Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.33128/k.63.2.2
Diversity of wild growing useful Ćićarija grassland species (Croatia) – food and feed
Ivana Vitasović-Kosić
orcid.org/0000-0001-9372-5892
; Agronomski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Mihaela Britvec
orcid.org/0000-0002-1017-6777
; Agronomski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Abstract
Wild growing flora and fauna are not fully utilized in human nutrition. This paper presents the results of field botanical research and mainly herbaceous species and subspecies of dry Mediterranean grasslands and forest edges of the Ćićarija area. During several vegetation seasons from spring to autumn, the area of Natura 2000 protected habitats (habitat 62A0) was floristically explored. In order to increase the possibility of food production and diversity of agricultural products, 106 taxa have been singled out and described here. Of the 32 species used as food (eg Artium lappa, Scorzonera hispanica, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Diplotaxis tenuifolia, Rumex acetosa, etc.), most are wild vegetables (19 taxa), 9 taxa are used as wild fruits and 4 taxa as a base for making drinks. Of the 46 species used as animal feed, most belong to the grass family (Poaceae), there are also 3 species used as wild vegetables (Portulaca oleracea, Trifolium incarnatum and T. aureum) and 3 as aromas (Elymus repens, Melilotus officinalis and Trifolium pratense). Among them we also find 8 honey plants (eg Marrubium vulgare, Melilotus officinalis). In the category of materials or substances we find plants such as Hyssopus officinalis, Juniperus communis, Salvia officinalis and others. Increasing food production from wild plants that surround us, as well as increasing processing in certain products (eg spices and food additives) is possible, bearing in mind the need for environmental protection and current climate change.
Keywords
edible plants; food additive; honey plants; wild-growing food resources; functional food; Ćićarija
Hrčak ID:
279849
URI
Publication date:
18.6.2022.
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