Traditional knowledge in medicinal plants and intermedicality in urban environments: a case study in a popular community in southern Brazil

Background: Ethnobotanical studies have demonstrated the ability of different social groups to maintain and diversify plant knowledge in urban environments. This study characterizes traditional about medicinal plants a popular community Porto Alegre metropolitan city, Brazil. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 28 people, four whom healers. Data collected regarding uses, ways obtaining plants, origin interviewees their knowledge. The mentioned species value relative importance was calculated. Relationships between scientific medical (intermedicality) characterized discussed. Results: identified total 237 species, most them native family highest number representatives Asteraceae (38), followed by Lamiaceae (17). Native ritualistic showed high values importance. main form learning found vertical, mothers grandmothers being ones responsible for teaching. Traditional is influenced care practices significant use herbs refers digestive system, respiratory system. collection leading way plants. Conclusions: used, substantial repertoire, reflect local sociocultural environmental diversity vital role women healers producing transmitting this Deepening ethnobotanical enhancing medicines Keywords: ethnobotany, ethnomedicine, use, urbanization