesolemnityof
CorpusDomini.
 Rosaxdamascena  rosa petals FOOD:refreshing  +
damascena drink
  wholeplant TRADE:cultivated  
andmarketed
 RubusidaeusL. émpre(Pi), flowers,fruits FOOD:fruitseaten + +
(GE(IHS)3353007/148) ampiài(Co) freshandusedto
makesyrupandjam;
honeyplant
 RubusulmifoliusSchott ruèu(Mo), shoots, FOOD:shoots  +
(GE(IHS)3353114/149) ruvéu(Co), flowers,fruits ingredientof
amù(r)e(Pi) vegetablepiesand
ravioli;fruitseaten
fresh;honeyplant
  shoots A.FEED:foodfor  +
goatsandcattle
  VET:decoctiongiven  
tocattleas
antidiarrhoic
 SorbusaucupariaL. sorbo fruits A.FEED:foodfor + 
(GE(IHS)3338902/150) birds
 Sorbuschamaemespilus pèrvene(Pi), fruits FOOD:eatenfresh  +
(L.)Crantz péve(r)o(Co) andasjam
(GE(IHS)3338904/151)

54


  stem AGR:supportfor  
graftsofappletree
andloquat
 SorbusdomesticaL. sorbo stem HAND:woodusedto  
(GE(IHS)3338901/152) makescrews
Rubiaceae GaliumaparineL. battilèngua wholeplant AGR:invasivepest  
(GE(IHS)8486132/153) (Co) plant
Rutaceae Citruslimon(L.)Burm. limone fruits MED:decoction  
f.*(4100002) againstdyspepsia;
mixtureofjuice,
vinegarandsaltfor
garglingagainst
throatache
  COSM:emulsionof 
juiceandoliveoilas
emollientforhands
andcalluses
 RutachalepensisL. ruta aerial MED:concentrated  
(GE(IHS)4012003/154) portions infusioningestedas
abortive
  leaves FOOD:flavourfor  
olivebrine
  leaves DOM:putinlinen  
closetstowardoff
themoths
Salicaceae SalixcapreaL. sgùra(Mo), aerial A.FEED:foodfor  +
(GE(IHS)1873042/155) argùra(Co) portions rabbit
  stem AGR:youngshoots  
usedasties;wood
usedtomaketools
forwheathulling
andoliveharvesting
  stem LUD:usedtomake  
littlebaskets
 SalixfragilisL. sciàrxu(Co), leaves,bark MED:decoctionof  
(GE(IHS)1873002/156) sàrxu, innerbarkagainst
légu(r)a(Mo) gout,leafinfusionas
anticonceptive
  shoots AGR:ties  +
  stem HAND:toolhandles  
  shoots VET:putinthe  
mouthofcowsto
inducevomit
Scrophulariaceae VerbascumthapsusL. leventùn leaves MED:appliedto 
(GE(IHS)7460034/157) (Me,Co) insectbites,
commonnettle
stings,wounds,and
viperbites;
decoctionusedfor
hipbathsagainst
hemorrhoids
Solanaceae SolanumtuberosumL.* patatta(Co) leaves,tuber MED:grounded  
(7407008) tubersusedas
compressappliedto
paronychia,against

55


 headache,andasa
wounddressing;leaf
decoctionagainst
cough
  tuber FOOD:ingredientof + +
vegetablepieand
ravioli
  aerial MAG:ritualagainst  
portions chills
Urticaceae ParietariaofficinalisL. gambarùssa aerial MED:decoctionas + +
(GE(IHS)2007001/158) (Co,Pi) portions depurative,diuretic,
andagainstcystitis,
leavesappliedas
vulnerary
  leaves FOOD:ingredientof + +
vegetablepies
  aerial A.FEED:foodfor  +
portions hens
  leaves DOM:usedtoclean  +
bottlesandcarboys
 UrticadioicaL. urtiga(Co) leaves,root MED:rubontheskin + +
(GE(IHS)1974002/159) tostimulate
circulationwith
stingings,poultice
appliedto
haematoma;root
decoctionusedas
abortivebath;leaf
poulticeappliedto
chilblains;rootand
leafmacerateused
astonicandagainst
junctionpain
  leaves,shoots FOOD:ingredientof + +
soup,vegetablepies,
ravioli,green
tagliatelle,sidedish
  thinapexes A.FEED:foodfor  +
hens
  wholeplant AGR:waterof  +
macerationsprayed
oncropsagainst
aphids
  aerial DOM:broom 
portions "scuàssu"
  leaves VET:giventocows + +
asgalactagogue
  leaves,root COSM:decoctionof + 
leavesandrootused
ashairtonicagainst
baldness,dandruff,
andlice
Verbenaceae Aloysiacitriodora erbaluisa leaves MED:decoctionas  +
Palau*(7145003) depurative
  FOOD:spirit  +

56


Violaceae ViolaodorataL. violetta flowers,FOOD:ingredientof + +
(GE(IHS)5274001/160) leaves frittersandsalad
Vitaceae VitisviniferaL.* vite fruits MED:wineusedfor  
(4909001) garglingagainst
toothache
  aerial FOOD:plants  +
portions infestedbythe
planthopper
Metcalfapruinosa
arecoveredwith
honeydew,whichis
processedinto
honeybybees
  DOM:bunchesof  +
prunedtwigsusedas
fuel
  fruits VET:mulledwine  +
giventolivestock
againstbronchitis
1 2 3
(AngiospermPhylogenyGroup,2009). (Contietal.,2005;2007). VernacularnamesaregiveninItalianorinLigurian.
Differences among municipalities are indicated. Co = Cosio; Me = Mendatica; Mo = Montegrosso Pian Latte; Pi =
Piaggia. 4Recorded uses: AGR=agricultural;  A.FEED= animal feeding; DOM= domestic; FOOD= food item; HAND=
handicraft; LUD=ludic;MAG= magical;MED=medical application; PAST= pastoral; REL= religious; TRADE= harvested
for trading; VET= veterinary. 5+  = similar medicinal or food uses reported in other studies on Western Italian Alps
(Mattaliaetal.,2013;PieroniandGiusti,2009).*=cultivatedspecies. =speciescollectedinneighboringareas.6+=
useisstillpresentinthestudiedarea. 



57


Graphical Abstract (for review)









Figure 1

Figure 1
Figure 2

35
frequency of mentioned species

30

25

20

15

10

0
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31 33
species rank

Figure 2
Figure 3

a b

c d

Figure 3