Ethnobotanical study on medicinal plants around Mt.Yinggeling, Hainan Island, China

Aim of the study: The main objectives were to collect information on the use of medicinal plants and compare medicinal plant traditions between Run and Qi. Materials and methods: Information was obtained from semi-structured interviews, personal conversation and guided fieldtrips with herbalists. Results: 385 species belonging to 290 genera in 104 families were used for the treatment of various diseases. Rubiaceae (20 species), Euphorbiaceae and Compositae (19 species respectively) were predominant families used by herbalists. The most species were used for injuries (20.1%), muscular-skeletal system disorders (18.3%) and infections/infestations (18.0%). The coefficient of similarity (36.6%) shown a high consensus of plant species used by Run and Qi. The 'informant agreement ratio' values for both Run and Qi are rather low (less than 0.3). Conclusions: Traditional medicinal plants still play an important role in medical practices of Li Ethnic Group around Mt.Yinggeling. There is a close relationship of medicinal plant traditions between Run and Qi. Further investigation is necessary to record this valuable knowledge before its disappearance. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.