Articles
Biodiversity of vegetable wild relatives and medicinal and aromatic plants in a nature park located in eastern Albania
Article number
1391_48
Pages
351 – 356
Language
English
Abstract
Korab-Koritnik is located in easter Albania, bordering North Macedonia and Kosovo.
In 2011, a Nature Park was approved that covers a vast area of 555.5 km2, including various landscapes.
This area provides a unique habitat for numerous animal and plant species.
It boasts of a rich flora, with 511 phanerogamic plants identified.
Among these, 316 species from 52 families are medicinal and aromatic plants (MAP), accounting for 61.8% of the areas flora.
Vegetable wild relatives are a precious genetic resource for breeding new cultivars that can be adapted to changes in climate.
However, 32 types of vascular flora are listed in the Red Book of the Flora of Albania as endangered.
Here are included three critically endangered plants, 12 endangered plants, 10 vulnerable plants, and seven at a lower risk.
The area has historically been a significant source of vegetable wild relatives and MAP, with 91 species collected and exported before the 1990s.
However, only 63 species are collected and exported, with 16 classified as endangered.
The areas rich flora includes various plant species that possess medicinal and culinary properties.
These plants can be incorporated into local cuisine, adding unique flavours and nutritional value to traditional dishes and providing potential health benefits.
Currently, the cultivation of MAP in the area is limited to its early stages, with blue cornflower and red clover being the main cultivated species occupying a modest area of 0.2-0.4 ha.
Improvements are needed in MAPs harvesting and drying processes.
Training harvesters for sustainable management and establishing joint drying facilities, such as solar tunnels, would enhance the quality of dried plants, minimize pollution and losses, and increase incomes.
Additionally, the rural areas surrounding the National Park have untapped potential for cultivating more MAP, offering opportunities for the residents to harness this valuable resource.
In 2011, a Nature Park was approved that covers a vast area of 555.5 km2, including various landscapes.
This area provides a unique habitat for numerous animal and plant species.
It boasts of a rich flora, with 511 phanerogamic plants identified.
Among these, 316 species from 52 families are medicinal and aromatic plants (MAP), accounting for 61.8% of the areas flora.
Vegetable wild relatives are a precious genetic resource for breeding new cultivars that can be adapted to changes in climate.
However, 32 types of vascular flora are listed in the Red Book of the Flora of Albania as endangered.
Here are included three critically endangered plants, 12 endangered plants, 10 vulnerable plants, and seven at a lower risk.
The area has historically been a significant source of vegetable wild relatives and MAP, with 91 species collected and exported before the 1990s.
However, only 63 species are collected and exported, with 16 classified as endangered.
The areas rich flora includes various plant species that possess medicinal and culinary properties.
These plants can be incorporated into local cuisine, adding unique flavours and nutritional value to traditional dishes and providing potential health benefits.
Currently, the cultivation of MAP in the area is limited to its early stages, with blue cornflower and red clover being the main cultivated species occupying a modest area of 0.2-0.4 ha.
Improvements are needed in MAPs harvesting and drying processes.
Training harvesters for sustainable management and establishing joint drying facilities, such as solar tunnels, would enhance the quality of dried plants, minimize pollution and losses, and increase incomes.
Additionally, the rural areas surrounding the National Park have untapped potential for cultivating more MAP, offering opportunities for the residents to harness this valuable resource.
Authors
A. Ibraliu, N. Kadiasi, Z. Gjoni, N.S. Gruda
Keywords
Korab – Koritnik Nature Park, MAPs, cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants, genetic resources
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