Floristic composition, plant uses and management practices in homegardens of San Rafael Coxcatlan, Valley of Tehuacan-Cuicatlan, Mexico

Homegardens preserve much of the local cultural history and reveal information about plant management decisions by individual holders. A survey was conducted in the homegardens of San Rafael Coxcatlan, a rural village in the semi-arid valley of Tehuacan-Cuicatlan, Mexico. Two hundred and thirty three different plant species were collected in 30 studied homegardens. 65.7% were ornamental, 29.6% edible and 8.6% were medicinal. Sixty eight percent of the plants were cultivated, while 22% were spared and 10% protected. The results confirm that homegardens are rich in biodiversity and are interesting for ethnobotanical research. Moreover, they need to be considered for in situ conservation and development programs in future. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.