The Underutilized Species of Milpa

Abstract

Based on a selective literature review and personal observations, neglected and underutilized plant species (NUPS) used as “quelites” (edible greens) were analyzed. Emphasis is placed on the species most reported in the traditional agricultural system, the “milpa”, in various regions of the country based upon criteria of that they are native and herbaceous; without include the Mesoamerican triad (corn, beans and squash).

The information is organized according to the Priority Biocultural Regions of Mexico and related to the Major Geoeconomic Regions of the country. Of the 127 different native herbaceous species registered in the Mexican “milpas”, the most representative “quelites” are purslane (Portulaca oleracea), amaranth or pigweed (Amaranthus with eight principal species), epazote (Dysphania ambrosioides), pápalo (Porophylum ruderale subsp. macrocephalum), goosefoot (Chenopodium berlandieri), yerba mora (Solanumamericanum), alache or violeta (Anodacristata), jaltomate (Jaltomata procumbens), hierbamora (S. nigrescens), lentejilla (Lepidium virginicum) and amolquelite (Phytolacca icosandra) among others.

It is noteworthy that a large number of species are found in the Major Geoeconomic Regions of Mexico, in spite of economic development and improvement in communication. The regions reporting the largest diversity of species are: the Center-East (119 species), the South (81 especies) and the North (21 species).

Also major information gaps for NUPS-quelites for Priority Conservation Regions are identified; certain Biocultural Regions have few or no published studies focused on NUPS. Such is the case of the Priority Biocultural Conservation Regions: San Pedro Martir, Komjaak, Kickapoo and Los Tuxtlas- Sierra Santa Marta. These conclusions demonstrate the need for a Mexican national inventory related to this topic in order to promote our native vegetables and avoid their irretrievable loss.