The natural flora plants use by local inhabitants of the historical rural localities in Chernihiv Polesie (Ukraine)

Abstract

This study is aimed to report and analyze the modern plants use in the historical rural localities of Chernihiv Polesie (Ukraine). The research materials were collected in two stages. At the first stage the main useful of the local natural flora were identified. At the second stage a sociological survey of adult local inhabitants on the plants use was conducted. The main groups of useful plants of the historical localities were established. The modern use of plants was analyzed. It was found that most plants were used by the local inhabitants for their own needs. However, certain edible, fodder and techniacal plants are a source of income for the local inhabitants. In the historical localities of Chernihiv Polesie all the traditional for the region ways of using the natural flora plants have been preserved (but to varying degrees). The degree of modern use of plants is primarily determined by the peculiarities of the vegetation (in particular, the predominance of pine, mixed forests and floodplain meadows) and financial incentives. This primarily applies to Vaccinium myrtillus gathering and laying hay in for the own use and sale. The local inhabitants use the plant resources lesser than the existining resource potential.