# Ethnobotanical investigation of central and rural villages (neighborhoods) in the Ergani district of Diyarbakır, Turkey

## TL;DR

The study explores traditional plant use in Ergani, Turkey, highlighting the importance of ethnobotanical knowledge for biodiversity and cultural preservation.

## Contribution

The paper documents non-medicinal and medicinal plant use in Ergani, emphasizing multifunctionality and cultural significance.

## Key findings

- 56 plant species across 26 families were identified for non-medicinal and medicinal use.
- Multifunctional species like Vitis vinifera and Vitex agnus-castus were commonly used across multiple categories.
- Ritual plant use, such as Peganum harmala, was more prevalent among older participants.

## Abstract

Ethnobotanical knowledge constitutes a vital component of cultural heritage and biodiversity conservation, particularly in regions undergoing rapid socio-cultural transitions. Southeastern Anatolia, despite its high floristic richness and biocultural diversity, remains underexplored in terms of non-medicinal plant uses.

This study documents the traditional ethnobotanical knowledge of wild plant species used for non-medicinal and medicinal purposes in the Ergani district of Diyarbakır, Turkey. Data were collected between 2023 and 2024 through structured and semi-structured interviews (n = 112), guided fieldwalks, and participant observation across Ergani and 12 surrounding villages. Demographic variables and plant use data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the cultural importance index to assess the relative significance of each taxon.

A total of 56 plant species belonging to 26 families were identified, used across five categories: medicinal (67.8%), nutritional (53.6%), fuel, decorative, and symbolic (e.g., protection against the evil eye). Multifunctionality was a recurring theme, with several species (e.g., Vitis vinifera, Vitex agnus-castus) employed in more than two categories. The most represented families were Lamiaceae, Asteraceae, Fabaceae, and Brassicaceae. Wild plants played a central role in local subsistence and cultural practices, with vernacular names and preparation methods varying across gender and age groups. Ritual use, particularly of Peganum harmala, remained prevalent among older participants.

The study reveals a complex, integrative system of plant use in Ergani that reflects a holistic ethnoecological worldview. Findings underscore the urgent need for the documentation and preservation of local ecological knowledge amid ongoing socio-economic transformations. Sustaining this intangible heritage is critical for biodiversity conservation, local food security, and cultural resilience.