Time variable in the characterization of the traditional botanical knowledge

Abstract

The traditional botanical knowledge (TBK) is defined as a cumulative "corpus" of knowledge, practices and beliefs about the relationships between the human beings and the vegetal components of their environments. This "corpus" of knowledge is modified by selection processes and is transmitted culturally from generation to generation. In this approach it is demonstrated that the temporary variable occupies an outstanding roll in the conformation of the TBK. Nevertheless, considering it as the knowledge shared by a specific human group about local vegetables, it is clear that the knowledge involved in the process of choice, obtaining, processing and consumption, as well as in the local administration, of plant resources, also can be generated by and residing in communities that lack of historical and cultural continuity. From the analysis of two cases (the horticulture in the Puna of Jujuy, NWof Argentina, and suburban areas in Buenos Aires province) where the temporary depth from the experience is different, TBK can be consider a synthesis of wisdom, that is generated so much from the knowledge generated locally by practice and experimentation, as well as by incorporation of information of other sources, including the scientific knowledge. Finally, we extend this analysis to the interpretation of local practices of plant manipulation in archaeology, which reflects CBT in the past.