Ecological knowledge, use and management of maax ik (Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum (Dunal) Heiser & Pickersgill) in a rural Mayan community

Abstract

Background: Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum is the ancestor of most of the economically important chiles in the world. It is widely distributed throughout Mexico, and currently all indigenous groups interact with this plant species. On the Yucatan Peninsula wild chile is known as maax ik by the Maya. Although this area has been recognized as a domestication and diversification center of chile, ethnobotanical research on this species is still limited.      Questions: What ecological knowledge do local people have about maax ik? Where and how is maax ik gathered and managed? What uses does maax ik currently have? Studied species: Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum Study site and dates: San Bernardo, Yucatan. Summer-Autumn 2021. Methods: In-depth semi-structured interviews and participatory observation. The management practices were identified, and management intensity was estimated. Results: Informants knew that maax ik reproduces sexually and recognized the role of birds in its seed dispersal. Maax ikwas mainly gathered from homegardens where this species was tolerated and other non-selective incipient management practices such as protection and promotion were also carried out. Fruit was harvested without harming the plant and only a small portion of the available fruit was usually taken. The informants used maax ik essentially as food. The management intensity index was relatively high (5). Conclusions: Maax ik is a sustenance food resource that is sustainably used and non-selectively managed in homegardens by our informants in San Bernardo, Yucatan.