USES OF THE SPECIES FERNS AND LYCOPHYTES PRESENT IN THE LIVING COLLECTIONS OF THE BOTANICAL GARDEN OF BOGOTÁ, COLOMBIA

Abstract

With the objective of knowing the use of the species of ferns and lycophytes present in the living collections of the Botanical Garden of Bogotá, Colombia, information was compiled on the knowledge and traditional uses of these groups of plants, through the review of bibliographic sources and application of 90 interviews in the district markets and the living collections of the Botanical Garden. As a result, the use of 29 species of ferns and two species of lycophytes was recorded. Medicinal use (19 species) stood out within the categories of use, with the highest number of records, followed by ornamental (10 species) and edible (5 species) uses. Fronds were the most utilized structures (41.9%), and infusion was the main form of preparation (38.7%). This information allows the identification of the techniques, parts, and categories of use that are currently employed for the use of this group of plants and could contribute to the design of conservation programs in the future.