An ethnobotanical study among Albanians and Aromanians living in the Rraicë and Mokra areas of Eastern Albania

摘要: Ethnobotanical research in South-Eastern Europe is crucial for providing the baseline data needed both implementing community-based management of local natural resources and (further) developing small-scale markets herbal food products. An ethnobotanical study was carried out among (Muslim) Albanians (Christian Orthodox) Aromanians living Rraice Mokra areas Eastern Albania. The survey conducted by interviewing 36 local, elderly individuals from five villages regarding traditional uses wild plants, medicinal foods, home-made medical remedies devoted to humans animals. Thirty-six plant taxa were found comprise cuisine as well foods cultivated plants prepared unusual ways; 59 used human folk medicine 20 ethnoveterinary practices. In total, 221 preparations, large majority plant-based, recorded. Among findings, uncommon potato leaves a vegetable lacto-fermented tubers (until recent past), widespread use Chenopodium Rumex spp. vegetables, Ilex aquifolium diuretic remedy, dried orchid treat cough helminthiasis, elderberry flowers wounds, deserve further investigation. Approximately half reported not recorded Albanians, thus suggesting divergent pathways, perhaps due different religious faiths two communities, which have prevented intermarriage over last few centuries.