Edible and medicinal native plants: non-timber forest products and sustainable exploitation potential

Abstract

The objective of this work was to identify native species that produce non-timber forest resources, aiming at their management and exploration in different productive systems, possibly contributing to income generation for small landowners as well as the maintenance of forest areas. The research was developed in the Environmental Protection Area - APA Tejupá, Corumbataí and Botucatu (SP, Brazil), where Mata Atlântica and Cerrado biomes occur. Based on the list of native species in the APA management plan, we identified those cited in the literature for their use as medicinal and food. To evaluate these species, those of interest for the public policies of the Brazilian government were selected, since they have already commercial potential. Finally, these species of interest were evaluated based on the parameters of sustainable use, to evaluate if their sustainable management is possible. Of the total of 735 species identified, 329 are edible plant and have medicinal uses.  219 of them are medicinal and 110 can be used as food. In addition, 68% of these species are trees, demonstrating the high diversity of species that could be used in forest restoration projects and agroforestry systems. However, of the total number of plant species detected, only 22 are included in public policies, and only 6 species have sufficient studies for sustainable exploitation in the studied region. Research and Public policies aimed at the management and use of native species should be reinforced, aiming to increase the set of species that can be used and provide benefits to the owners, in addition to ecological sustainability.