Paper short abstract:

This study documents the traditional ethnobotanical knowledge among the Czech diaspora living in Romanian Banat which is recently affected by depopulation. In total, we identified 60 cultivated and 61 wild plant species; however, increasing loss of traditional plant use knowledge is evident.

Paper long abstract:

The Banat region is noted for its diverse ethnic structure. The Czech minority, living in the area since 1820´s, is recently affected by the depopulation of the villages. Therefore, this ethnobotanical study documents and preserves the traditional ethnobotanical knowledge among the Czech diaspora living in Romanian Banat. The research on domesticated and wild plant species was carried out in the period of July - October 2011 with 23 respondents (13 female and 10 male; whose age ranged from 29 to 80 years), by using (semi-)structured interviews and participant observation. The vernacular names, preparation, plant parts utilized and their method of use were recorded. In total, 60 cultivated plant species were identified, of which 85% were used as food, followed by medicine (18%) and feed (15%), dye, material and for religious and environmental purposes (each comprised 3%), and ethnoveterinary and ritual uses (each 1.5%.). Given the wild plants, we documented 61 taxas which are mainly used as medicine (80%), with the highest number of species being used for gastro-intestinal disorders, and food (25%). Interestingly, 10 % were used for ethnoveterinary purposes and some species seems to have promising phytotherapeutical applications for livestock health. It is concluded that the traditional knowledge about the use of food and medicinal plants is still alive within the studied minority; however, it is practiced mainly by elder people and increasing loss of traditional plant use knowledge is evident.