Plant diversity and uses in family gardens, a case study

Resumen

Objective: To characterize the current condition of home gardens in the Ejido Nueva Esperanza 1st Section,
Palenque, Chiapas.
Methodology: A semi-structured interview was conducted with 43 families to determine socioeconomic conditions, garden characteristics, floristic composition, and their uses (satisfaction). Gardens were categorized by size (small, medium, and large) and location (center, intermediate, and periphery of the community). Data were analyzed descriptively to obtain frequencies, percentages, and averages. Additionally, Shannon-Wiener (H') and Simpson (S) diversity indices were calculated according to size and location.
Results: Families were found to be below the poverty line, with agriculture as their primary activity. A total of 3549 individuals were recorded, grouped into 46 botanical families, 82 genera, and 89 species. Native species were the most dominant at 52%. There were 33 tree species, 33 herbaceous species, 15 shrubs, 5 rosettes, and 3 arborescent species. Families reported using plants for fruit, medicinal purposes, ornamentation, horticulture, timber, condiments, fuel (firewood), and medicinal-horticultural purposes, primarily for self-consumption. The highest number of individuals recorded were fruit trees, with 28 species. Small (H´   = 2.8), intermediate
(H  '= 2.6), and peripheral (H´´´  =2.6) gardens showed higher diversity similar to Fisher’s alpha.
Implications: This study highlights the importance of floristic composition and plant species diversity in home gardens concerning the uses attributed by families.
Conclusion: The diversity and composition of plant species in home gardens are determined by their location and size, as well as the value of use that the family attaches to them