When the young think that every plant is parsley! Social variability of ethno-botanical knowledge and plant categorization in two rural areas in Portugal

Ethnobotanical research in two Portuguese natural protected areas (Montesinho Natural Park and Douro International Natural Park) is the basis to discuss the process of perceiving plants and nature in rural contexts facing social and economic changes. The main argument is that people select and invoke different ethnobotanical knowledge and classificatory principles which are required considering different social attempts and activities in plant categorization. Pile sort tests carried out with 79 informants show that people develop concepts and integrate a diversified knowledge during plant categorization processes. The social variability of plant categorization seems to be related to age and gender differences. Younger people who are nowadays driven away from agricultural activities have quite different perceptions of plants. Criteria of categorization are different when applied by men or women. Cognitive mechanisms addressed during categorisation tasks are influenced by each person’s social background and daily practices. Data also reflect the cultural dynamics in rural contexts: non-transmitted practices, transitional knowledge and changes in nature conceptions.

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