Contributions of Ethnobotanics to the Use and Conservation of Cactaceae Biocultural Heritage in Northwestern Córdoba: Identity Studies, Agro-diversity, and Conservation of Traditional Practices

There has been an increasing interest in the study of plants used for family consumption grown in cultivated and domestic areas. Inter- and intraspecific diversity is high in the two settings as a result of management practices that respond to environmental, cultural, and market factors. Pencas or cactu, from the Cactaceae family, are found in Chaco ecoregion within the province of Córdoba. Thirteen native taxa and one exotic taxon with their vernacular names were registered, as well as 12 different uses and six management practices. Six ethno-varieties of Opuntia ficus-indica were identified that belong to two botanical forms. This species was found to be the most highly rated for its productivity and identitarian qualities, apart from being also the one that had the greatest diversity of uses. With financial support of the Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, work was carried out by the Secretaría de Extensión Universitaria, along with people from the community to establish a native cacti garden in Cerro Colorado, Quilino, and Chuña. Measuring equipment, tags, and leaflets were provided in order to support and make things visible for local people who still keep traditional practices transmitted through generations when manipulating native and foreign species.