Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 21, 2026

Field Collection and Laboratory Maintenance of Canopy-Forming Giant Kelp to Facilitate Restoration
Published on: June 7, 2024
Globalization and loss of plant knowledge: challenging the paradigm
Ina Vandebroek1, Michael J Balick
1Institute of Economic Botany, The New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, New York, United States of America. ivandebroek@nybg.org
Abstract:
The erosion of cultural knowledge and traditions as a result of globalization and migration is a commonly reported phenomenon. We compared one type of cultural knowledge about medicinal plants (number of plants reported to treat thirty common health conditions) among Dominican laypersons who self-medicate with plants and live in rural or urban areas of the Dominican Republic (DR), and those who have moved to New York City (NYC). Many plants used as medicines were popular Dominican food plants. These plants were reported significantly more often by Dominicans living in NYC as compared to the DR, and this knowledge was not age-dependent. These results contradict the popular paradigm about loss of cultural plant knowledge and is the first study to report a statistically measurable increase in this type of knowledge associated with migration.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Threats to Biodiversity
Introduction to Plant Diversity
Biodiversity and Human Values
Plant Breeding and Biotechnology
Gene Flow
Microbe-Plant Interactions

