A cross-cultural comparison of folk plant uses among Albanians, Bosniaks, Gorani and Turks living in south Kosovo

摘要: Kosovo represents a unique hotspot of biological and cultural diversity in Europe, which allows for interesting cross-cultural ethnobotanical studies. The aims this study were twofold: 1) to document the state traditional knowledge related local (esp. wild) plant uses food, medicine, handicrafts south Kosovo; 2) examine how communities different ethnic groups region (Albanians, Bosniaks/Gorani, Turks) relate value wild botanical taxa their ecosystem. Field research was conducted 10 villages belonging Prizren municipality 4 Dragash municipality, located Sharr Mountains southern part Kosovo. Snowball sampling techniques used recruit 139 elderly informants (61 Albanians, 32 Bosniaks/Gorani 46 Turks), participation semi-structured interviews regarding use flora medicinal, handicraft purposes. Overall, we recorded 114 species medicinal purposes, 29 food (wild plants), 20 activities. most important purposes Achillea millefolium L., Sambucus nigra Urtica dioica Tilia platyphyllos Scop. Hypericum perforatum Chamomilla recutita (L.) Rauschert, Thymus serpyllum L. Vaccinium myrtillus highly valued these across populations surveyed. Out only 44 are also included European Pharmacopoeia. predominantly quoted families Rosaceae, Asteraceae, Lamiaceae. Comparison data among Albanian, Bosniak/Gorani, Turkish indicated less herbophilic attitude Albanian populations, while by all three communities, thus suggesting hybrid character Kosovar knowledge. Cross-cultural ethnobiological studies crucial Balkans not proposing ways using natural resources, could be exploited sustainable development projects (e.g. focusing on eco-tourism small-scale trade herbs, niche products), but fostering collaboration reconciliation diverse religious communities.