城市民族植物学视角下的饮料植物研究：以南宁市为例

Urban ethnobotany of beverage plants: A case study from Nanning, China

关键词:  城市民族植物学 ，饮料植物，传统知识，南宁市，植物文化，可持续利用

Key words:  Urban ethnobotany  beverage plants  traditional knowledge  Nanning  plant culture  sustainable use

摘要:

饮料植物是连接人类饮食文化与自然资源的重要纽带，具有丰富的营养与药用价值。南宁市作为中国西南地区的多民族城市，地处热带与南亚热带过渡带，生态环境多样，文化背景复杂，孕育了独特的植物使用传统。在快速城市化背景下，为深入理解城市居民对饮料植物的利用及其相关传统知识，该研究于2022年6月至2024年3月期间，采用实地访谈、市场调查与标本采集等民族植物学方法，对南宁市及其辖区内的城乡区域进行了系统调查。共记录饮料植物185种，隶属于71科143属，以草本植物居多，使用部位主要为全草和叶，加工方式以水煎或沸水浸泡为主，功效多为清热解毒、益补、健胃消积止泻。研究结果表明，南宁市饮料植物资源种类丰富，体现出生物多样性与多元文化的紧密结合，并且相关传统知识在部分城市群体中仍具延续性。该文从城市民族植物学的视角出发，揭示了城市环境中饮料植物知识的使用现状与代际变化趋势，呼吁在城市背景下推动植物资源保护与知识传承的协同发展，为本土文化活化与健康饮品产业提供理论基础与实践参考。

Abstract:

Beverage plants represent a crucial interface between human dietary culture and natural resources, valued for their nutritional and medicinal functions. As a multi-ethnic city in Southwest China, Nanning lies in a transitional zone between tropical and southern subtropical regions, characterized by high ecological diversity and complex cultural backgrounds. These conditions have nurtured a unique tradition of plant use. However, rapid urbanization poses challenges to the continuity and transmission of such traditional knowledge, particularly in cities. This study aims to explore the diversity, usage patterns, and cultural knowledge associated with beverage plants in an urban context, using Nanning as a case study. From June 2022 to March 2024, we conducted systematic ethnobotanical fieldwork in both urban and peri-urban areas of Nanning, employing methods such as semi-structured interviews, market surveys, and voucher specimen collection. The investigation was designed to document species diversity, plant parts used, preparation methods, and perceived health benefits, as well as to understand the socio-cultural contexts in which these plants are used. The results were as follows: (1) A total of 185 beverage plant species were recorded, belonging to 71 families and 143 genera, with a predominance of herbaceous species; (2) The most commonly used parts were whole herbs and leaves, with hot water infusion and decoction as the main preparation methods; (3) The reported health functions included clearing heat and toxins, tonifying the body, aiding digestion, and relieving diarrhea—reflecting traditional concepts aligned with local health needs; (4) Despite urbanization, traditional knowledge related to beverage plants continues to persist, particularly among older residents and through informal community channels. These findings demonstrate a strong link between plant biodiversity and multicultural traditions within the city, revealing that beverage plant knowledge remains a resilient part of local life. The study underscores the value of using an urban ethnobotany framework to examine plant knowledge in rapidly modernizing areas. It also highlights the need for integrative strategies to conserve plant resources and safeguard intangible cultural heritage in urban environments. By documenting this knowledge, the research provides a theoretical basis and practical reference for the sustainable development of culturally embedded health beverage industries and for promoting biocultural diversity in cities.among older residents and through informal community channels. These findings demonstrate a strong link between plant biodiversity and multicultural traditions within the city, revealing that beverage plant knowledge remains a resilient part of local life. The study underscores the value of using an urban ethnobotany framework to examine plant knowledge in rapidly modernizing areas. It also highlights the need for integrative strategies to conserve plant resources and safeguard intangible cultural heritage in urban environments. By documenting this knowledge, the research provides a theoretical basis and practical reference for the sustainable development of culturally embedded health beverage industries and for promoting biocultural diversity in cities.