Diversity of plant species used as firewood in indigenous colonized communities: An ethnobotanical study in East Misiones, Argentina

Abstract

The use and consumption of firewood implies a detailed knowledge of species, and its materialisation translates into culturally mediated practices. This study analyses the link between users and the variety of species employed as firewood and the diversity of uses by settler and Guarani populations in Misiones, Argentina. Information was obtained through semi-structured interviews, free listings, participant observation, and botanical walks. The richness of species was assessed considering the species mentioned and their associated uses, and the usage categories of both cultural groups were compared. The cultural importance of the species was estimated based on the Consensus and Versatility of Use. In total, 84 species were recorded. The species with the highest Consensus of Use between Guarani and settlers were Holocalyx balansae and Parapiptadenia rigida, respectively. We identified six use categories, with cooking being the most cited in both groups. There were no reports for the “ritual/religious” category among the settlers. In both cultural groups, firewood is the main energy resource, but there are differences in the mode and object of use. Among the Guarani, firewood and fire represent fundamental elements in their way of life and culture beyond satisfying their material needs.