BTNY 2303 - Ethnobotany

Credits: (3)
Typically taught:
Spring [Full Sem]

A global study of how plants are used by indigenous peoples for food, fiber, fabric, shelter, medicine, weapons, and tools. Plants that are well known to science as well as those with purported uses by villagers, shamans, curanderos and medicine men/women will be studied. Students will learn fundamental botanical principles, how to conduct field work and how to collect plants and prepare them for use. Ethical questions concerning conservation, biodiversity and the continued loss of indigenous plants and cultures will also be discussed. Three lecture/demonstrations per week.