Floristic composition, plant uses and management practices in homegardens of San Rafael Coxcatlán, Valley of Tehuacán-Cuicatlán, Mexico

Homegardens preserve much of the local cultural history and reveal information about plant management decisions by individual holders. A survey was conducted in the homegardens of San Rafael Coxcatlán, a rural village in the semi-arid valley of Tehuacán-Cuicatlán, Mexico. Two hundred and thirty three different plant species were collected in 30 studied homegardens. 65.7% were ornamental, 29.6% edible and 8.6% were medicinal. Sixty eight percent of the plants were cultivated, while 22% were spared and 10% protected. The results confirm that homegardens are rich in biodiversity and are interesting for ethnobotanical research. Moreover, they need to be considered for in situ conservation and development programs in future.