Abstract

AVILA-MENDOZA, Estefania et al. Use, knowledge, and management of the capulin ethnobotanical complex on an altitudinal gradient in central Veracruz, Mexico. Madera bosques [online]. 2025, vol.31, e312744.  Epub Feb 16, 2026. ISSN 2448-7597.  https://doi.org/10.21829/myb.2025.312744.

Edible fruits represent a valuable source of knowledge, cultural identity, medicinal resources, economic income, and ecosystem services. This study aimed to record and analyze information about capulin species' use, knowledge, and management in various altitudinal zones of the sierra de Chiconquiaco, Veracruz. A total of 49 interviews were conducted with the “snowball method” at four different altitudes in the sierra, recording 12 species and a variety distributed as follows: a species and a variety in zone I (2100 m), a species and a variety in zone II (1550 m - 1700 m), seven species in zone III (570 m) and nine species in zone IV (140 m). The cultural food significance index was used, which revealed that people assign a high-medium value to capulín de mayo (Ardisia compressa); high to tierra fría (Prunus serotina var. salicifolia) and agarroso (Eugenia capuli); and moderate to puan (Muntingia calabura); the other capulin species had low or very low levels. Capulín de mayo and tierra fría had the highest availability indices. Capulín de mayo is the representative species of the mountain complex due to its relevance in various forms of preparation, its prized sweet taste, its high levels of commercialization, and the start of plantations. Eleven species are collected in different vegetation patches and exclusively for self-consumption; two are cultivated and protected under different management systems and practices. Only Parathesis psychotrioides was recorded as a species endemic to Mexico.

Keywords : trade; biocultural approach; semi-structured interviews; edible fruits; cultural food significance index; sierra de Chiconquiaco.

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