Ethnobotany of Heliopsis longipes (Asteraceae: Heliantheae) [Etnobotánica de Heliopsis longipes (Asteraceae: Heliantheae)]

Heliopsis longipes known as chilcuague is a perennial herb endemic to Sierra de Álvarez and Sierra Gorda, where the States of San Luis Potosí, Guanajuato and Querétaro converge, and its root has traditional uses. However, there is a lack of studies that document the current traditional uses within its entire distribution area. The objectives of this research were to determine the traditional forms of use of chilcuague, and to determine the current demand of its root. Gathers, merchants, and consumers in traditional markets (tianguis) in San Luis Potosí, Guanajuato and Querétaro were interviewed. The root of chilcuague is economically and culturally important. It has diverse traditional uses and its sale is practiced all year-long at the traditional markets of San Luis de la Paz, Dr. Mora, and San José Iturbide, Guanajuato; Rioverde and San Ciro, San Luis Potosí; and Jalpan, Querétaro. Chilcuague is used against parasites by adding roots over food. Moreover, a correlation with age of informants and knowledge of the uses of the plant was found. A higher amount of dried roots of chilcuague were sold in places with more traditional uses.

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