Study on Traditional Botanical Knowledge of the Tuva Mongolians in Xinjiang, China

Abstract

Background Tuva is one of the ancient and mysterious Mongolian tribes; since ancient times, it has accumulated a wealth of traditional botanical knowledge and experience in a unique natural environment through its particular productive lifestyle of nomadic herding and hunting. This study investigated the utilization of traditional medicinal plant knowledge, traditional food plant knowledge, traditional building craft plant knowledge, traditional dye plant knowledge and folkloric forage plant awareness among the Tuva Mongols in China; the results of the study are of great significance for the conservation of traditional botanical knowledge of the Tuva Mongols and the diversity of plant culture, which is being rapidly lost. Methods This study used ethnobotanical research methods to carry out a study on traditional botanical knowledge of Tuva folk, documenting and organizing the traditional knowledge and experience of Tuva Mongolian folk in the use of wild plant resources. Folk names of plants and plant uses were recorded through interviews, while evidence plant specimens were collected and the plants were identified. Results A total of 95 species of traditional plants belonging to 25 families and 50 genera have been collected from the Tuva folklore; including 55 species of medicinal plants, 24 species of edible plants, 34 species of animal fodder, 29 species of building crafts and 3 species of dyes. The knowledge of medicinal plants includes the selection of medicinal parts of plants, the understanding of their functions and main treatment, and the practice of medicinal methods; Knowledge of wild edible plants can be categorized into five types: folk wild vegetable, wild ripe fruit, tea, seasoning, and other edible plants; asteraceae made up most of the forage plants at 32.3%, followed by Labiatae at 15%; traditional botanical knowledge for building crafts is mainly reflected in the construction of means of transportation, houses and barns, and the manufacture of utensils, musical instruments and handicrafts; knowledge of plants used for dyeing is reflected in the selection of plant parts for dyeing, the choice of collection seasons, and dyeing techniques. Conclusion Tuva Mongols have a rich traditional botanical knowledge with certain regional characteristics, and this study also reveals the multifunctional use of these plants, not only as medicine, but also for food and other cultural applications. Reflecting the deep ecological wisdom of the Tuva Mongols and their harmonious coexistence with nature, this traditional botanical knowledge should be further explored and developed.