Origin of vernacular names of plants: case of toxic plants for medicinal use in the central Middle Atlas – Morocco

ABSTRACT

The present study investigates the origin and significance of the vernacular appellations of 83 toxic plants solicited in the traditional phytotherapy of the Moroccan central Middle Atlas. The vernacular names attributed to those medicinal plants were collected from some phytotherapists during ethnobotanical surveys and through various bibliographical sources. It appears that the listed plants have different vernacular names in Arabic and/or Berber dialect; but, only the origin of the appellation of 47 species was clarified. This denomination essentially finds its origin in descriptors related to the morphology of the plants, their secretions and their uses, and sometimes, it evokes legends, habitats and animal organs. Certainly, the identification of plants on the basis of asserted taxonomic criteria is unavoidable, but, the vernaculars remain faithful indicators especially since they are part of the intangible Moroccan culture and heritage.

KEYWORDS:

• Central Middle Atlas
• diversity
• ethnobotany
• etymology
• medicinal plants
• Morocco
• phytotherapists survey
• vernacular names

Acknowledgement

We would like to thank the phytotherapists in the study area for the information provided, time and availability.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Mariame Najem

Mariame Najem obtained her Master's degree in Biological Sciences and Health at Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. at Faculty of Sciences, Moulay Ismail University of Meknes, Morocco and member of the research team ‘Environment and valorisation of microbial and plant resources' at the same university. Her dissertation work focused on ethnopharmacology of aromatic and medicinal plants.

Laila Nassiri

Laila Nassiri has received his Ph.D. degree in Biology from Moulay Ismail University of Meknes, Morocco. Currently, is a Full Professor and member of the research team ‘Environment and valorization of microbial and plant resources' at the faculty of sciences (Meknes, Morocco). Her research focuses on ethnobotany and valorization of ancestral heritage in phytotherapy as well as the valorization of natural ressources, especially rhizobacteria and aromatic and medicinal plants as eco-biological alternatives to protect the human health and the environment.

Jamal Ibijbijen

Jamal Ibijbijen has received his Ph.D. degree in biological sciences, option soil microbiology from Moulay Ismail University, Meknes, Morocco. Currently, is a Full Professor of microbiology and responsible of the research team ‘Environment and valorization of microbial and plant resources' at the faculty of sciences (Meknes, Morocco). His research focuses on the valorization of beneficial micro-organisms for the soil and the plant and working for a sustainable agriculture, the protection of the environment and the preservation of the natural resources.