Ethnobotany of Cataia (Pimenta pseudocaryophyllus(Gomes) Landrum) at National Park of Superagui, Guaraqueçaba/PR/Brazil

Abstract

Cataia is a Myrtaceae of great aromatic and medicinal potential. On the coast of Paraná there is a record of increasing commercial use of its leaves in the aromatization of brandy. In order to better understand the exploitation of cataia from a historical perspective, as well as elucidate the ecological knowledge of the inhabitants about the management, the results of an ethnobotanical investigation carried out in Barra do Ararapira are presented. Data collect has involved individual and group interviews and monitoring of all extractor’s activities. It was elucidated a sustainability potential, denoted at first instance by institutional support to confer legality to the activity and for their implementation, and the community organizational capacity. As regards to the ecological question, the low demand now existent was considerate a positiveaspect, but is highlight the importance of a continuous monitoring of possible damage. Regarding the value chain was evidenced the absence of intermediaries and the regular sale to traders of the region, featuring a favorable marketing component.