Riqueza e etnobotânica de Euphorbiaceae na Floresta Nacional do Araripe - CE

Abstract

Euphorbiaceae stands out in the group of the angiosperm species richness and the number of uses reported in ethnobotanical surveys in Brazil and other tropical countries. In climate semiarid Brazilian species of the family are among the most used by rural populations. This study investigated the use of species available from the family for a rural population of the region Araripe National Forest. It is a protected area of lush vegetation and peculiar located in the Araripe, considered by the Ministry of Environment as of primary importance for the conservation and lacking in scientific research. The vegetation sampling was performed through collection opportunistic Araripe National Forest in and around the community between August 2011 and June 2012. Data collection was performed in ethnobotanical Cacimbas rural community, located in the vicinity of the National Forest Araripe, after the collection period. 153 families were selected by lottery, with which semi-structured interviews were conducted with use of checklist-interview, containing photographs and scanned images of dried plants including all species. In vegetation sampling, were found 26 species of Euphorbiaceae, highlighting the Croton genus (6 species). This study adds 22 new occurrences of Euphorbiaceae in the region compared to previous surveys. The species most recognized by the informants in the interviews was Ricinnus communis L. (Rapeseed) and is more versatile compared to uses. The species Manihot esculenta Crantz (cassava and cassava) had the highest Importance Value for the community ponds. Also stood out in the intended use C. heliotropiifolius (canopy) and J. gossypifolia (pinion purple). The usage category was cited as medicinal, and most useful species are obtained by informants in anthropogenic areas. The wealth of the region Euphorbiaceae proved representative, but further studies are indicated in the study area. The dynamic use of Euphorbiaceae in the rural population studied does not seem to pose threats to native species of the area.