Resumen

MORALES VALENZUELA, Guadalupe  y  VILLEGAS RAMIREZ, María Isabel. Ethnobotany of wild chili peppers in two ch’ol communities of Tacotalpa, Tabasco, Mexico. Polibotánica [online]. 2025, n.60, pp.441-457.  Epub 10-Nov-2025. ISSN 1405-2768.  https://doi.org/10.18387/polibotanica.60.26.

Forty-three species belonging to the genus Capsicum have been identified, of which only five have been domesticated, while the rest are considered strictly wild. These wild species represent a valuable local resource deeply rooted in culture, as their conservation and use are intrinsically linked to rural and Indigenous communities. Ethnobotanical studies enable the recovery of knowledge associated with the management of plant species to develop conservation strategies for these resources. The objective of this research was to identify the morphotypes, uses, and management of wild chili peppers in the Sierra de Tabasco. The study was conducted in two ch’ol communities in the municipality of Tacotalpa, employing structured and semi-structured interviews as well as community surveys. Eight morphotypes of chili peppers corresponding to two species (C. annuum and C. frutescens) were identified, with the most well-known and consumed being amashito, picopaloma, blanco, and garbanzo. While primarily consumed as food, these chiles are also attributed to medicinal and ritual uses. The consumption of wild chili peppers, particularly in sauces, persists due to cultural ties, and preparation methods vary depending on the morphotype of chili peppers: amashito and picopaloma are usually roasted, while blanco and garbanzo are used fresh. Post-harvest management shows limited practices of pickling or drying fruits. According to interviews, wild chili peppers face the risk of disappearing due to the destruction of their natural habitat. Although some farmers create seedbeds to propagate the plants, these chiles are generally considered to grow spontaneously. Chili peppers play an integral role in the daily life and culture of the ch’ol communities of Tacotalpa and are a highly versatile resource, making it essential to implement conservation actions and sustainable management practices.

Palabras llave : tradition; diversity; management; biocultural; custom; medicinal; ritual.

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