Ethnobotany: Principles and Applications (Paperback)

~ (Author) "Since its conception in 1895 (Harshberger 1896), 'ethnobotany' has proved a rather difficult term to define..." (more)
Key Phrases: traditional botanical knowledge, caboclo farmers, pear ban, Waimiri Atroari, Lake Coari, New World (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Interest in ethnobotany has increased dramatically in recent years. The search for new medicines by the pharmaceutical industry has turned to plant natural products and to ethnobotanical studies as a first step in bioprospecting. These studies are making a valuable contribution to the cataloguing of biological diversity and hence to the conservation of endangered ecosystems and the human societies which depend upon them. Discussing traditional methods of plant management as well as plant use, this textbook is an authoritative and fascinating introduction to this exciting area of plant biology. Citing examples from throughout the world and drawing on a wide range of source materials, the author describes the history of the interactions between plants and people and the concepts, methodology and future direction of ethnobotanical study. Capturing current interest in traditional medicine, as well as the potential for exciting new drug discoveries, Ethnobotany: Principles and Applications is an informative, stimulating and timely text which includes an extensive bibliography.

From the Publisher

C. M. Cotton concentrates on the concept of ethnobotany, offering a timely text covering the history of interactions between plants and people. Current trends are now focusing on traditional and herbal medicine worldwide but, despite the recent increase in the study of ethnobotany, there are as yet no introductory texts to this exciting area of plant biology. Summarising current innovations in plant use, giving an overview of the disciplines involved and the current methods of study available, Ethnobotany caters to this need.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 434 pages
• Publisher: Wiley (July 23, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 047195537X
• ISBN-13: 978-0471955375
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,195,341 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book for ethnobotanists, September 6, 2000

By A Customer

This book is an interesting review of all the new methodologies use to research in ethnobotany. It also show how plants are important for humans, and the relationship between humans and plants. In addition, it contains a lot interesting information about the plants and their differents properties; such as medicinal, food, etc.