Abstract

RODRIGUEZ-LOPEZ, T.  and  MARTINEZ-CASTILLO, J.. Current exploration on the knowledge and use of vanilla (vanilla planifolia Andrews) in the Northern Maya Lowlands, Yucatan, Mexico. Polibotánica [online]. 2019, n.48, pp.169-184.  Epub June 15, 2020. ISSN 1405-2768.  https://doi.org/10.18387/polibotanica.48.13.

Mexico is designated as the area where the cultivation of vanilla (Vanilla planifolia Andrews) began from wild populations, with the Totonaca region of northern Veracruz being the most likely area. Anthropological works, indicate that the Mayan groups located in the cultural region denominated Mayan Lowlands knew this orchid, naming it Sisbic. However, there are no studies on the knowledge, use and management of vanilla by the current Mayan peoples. The objective of this research was to collect the knowledge and current use of vanilla in 31localities of Yucatan and Quintana Roo belonging to the Maya Lowlands recognized in the extraction of chewing gum. A survey was applied to 130 midwives, 48% of them recognize vanilla with eleven vernacular names, among which the term Sisbic stands out and four main uses: medicinal, ritual, perfume and flavoring. Within the medicinal use, it was reported to treat ten conditions, among them; accelerate childbirth, infections, depression, headache, also reported use as a ritual plant to make a drink used by the H-men's and for ornaments.

Keywords : Vanilla; Sisbic; current medicinal use; Northern Maya Lowlands.

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