1. How has Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden evolved over the years?
Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG) has evolved significantly since its establishment in 1959. Originally known as the Xishuangbanna Forestry Experiment Station, it was primarily focused on researching and preserving the local flora and fauna. However, over the years, it has transformed into a leading center for botanical research, education, and conservation.
Some key milestones in XTBG’s evolution include:
1. Growth of research programs: In the 1970s and early 1980s, XTBG expanded its research programs to include ethnobotany, plant physiology, ecosystem ecology, and biodiversity conservation. This diversification allowed the garden to become a hub for multidisciplinary studies on tropical plants.
2. International collaborations: In the late 1990s and early 2000s, XTBG established partnerships with several international institutions such as Kew Gardens in the UK and Missouri Botanical Garden in the US. These collaborations provided opportunities for exchange programs and joint research projects.
3. Establishment of core facilities: To support its research activities, XTBG established various core facilities such as herbarium, laboratories for DNA analysis, electron microscopy, and horticulture.
4. Biodiversity conservation efforts: In collaboration with local communities and government agencies, XTBG launched multiple initiatives to conserve endangered plant species and protect their habitats. This included establishing nature reserves and promoting sustainable use of natural resources.
5. Educational programs: In recent years, XTBG has placed more emphasis on educational programs targeted at students and scientists from China and abroad. It offers training courses on various topics related to tropical plants’ ecology, conservation biology,and taxonomy.
6. Development of botanical gardens: Apart from its main campus in Menglun town, XTBG has expanded to other locations within Yunnan Province by establishing several satellite botanical gardens dedicated to specific plant groups or ecosystems.
Overall, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden has evolved from a small regional research station to a globally recognized center for tropical plant research, conservation, and education. Its efforts have contributed significantly to the understanding and preservation of biodiversity in southern China.
2. What are some unique plants and animals found in this botanical garden?
Some unique plants and animals found in this botanical garden may include:
– Corpse flower (Amorphophallus titanum): A large, rare, and foul-smelling flower that only blooms every few years.
– Red panda (Ailurus fulgens): An endangered species of cute and curious mammal that is native to the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China.
– Woolly monkey (Lagothrix ssp.): A species of monkey with a thick, shaggy coat found in the forests of South America.
– Baobab tree (Adansonia ssp.): A unique and iconic tree with a distinctive bottle-shaped trunk that can store large amounts of water.
– Electric eel (Electrophorus electricus): A type of freshwater fish capable of producing strong electric shocks to stun prey or deter predators.
– Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula): A carnivorous plant with modified leaves that snap shut to capture insects for food.
– Red-legged frog (Rana aurora): A brightly colored frog native to the western United States that was once endangered but has since made a comeback.
– Pitcher plant (Nepenthes ssp.): Another type of carnivorous plant known for its deep, slippery pitcher-shaped traps filled with digestive enzymes.
3. How does the local culture influence the design and layout of the garden?
The local culture can play a significant role in the design and layout of a garden. This influence may manifest in several ways:1. Plant selection: Different regions have different native plants and plant preferences, which will affect the types of plants chosen for the garden. In areas with a rich agricultural history, edible plants such as herbs, fruits, and vegetables may be more commonly featured. In contrast, regions with strong cultural ties to specific flowers or plants may incorporate them into their gardens to honor their significance.
2. Aesthetic preferences: Each culture has its unique sense of beauty and aesthetics, which will influence the design of a garden. For example, Japanese gardens typically emphasize simplicity, tranquility, and harmony with nature, while English gardens often feature more structured layouts with colorful flower beds.
3. Functional considerations: Cultural practices and traditional activities may also impact the design of the garden. For example, in some cultures where communal gatherings are important, gardens may include seating areas or open spaces for socializing and hosting events. In contrast, cultures where privacy is valued may incorporate walls or hedges to create secluded spaces within the garden.
4. Symbolism and meaning: Certain plants or elements in a garden layout may hold symbolic meaning for the local culture and be incorporated for their significance. This could include specific colors or shapes that represent cultural beliefs or values.
5. Climate adaptation: The local climate also influences the practical aspects of garden design and layout as it affects what plants can thrive in that environment. The type of irrigation systems used in the garden may also reflect adaptation to regional weather patterns.
In summary, the local culture can significantly influence the design and layout of a garden by impacting plant selection, aesthetic preferences, functional considerations, symbolism and meaning, as well as adapting to the regional climate.
4. What is the significance of Xishuangbanna in relation to botany and environmental conservation?
Xishuangbanna is a significant area in relation to botany and environmental conservation for several reasons:
1. High Biodiversity: Xishuangbanna is located in the southern part of China’s Yunnan Province and it is home to one of the most diverse plant communities in the world. It contains over 13,000 species of vascular plants, including many rare and endangered species.
2. Tropical Climate: The tropical climate and unique geographical location of Xishuangbanna contribute to its high biodiversity. The region receives abundant rainfall and has warm temperatures year-round, creating ideal conditions for plant growth.
3. Center for Traditional Medicine: The Dai people, an ethnic group native to Xishuangbanna, have a rich history of using local plants for traditional medicine. As a result, the region is known as a center for traditional medicine research and study.
4. International Botanical Research Center: In 1959, the Chinese Academy of Sciences established the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG) which serves as a major research center for tropical botanical studies. It houses over 35,000 living plant collections and provides facilities for field work and laboratory research.
5. Conservation Efforts: Xishuangbanna’s high levels of biodiversity make it a priority area for conservation efforts. The XTBG works closely with local communities to promote sustainable practices that protect the region’s natural resources.
6.Yunlong Nature Reserve: In addition to its botanical significance, Xishuangbanna is also home to the Yunlong Nature Reserve, a protected area that conserves over 4000 hectares of primary tropical forest. This reserve helps preserve critical habitats for many endangered animal species such as elephants, tigers, gibbons, and clouded leopards.
7. International Collaboration: Due to its global importance, Xishuangbanna has become a hub for international collaboration and knowledge sharing among botanists and conservationists. The XTBG hosts various international conferences and workshops, facilitating the exchange of ideas and promoting cooperation in environmental conservation.
Overall, Xishuangbanna is a crucial region for botany and environmental conservation, playing a vital role in furthering our understanding of tropical ecosystems and the protection of biodiversity.
5. How is traditional Chinese medicine incorporated into the botanical garden’s displays and education programs?
Traditional Chinese medicine plays a significant role in the botanical garden’s displays and education programs in several ways:1. Medicinal Plant Displays: Many botanical gardens have dedicated areas to showcase plants that are used in traditional Chinese medicine. These exhibits may feature common medicinal herbs such as ginseng, astragalus, and goji berries, as well as rarer species like magnolia bark and velvet antler.
2. Interactive Programs: Some botanical gardens offer interactive programs that highlight the connection between plants and traditional Chinese medicine. These programs may include guided tours, workshops on herbal medicine preparation, or demonstrations of acupuncture or other traditional healing practices.
3. Educational Resources: Botanical gardens often provide educational resources related to traditional Chinese medicine, such as brochures or online materials explaining the uses and benefits of different herbs, as well as the principles and philosophy behind this approach to healing.
4. Partnerships with Traditional Healers: In some cases, botanical gardens may partner with local practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine to offer educational programs or consultations for visitors interested in learning more about this practice.
5. Cultural Celebrations: Many botanical gardens also celebrate traditional Chinese holidays such as Lunar New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival, incorporating elements of herbal medicine into their events through activities like tea tastings and herbal remedy workshops.
Through these various methods, botanical gardens help to raise awareness and understanding of traditional Chinese medicine among visitors while also promoting conservation efforts for important medicinal plant species.
6. Can visitors participate in any cultural activities or workshops at the garden, such as tea ceremonies or calligraphy classes?
It depends on the specific garden and its offerings. Some Japanese gardens may offer tea ceremonies or calligraphy classes as part of their cultural activities, but others may not. Visitors should check the garden’s website or contact them directly to inquire about any available workshops or events.
7. Are there any special events or festivals that showcase local ethnic groups and their traditions within the garden?
Yes, there are various events and festivals that showcase local ethnic groups and their traditions within the garden. These include:
1. Cultural Heritage Day: This is an annual event where different ethnic groups come together to showcase their traditional dances, music, food, and handicrafts.
2. Ethnic Planting Festival: This festival celebrates the diverse range of plants and crops that have been cultivated by different ethnic communities in the garden. Visitors can learn about traditional farming methods and taste unique dishes made from these plants.
3. Ethnic Craft Fair: This event showcases the handicrafts and artworks of local ethnic groups, providing them with a platform to sell and promote their products.
4. Traditional Music Performances: Throughout the year, the garden hosts performances by local music groups who play traditional instruments and sing songs in their native languages.
5. Cooking Demonstrations: On certain days, visitors can observe and even participate in cooking demonstrations by local chefs who specialize in traditional dishes from different ethnic groups.
6. Cultural Workshops: The garden also organizes workshops where visitors can learn about traditional practices such as weaving, pottery making, or herbal medicine preparation from members of various ethnic communities.
7. Celebration of Ethnic Festivals: The garden hosts celebrations for major ethnic festivals such as Lunar New Year, Diwali, and Ramadan/Eid al-Fitr, incorporating traditional decorations, performances, and food into the festivities.
8. How does Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden educate visitors about sustainable practices and protecting biodiversity in the region?
Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG) has several initiatives in place to educate visitors about sustainable practices and protecting biodiversity in the region. Some of these include:1. Interpretive Tours: XTBG offers interpretive tours for visitors where they can learn about the different plant species, their importance, and how they contribute to the overall biodiversity of the region. The guides also educate visitors on sustainable practices such as reforestation, organic farming, and wildlife conservation.
2. Biodiversity Education Center: XTBG has a Biodiversity Education Center that is dedicated to educating visitors about the importance of biodiversity conservation in Xishuangbanna and beyond. The center has interactive exhibits, displays, and educational programs that highlight various conservation efforts and sustainable practices being implemented in the region.
3. Workshops and Seminars: XTBG regularly conducts workshops and seminars on sustainable practices for local communities and tourists. These workshops cover topics such as organic farming, composting, waste management, and responsible tourism. By reaching out to both locals and tourists, XTBG aims to spread awareness about sustainable practices among a wider audience.
4. Demonstration Gardens: XTBG has set up several demonstration gardens within its premises to showcase different sustainable agricultural techniques such as agroforestry, intercropping, and permaculture. Visitors can learn about these techniques by touring these gardens with trained staff.
5. Volunteer Programs: XTBG offers volunteer programs for individuals who want to contribute towards sustainability efforts in the garden. Volunteers get hands-on experience with various conservation projects, which not only raises awareness but also promotes active engagement in sustainability practices.
6. Environmental Film Festival: XTBG organizes an annual environmental film festival that showcases documentaries on environmental issues such as climate change, deforestation, and endangered species protection. This serves as another platform to educate visitors about the importance of protecting biodiversity and adopting sustainable practices.
7. Informational Signage and Brochures: XTBG has placed informational signage throughout the garden that highlights the need for sustainable practices and the importance of protecting biodiversity in the region. They also provide brochures and pamphlets with information on sustainable tourism, conservation efforts, and tips on how visitors can contribute towards preserving the environment.
In addition to these initiatives, XTBG collaborates with educational institutions, NGOs, and government agencies to conduct research and organize conservation programs. Through its various efforts, XTBG aims to educate visitors about sustainable practices and motivate them to take action in protecting the unique biodiversity of Xishuangbanna.
9. What role do indigenous communities play in preserving the cultural heritage within the garden?
Indigenous communities play a crucial role in preserving the cultural heritage within gardens. They are the original stewards of these lands and have a deep understanding of traditional plant knowledge, cultivation techniques, and the cultural significance of different plants.
One way indigenous communities preserve cultural heritage within gardens is by passing down oral traditions and customs related to gardening. These stories and practices are often intertwined with their cultural beliefs and help maintain the connection between people, plants, and land.
Additionally, many gardens have been created specifically to showcase indigenous plants and traditional gardening techniques. By maintaining these gardens and sharing their knowledge with visitors, indigenous communities are able to educate others about the importance of their cultural heritage.
Moreover, indigenous communities also participate in annual or seasonal ceremonies that involve gardening practices such as planting or harvesting. These ceremonies not only ensure the continuation of important cultural traditions but also contribute to sustaining the biodiversity within gardens.
Overall, indigenous communities play an integral role in preserving the cultural heritage within gardens through their knowledge, practices, and participation in various activities. Their involvement ensures that gardens continue to be a reflection of their rich cultural history for future generations to appreciate and learn from.
10. Is there a specific area of focus within the botanical garden that highlights the diverse cultures of Xishuangbanna, such as food, music, or art?
Yes, there are several areas within the botanical garden that showcase the diverse cultures of Xishuangbanna. One such area is the Dai Minority Village, which showcases traditional Dai architecture, food, and customs. There is also an Ethnic Customs Garden which features traditional clothing and daily items from various ethnic groups in the region. Additionally, there are regular cultural performances such as dance and music shows that highlight the unique traditions of Xishuangbanna’s diverse cultures.
11. Are there guided tours available that focus specifically on cultural exploration within the garden?
Yes, there are guided tours available at most botanical gardens that offer cultural exploration as a theme. These tours may highlight the history, traditions, and customs of the indigenous people in the area, as well as any significant cultural influences on the plants and landscapes within the garden. Some gardens may also have special exhibits or events that focus on cultural exploration. It’s best to check with the specific botanical garden you plan to visit for more information on these types of tours.
12. Are there any archaeological sites or historical landmarks within or near Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden that tie into its cultural significance?
Yes, there are multiple archaeological sites and historical landmarks within or near Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden that tie into its cultural significance. Some of these include:
1. Yunnan Wild Plant Introduction Station: This was the first botanical garden established in Xishuangbanna in 1959 and played an important role in plant introduction, cultivation, and conservation efforts.
2. Traditional Miao Village: There is a traditional Miao village located within the botanical garden which showcases the lifestyle and culture of the local Miao ethnic minority group.
3. Ancient Tea Horse Road: The botanical garden is located on the route of the famous Ancient Tea Horse Road, which was a trading route between Yunnan, Tibet, and India used for transporting tea, salt, silk, and other goods.
4. Jingzhen Octagonal Pavilion: This octagonal pavilion was built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) as a resting place for travelers along the Ancient Tea Horse Road. It is now one of the most iconic landmarks within Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden.
5. Pu’er King’s Mansion: Located just outside the botanical garden, this mansion was once home to a local tea merchant who became very wealthy from trading along the Ancient Tea Horse Road.
6. Lahu Ethnic Minority Village: Within Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden is a Lahu village which showcases traditional Lahu culture, including their unique architecture and customs.
7. Ancient Town of Jinghong: Just a short distance away from the botanical garden is Jinghong Old Town, which has a rich history dating back over 1,300 years to when it was an important center for Buddhism along the southern Silk Road.
8. Mengla Border Market: The botanical garden is situated near China’s border with Laos and Myanmar, making it an important trading post for locals from neighboring countries.
9. Xishuangbanna Dai Minority Park: This cultural park is located within the botanical garden and showcases the customs, traditions, and architecture of the Dai ethnic minority group, which makes up a significant portion of Xishuangbanna’s population.
10. Manhong Fish Market: The Manhong Fish Market is a buzzing market located beside the Lancang River where local fishermen sell their catch of the day. It offers visitors an insight into the traditional fishing methods of the local Dai people.
13. What steps has the botanical garden taken to preserve and promote traditional knowledge and practices of local communities?
The botanical garden has implemented several initiatives to preserve and promote traditional knowledge and practices of local communities, including:
1. Collaborating with local communities: The botanical garden actively works with local communities to identify and document their traditional knowledge of plants. This includes conducting interviews and surveys with community members to gather information about the traditional uses of plants.
2. Establishing a community garden: The botanical garden has set up a community garden where local communities can grow and maintain their own plants. This provides them with hands-on experience in plant cultivation and helps to preserve their traditional agricultural practices.
3. Offering educational programs: The botanical garden offers educational programs for both adults and children that focus on the traditional knowledge and practices of local communities. These programs aim to educate visitors about the importance of preserving traditional knowledge and the role it plays in sustainable living.
4. Providing opportunities for cultural exchange: The botanical garden organizes events and workshops that bring together members of different communities to share their knowledge and practices related to plant use. This facilitates cultural exchange, promotes understanding, and encourages the preservation of traditional practices.
5. Incorporating traditional techniques into gardening practices: The botanical garden incorporates traditional techniques such as companion planting, crop rotation, and using natural pesticides into its gardening practices. This not only helps to preserve these methods but also serves as an example for visitors who may adopt these sustainable methods in their own gardens.
6. Maintaining a living collection of local plant species: The botanical garden maintains a diverse collection of plants from the surrounding region, including species that are traditionally used by local communities for various purposes such as food, medicine, or crafts. By displaying these plants in their natural habitats, the garden helps to raise awareness about their significance in local cultures.
7. Engaging in conservation efforts: The botanical garden actively participates in conservation efforts to protect endangered plant species that hold cultural importance to local communities.
8. Partnering with indigenous organizations: The botanical garden collaborates with indigenous organizations to support their efforts in preserving and promoting traditional knowledge and practices. This includes providing resources, hosting events, and supporting community-led projects.
Overall, through these initiatives, the botanical garden aims to not only preserve traditional knowledge and practices but also promote the value and importance of this knowledge in modern society.
14. Can visitors interact with locals who live near or work at the botanical garden to learn more about their way of life and customs?
Yes, it is possible for visitors to interact with locals who live or work near the botanical garden to learn more about their way of life and customs. Many botanical gardens have programs or events that include cultural demonstrations or activities led by local communities, allowing visitors to engage with them and learn about their traditions and practices.
Additionally, some botanical gardens may offer guided tours where knowledgeable guides from the local community share their knowledge and insights about the area’s history, culture, and customs. Visitors can also support local vendors or artisans by purchasing souvenirs or goods made by them at the garden’s gift shop.
Overall, botanical gardens can provide a unique opportunity for visitors to not only appreciate the beauty of flora but also gain a deeper understanding of the people who call that area home.
15. Do any of the plants grown in Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden have spiritual or medicinal importance for local ethnic groups?
Yes, many plants grown in Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden have spiritual and medicinal importance for local ethnic groups. The garden contains a collection of over 13,000 species of plants, including many that are traditionally used by local ethnic groups in their spiritual and medicinal practices.
Some examples include the Liana plant (Claoxylon cochinchinense), which is used by the Tai people for fertility rituals; the Bodhi tree (Ficus religiosa), which is considered sacred by the Dai people and commonly used in Buddhist ceremonies; and various species of orchids, which are prized for their medicinal properties by several ethnic groups.
The garden also features an ethnobotanical garden where visitors can learn about the traditional uses of different plants by different ethnic groups in Xishuangbanna. This includes demonstrations on how to make herbal remedies and other common products from locally-grown plants. Overall, the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden plays an important role in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage associated with these plants among local communities.
16. Is there a specific area dedicated to showcasing indigenous art, crafts, and other cultural artifacts within the garden grounds?
It depends on the specific garden. Some gardens may have a dedicated area or exhibit that showcases indigenous art, crafts, and artifacts, while others may incorporate these elements throughout the entire garden. It is best to check the garden’s website or contact them directly for more information on their exhibits and displays.
17. How does Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden collaborate with nearby villages and towns to promote cultural exchange and cultural tourism?
Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden collaborates with nearby villages and towns to promote cultural exchange and cultural tourism in several ways:
1. Cultural Tours: The garden organizes cultural tours, where visitors can learn about the local traditions, customs, and way of life of the different ethnic groups living in the area. These tours often involve a visit to nearby villages and towns, where tourists can interact with locals and participate in their daily activities.
2. Home-stay Programs: The garden also offers home-stay programs, where tourists can stay with a local family and experience their daily life firsthand. This not only promotes cultural exchange but also provides a sustainable source of income for the local communities.
3. Traditional Performances: Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden hosts traditional performances by local ethnic groups, such as the Dai people’s water-splashing festival dance or the Hani people’s bamboo pole dance. These performances not only showcase the unique culture of these communities but also provide them with a platform to preserve and promote their traditions.
4. Cultural Workshops: The garden organizes workshops where visitors can learn about traditional crafts and skills, such as papermaking, weaving, and embroidery from members of the local communities. These workshops provide a hands-on experience for tourists to learn about traditional techniques passed down through generations.
5. Collaboration with Local Businesses: Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden partners with local businesses, such as restaurants and handicraft shops run by community members, to promote their products and services to tourists. This supports the economic development of these communities while providing visitors with an authentic experience.
6. Community Projects: The garden also engages in community projects aimed at improving the livelihoods of nearby villages and towns while preserving their culture. For example, they have helped establish eco-tourism homestays in rural areas or provided training on sustainable farming practices.
Through these collaborations, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden promotes cultural exchange and supports the sustainable development of nearby villages and towns, making it a win-win for both the garden and the local communities.
18. What are some challenges the garden faces in maintaining its cultural heritage amidst modern development and tourism?
1. Displacement and loss of land: As urban development continues to expand, the traditional lands where the garden is located may be taken over for commercial or residential developments, displacing indigenous communities and disrupting their way of life.
2. Pressure for commercialization: The demand for tourism can lead to pressure on the garden to make changes in order to attract more visitors and generate income, potentially compromising the authenticity of cultural practices and traditions.
3. Intangible heritage loss: Rapid modernization can also result in the loss of intangible heritage associated with the garden, such as oral traditions, knowledge about plants and their uses, and spiritual connections to the land.
4. Lack of local participation: With an increase in tourism, there may also be a decrease in local community involvement in maintaining the garden’s cultural heritage, potentially leading to a disconnect between the garden and its traditional caretakers.
5. Cultural misrepresentation: As tourism increases at cultural heritage gardens, there is a risk of outsiders misrepresenting or appropriating indigenous cultures and traditional practices for financial gain.
6. Environmental degradation: Large numbers of tourists visiting the gardens can lead to environmental degradation through pollution, damage to plants, erosion, and disturbance of natural habitats.
7. Loss of traditional knowledge: The influx of tourists can also result in knowledge exchange between locals and visitors which could threaten traditional knowledge systems by making them more accessible and vulnerable to exploitation.
8. Balancing preservation with development: It can be challenging for gardens to balance preserving their cultural heritage while also meeting the demands of modern development such as providing necessary infrastructure and facilities for tourists.
9. Financial constraints: Many cultural heritage gardens face financial constraints when trying to maintain their traditional practices while meeting modern standards required by tourism authorities.
10. Loss of spiritual connection: With increased tourist activity at cultural heritage gardens comes a risk that the spiritual connection that indigenous communities have with the land will become commodified or diminished as a result of increased commercialization.
19. Can visitors try any traditional dishes or attend cooking demonstrations featuring local ingredients and techniques within the botanical garden?
It depends on the specific botanical garden. Some gardens may offer cooking demonstrations or traditional food events featuring local ingredients, while others may not have these offerings. It is best to check with the individual botanical garden for their specific event and program schedule.
20. How does Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden contribute to preserving the cultural diversity of China as a whole?
Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden plays a vital role in preserving the cultural diversity of China by focusing on the preservation and research of traditional plants used by various ethnic groups in Southwest China. The garden is home to more than 13,000 species of plants, many of which have medicinal, culinary, or cultural significance to local communities.
By studying and conserving these plants, the botanical garden helps to preserve the rich knowledge and traditions of these ethnic groups. This also promotes awareness and appreciation for their cultures among visitors to the garden. In addition, the garden conducts collaborative research with local communities to document traditional plant uses and practices, as well as providing education programs on ethnobotany.
Moreover, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden works closely with local communities to develop sustainable ways of using natural resources without damaging them. By involving local people in conservation efforts, the garden not only helps to protect their cultural heritage but also supports their livelihoods.
Overall, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden plays a crucial role in promoting and preserving the cultural diversity of China by safeguarding indigenous knowledge and practices related to traditional plant use.