Taxa

Family

Life
form

Vernacular name

Part used

Ethnobotany category

Claimed use(s)

Use-Reports
Mentioned by Informants

Frequency
Index (FI)

Relative
Importance (RI)

Native (N) /
Alien (A) /
Crop/Cultivated (C)

Acanthus mollis L. subsp. mollis

Acanthaceae

H

ebba ‘n canna, ebb’in canna

Leaves

MED

the leaves crushed are combined with oil to cure inflammation of the wrist and fat cysts

3

15

24.56

N

Achillea ligustica All.

Asteraceae

H

canfariddhara

Leaves Whole plant

MED, VET

the leaves crushed are used as hemostat for the skin; the whole plant is used as food for rabbits

2

10

21.93

N

Agave americana L. subsp. americana

Asparagaceae

P

zammarunara

Leaves

HC, MED

they are used to make fibers to build the seat and the back of the chairs; they crushed are used as a remedy for burns; the mucilage to remove callus

8

40

37.72

A

Allium cepa L.

Amaryllidaceae

G

cipuddha

Bulb

MED

to heal insect bites, cough; decoction for kidney stones; cataphylls named "limpa" are used as hemostat

5

25

29.82

C

Allium sativum L.

Amaryllidaceae

G

agghiu

Bulb

MED

to cure gastrointestinal worms in children; the infusion is used to improve the bloodstream

6

30

32.46

C

Aloe arborescens Mill.

Asphodelaceae

NP

aloe

Leaves

DM, MED

they are lenitive and heal?burns and are useful for facial cleansing

10

50

42.98

A

Ampelodesmos mauritanicus (Poir.) T. Durand & Schinz

Poaceae

H

ddisa

Leaves

AGR

are used as binding material in agriculture

9

45

40.35

N

Arbutus unedo L.

Ericaceae

P

‘mbriachiddhara

Leaves Stem Fruit

FOOD, HC , REL

the stem is used to produce coal and spoons; the fruits are edible; the branches fructified are used as religious ornament

12

60

48.25

N

Artemisia arborescens (Vaill.) L.

Asteraceae

NP

ebba ‘nfanta, ebba janca

Leaves Stem

DM, MED

the decoction as anti-gastritis; the stem is used as a support for silkworms

10

50

42.98

N

Arundo donax L.

Poaceae

G

canna

Leaves Stem

AGR, HC, MED

culms used for the construction of various tools; the cambium membrane located in the nodes inside of the culm is used as hemostatic; leaves are used as binding material in agriculture

14

70

53.51

A

Asparagus acutifolius L.

Asparagaceae

G

spina pulici

Whole plant

REL

is used as religious decoration

10

50

42.98

N

Asphodelus ramosus L. subsp. ramosus

Asphodelaceae

G

purrazzu, bastuni i San Gnuseppi

Leaves Root

AGR, MED, VET

dried leaves are used as food for goats; crushed roots to remove worms from animal wounds

11

55

45.61

N

Asplenium ceterach L.

Aspleniaceae

H

spacca petrhi

Whole plant

MED

the decoction has diuretic properties and eliminates kidney stones

17

85

61.40

N

Avena barbata Pott ex Link

Poaceae

T

aina

Whole plant

AGR

is used as food for rabbits

5

25

29.82

N

Biscutella maritima Ten.

Brassicaceae

T

Leaves

FOOD

eaten in the typical dish “minestra sabbaggia”

2

10

21.93

N

Bituminaria bituminosa (L.) C.H. Stirt

Fabaceae

H

suddhara sabbaggia

Whole plant

AGR

is used as food for rabbits

2

10

21.93

N

Borago officinalis L.

Boraginaceae

T

burrania

Leaves

FOOD

eaten in the typical dish “minestra sabbaggia”

18

90

64.04

N

Brassica fruticulosa Cirillo subsp. fruticulosa

Brassicaceae

H

cauliceeddhu

Leaves

FOOD

eaten in the typical dish “minestra sabbaggia”

14

70

53.51

N

Carlina hispanica Lam. subsp. globosa (Arcang.) Meusel & Kästner

Asteraceae

H

carduni niru

Whole plant Fruit

AGR, HN

the whole plant is used as food for donkeys; fruits are used as bait to catch wild birds

4

20

27.19

N

Castanea sativa Mill.

Fagaceae

P

castagnara

Stem

HC

is used to build Sicilian baskets named “cofani”

7

35

35.09

N

Celtis australis L. subsp. australis

Cannabaceae

P

melicuccu, fafarecu

Stem Fruit

HC, REC

the fruits are edible and the seeds were used as bullets for the blowguns; the stems were used to craft the collars of the sheep and the containers for the ricotta

12

60

48.25

N

Centranthus ruber (L.) DC. subsp. ruber

Valerianaceae

Ch

rumpi quattara

Leaves Whole plant

FOOD, REL

the leaves are eaten in the typical dish “minestra sabbaggia”; whole plant is used as a religious ornament

4

20

27.19

N

Chamaerops humilis L.

Arecaceae

NP

pammara

Leaves

HC

are used to make oven brooms

2

10

21.93

N

Charybdis pancration (Steinh.) Speta

Asparagaceae

G

cipuddha sebbaggia

Leaves

MED

are scrubbed against leg pain

1

5

19.30

N

Chasmanthe aethiopica (L.) N.E. Br.

Iridaceae

G

Leaves

AGR

are used as binding material in agriculture

3

15

24.56

A

Cistus salviifolius L.

Cistaceae

NP

rusareddha

Whole plant

AGR

is used as food for rabbits

2

10

21.93

N

Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck

Rutaceae

P

limuniara, limiunara

Fruit

MED, AGR

The fumigation with the juice is used to relieve headaches; it is rubbed on the beehives against the swarming of bees

7

35

35.09

C

Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck

Rutaceae

P

aranciu

Fruit

MED

the boiled juice is used to soothe the cough

2

10

21.93

C

Cladanthus mixtus (L.) Chevall.

Asteraceae

T

camumiddha sabbaggia

Whole plant

DM

used to lighten hair

1

5

19.30

N

Clinopodium nepeta (L.) Kuntze

Lamiaceae

H

niputeddha

Leaves Whole plant

DM, MED

crushed leaves are used to heal insect bites; the decoction for finger infections; the fumigation to treat the cold; the infusion in alcohol of leaves is used as antiseptic; the whole plant is used to get rid of?flies

18

90

64.04

N

Convolvulus silvaticus Kit.

Convolvulaceae

H

curriola

Leaves

MED

leaves mixed with oil are used to treat pimples

6

30

32.46

N

Crepis vesicaria L. subsp. vesicaria

Asteraceae

H

cost’amara

Leaves

FOOD

eaten in the typical dish "minestra sabbaggia"

19

95

66.67

N

Cynara cardunculus L. subsp. cardunculus

Asteraceae

H

lambrusco, cipudazzu

Flowers

MED

the decoction facilitates diuresis

7

35

35.09

N

Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.

Poaceae

G

‘ramigna

Whole plant Stem

AGR, MED, VET

the whole plant is used as food for rabbits and when boiled is a healthy food for sheep's gastrointestinal problem; the decoction of the stem is used to cure the urinary tract and has also a purgative effect

10

50

42.98

N

Cytisus infestus (C.Presl) Guss. subsp. infestus

Fabaceae

P

spin’e i coddha

Stem

DM

used as wood for the oven

9

45

40.35

N

Cytisus villosus Pourr.

Fabaceae

P

muddhacchina

Leaves

MED

crushed leaves are used to heal the skin wounds

18

90

64.04

N

Dactylis glomerata L. subsp. hispanica (Roth) Nyman

Poaceae

H

ebb’e mazza

Whole plant Stem

AGR, REC

the whole plant is used as food for the goats; the culms are used as skewers to carry the blackberries

7

35

35.09

N

Daphne laureola L.

Thymelaeaceae

P

cul’amprescia

Stem

REC, MED

used as a purgant in moderate doses

5

25

29.82

N

Daucus carota L. subsp. carota

Apiaceae

H

bastunaca

Leaves

AGR, FOOD

eaten in the typical dish "minestra sabbaggia" and used as food for rabbits

4

20

27.19

N

Dittrichia graveolens (L.) Greuter

Asteraceae

T

pulicara

Leaves

DM, MED

used as a hemostatic and as a fragrance

19

95

66.67

N

Dittrichia viscosa (L.) Greuter subsp. viscosa

Asteraceae

T

pulicara

Leaves Whole plant

DM, MED

leaves are used as hemostat; the whole dried plant used to light the fire

15

75

56.14

N

Ecballium elaterium (L.) A. Rich.

Cucurbitaceae

T

proiettili

Fruit

REC

fruits are used for recreational purposes by young people

3

15

24.56

N

Erica arborea L.

Ericaceae

NP

elicara

Stem Fruit

HC

the stems are used to make the poles in the vineyards; the roots are used to craft pipes, spoons and musical instruments; the branches are used to make the coal used for baking bread

13

65

50.88

N

Eucalyptus sp. pl.

Myrtaceae

P

calipsu

Leaves

MED

are used to make a footbath against the feet stinking

1

5

19.30

A

Euphorbia ceratocarpa Ten.

Euphorbiaceae

Ch

tassu

Latex stem

FI

latex was used to stun eels in the river

4

20

27.19

N

Ferula communis L. subsp. communis

Apiaceae

H

ferra

Stem

HC, VET

are used to craft small chairs and used to make a sort of plaster for the broken limbs of goats (mixed with manure and bounding with ropes)

14

70

53.51

N

Festuca fasciculata Forssk.

Poaceae

T

pili i cani

Whole plant

AGR

are used to cover the snow pits

3

15

24.56

N

Ficus carica L.

Moraceae

P

ficara

Latex stem

AGR, HC, MED

latex is used to heal insect bites and as rennet to make ricotta; the stem is used to craft musical instruments

12

60

48.25

N

Foeniculum vulgare Mill. subsp. vulgare

Apiaceae

H

finucchiaru sabbaggiu

Fruit / Stem

FOOD, MED

the infusion of fruit is used to heal stomach pain; fruits are used to aromatize the food; the stem is chewed against the heartburn

17

85

61.40

N

Galactites tomentosus Moench

Asteraceae

H

cadduni iancu

Stem

FOOD

eaten raw after being skinned

2

10

21.93

N

Genista monspessulana (L.) L.A.S.Johnson

Fabaceae

P

muddhacchina

Leaves

MED

the crushed leaves are used as hemostats

2

10

21.93

N

Helosciadium nodiflorum (L.) W.D.J.Koch subsp. nodiflorum

Apiaceae

H

scauni

Leaves

FOOD

eaten in the salad

2

10

21.93

N

Hyparrhenia hirta (L.) Stapf subsp. hirta

Poaceae

H

silipu, siliparu

Whole plant

AGR

used as fodder for cows and horses

6

30

32.46

N

Hypochaeris achyrophorus L.

Asteraceae

T

lattughedd’e nonna

Leaves

FOOD

eaten in the typical dish "minestra sabbaggia"

8

40

37.72

N

Hypochaeris radicata L.

Asteraceae

H

cost’i vecchia

Leaves

FOOD

eaten in the typical dish "minestra sabbaggia"

19

95

66.67

N

Isatis tinctoria L. subsp. tinctoria

Brassicaceae

H

Leaves

DM

used to dye indigo wool

6

30

32.46

A

Juglans regia L.

Juglandaceae

P

nuciara

Leaves Stem

DM, MED

the boiled leaves are used to heal hemorrhoids and as a colorant; the stem is used to craft parts of musical instruments

4

20

27.19

A

Juncus acutus L. subsp. acutus

Juncaceae

H

u juncu

Stem

AGR

used as binding material in agriculture

2

10

21.93

N

Lactuca sativa L. subsp. sativa

Asteraceae

H

lattuca

Leaves

MED

the boiled leaves are applied on the gums to soothe the toothache

4

20

27.19

C

Lactuca viminea (L.) J.Presl & C.Presl subsp. viminea

Asteraceae

H

ped’i jaddhina

Leaves

FOOD

eaten in the typical dish "minestra sabbaggia"

3

15

24.56

N

Lagurus ovatus L. subsp. ovatus

Poaceae

T

baff’i cunigghiu

Whole plant

REC

used for recreational purposes

3

15

24.56

N

Lathyrus clymenum L.

Fabaceae

T

cucula

Whole plant

AGR

is used as food for animals

6

30

32.46

N

Laurus nobilis L.

Lauraceae

P

lauro

Leaves

MED

the tea is used for stomach pain

9

45

40.35

N

Linum usitatissimum L. subsp. angustifolium (Huds.) Thell.

Linaceae

H

linu

Seeds

MED

the boiled seeds ("linusa") were applied to treat pimples ("campunchi") and cysts around the neck ("tracina")

8

40

37.72

N

Lotus rectus L.

Fabaceae

Ch

faciularu

Whole plant

AGR

are used as food for animals

3

15

24.56

N

Lupinus luteus L.

Fabaceae

T

luppinu sabbaggiu

Whole plant Seeds

AGR, MED

the plant is used as fertilizer; fresh seeds are used to treat brucellosis

5

25

29.82

N

Malva multiflora (Cav.) Soldano, Banfi & Galasso

Malvaceae

T

mavva, ebba mavva

Leaves

FOOD, MED, VET

the decoction is used for sore throat, inflammation of the gums and pimples or it is given to sheep for the placenta elimination; fresh leaves are used as hemostatic

7

35

35.09

N

Marrubium vulgare L.

Lamiaceae

H

marrubbiu

Whole plant Root

MED, VET

the whole plant is placed in the henhouse against mites and lice; the decoction of the root is drunk as refreshing

12

60

48.25

N

Medicago arabica (L.) Huds.

Fabaceae

T

trhifogghiu

Whole plant

AGR

are used as food for animals

4

20

27.19

N

Melissa officinalis subsp. altissima (Sm.) Arcang.

Lamiaceae

H

ment’ell'api, ment’ill’api

Whole plant

AGR

is rubbed on the walls of the beehives to avoid the swarming of bees

6

30

32.46

N

Mentha pulegium L. subsp. pulegium

Lamiaceae

H

puleu

Whole plant Leaves

DM, MED

the fumigation with the leaves cures the cold, congested nose and headache; the burnt plant is used to get rid of the flies; the dried plant placed under the pillow promotes sleep

10

50

42.98

N

Morus alba L.

Moraceae

P

ghiosu bianco

Leaves

AGR

used as fodder for young silkworms

14

70

53.51

C

Morus nigra L.

Moraceae

P

ghiosu niru

Leaves Latex stem

HC, AGR, MED

the leaf is used to forage adult silkworms; the stem to make spoons and containers; the latex of the stem to treat dermatitis of hands

13

65

50.88

C

Mycelis muralis (L.) Dumort. subsp. muralis

Asteraceae

H

occh’i pinnici

Leaves

FOOD

eaten in the typical dish "minestra sabbaggia"

2

10

21.93

N

Olea europaea L. subsp. sylvestris

Oleaceae

P

gghiastraro

Stem Fruit

HC, REL

the stem used to make baskets; from the fruits is extracted an oil used in religious rites or as fuel for lamps

8

40

37.72

N

Olea europaea L. subsp. europaea

Oleaceae

P

luara, livara

Leaves

MED

the decoction is used to low the blood pressure

1

5

19.30

N

Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill.

Cactaceae

P

ficadinniara, chiappirara

Stem Flowers

HN, MED

the stem is used for liver pain, as a hemostat, as a fuel for the oven, as a trap for birds; the flower tea cures the stomach pain

15

75

56.14

A

Oxalis pes-caprae L.

Oxalidaceae

G

ddhreu

Bulb

FOOD

eaten raw or roasted

4

20

27.19

A

Papaver rhoeas L.

Papaveraceae

T

paparina

Leaves Flowers

FOOD, DM

the leaves are eaten in the typical dish "minestra sabbaggia"; the flower is used to dye red and to make ink

5

25

29.82

N

Parietaria judaica L.

Urticaceae

H

ebb’e muru

Whole plant Leaves

AGR, DM, MED

the decoction of the stem for?kidneys and the leaves are used as food for rabbits and hens; the leaves for the wounds of the skin and for cleaning

12

60

48.25

N

Phagnalon saxatile (L.) Cass.

Asteraceae

Ch

ebba janca

Whole plant

AGR

used as a support for silkworms

3

15

24.56

N

Pistacia lentiscus L.

Anacardiaceae

P

lentiscara

Stem

DM

used as wood for the furnace

2

10

21.93

N

Plantago lanceolata L.

Plantaginaceae

H

centu nebbi

Leaves

MED

are used to cure the pimples

2

10

21.93

N

Plantago major L.

Plantaginaceae

H

ebb’e margi,

Leaves

MED

are used to cure the pimples

4

20

27.19

N

Polypodium cambricum L.

Polypodiaceae

H

fìlici (filicia)

Leaves

AGR

are used to cure the pimples

1

5

19.30

N

Populus alba L.

Salicaceae

P

ghiuppo

Stem

HC

used as food for goats

7

35

35.09

N

Populus nigra L. subsp. nigra

Salicaceae

P

ghiuppu

Stem

HC

used to craft kitchen utensils

8

40

37.72

N

Portulaca oleracea L.

Portulacaceae

T

purciddhana

Leaves

FOOD

eaten in the salad

9

45

40.35

A

Prunus armeniaca L.

Rosaceae

P

pricupara

Stem

HC

used for the construction of parts of the bagpipe

3

15

24.56

A

Prunus avium (L.) L.

Rosaceae

P

girasara

Fruit

MED

the fruit is dried and used as an herbal tea against cystitis

1

5

19.30

N

Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb

Rosaceae

P

mennulara

Stem

HC

used for the construction of the pipes and bagpipes

5

25

29.82

A

Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn subsp. aquilinum

Dennstaedtiaceae

G

filicia

Leaves

HC, DM

used as a flycatcher, thermal insulation, for the construction of beds, for the realization of headgear and as a fire fuel

6

30

32.46

N

Pyrus spinosa Forssk.

Rosaceae

P

prainaru

Stem

HC, VET

used to build the bagpipes, treat cataracts in goats, the thorns are used to sting the poisoned part of the animal to cure it (e.g., venom of toads)

6

30

32.46

N

Quercus virgiliana (Ten.) Ten.

Fagaceae

P

ruulu

Leaves Fruit

AGR, FOOD

the leaves are used as food for sheep and cows; fruit eaten as a coffee substitute

8

40

37.72

N

Reichardia picroides (L.) Roth

Asteraceae

H

caccia lepri, caddhazzina

Leaves

FOOD, MED

eaten in the typical dish "minestra sabbaggia" and also to cure the stomachache

16

80

58.77

N

Rhus coriaria L.

Anacardiaceae

P

sammaccaru

Leaves Flowers Fruit

DM

leaves and fruits used as black dye; infructescence sold to produce dyes for shoes

11

55

45.61

A

Robinia pseudoacacia L.

Fabaceae

P

caciara

Stem

HC

used for making agricultural poles

1

5

19.30

A

Rubus ulmifolius Schott

Rosaceae

NP

ruettu, ruettaru

Leaves Flowers Fruit

FOOD, MED

the decoction of the leaves cures the toothache and together bramble, weeds and sorb used to cure the sore throat; the whole plant is used for making the coal and as a component of the gunpowder; the fruits and the buds are edible

15

75

56.14

N

Rumex bucephalophorus L.

Polygonaceae

T

acituleddha

Whole plant

AGR

used as food for animals

2

10

21.93

N

Rumex crispus L.

Polygonaceae

H

lapazza

Leaves

MED

the poultice with oil is used to cure the pimples

2

10

21.93

N

Ruscus aculeatus L.

Asparagaceae

Ch

pungitopo

Leaves Fruit

REL

used as a religious decoration

4

20

27.19

N

Ruta chalepensis L.

Rutaceae

Ch

ruta

Leaves

FOOD, MED, VET

are used to aromatize the grappa or as vermifuge for dogs and children

13

65

50.88

N

Salix alba L.

Salicaceae

P

salici jancu

Stem

HC

are used to craft baskets

10

50

42.98

N

Salix purpurea L.

Salicaceae

P

salici russu

Stem

HC

are used to craft wicker

11

55

45.61

N

Salvia officinalis L. subsp. officinalis

Lamiaceae

Ch

salvia

Leaves

MED

the decoction cures stomach pain

16

80

58.77

A

Salvia rosmarinus Schleid.

Lamiaceae

NP

rosamarinu

Leaves

MED

the herbal tea cures constipation and stomach pain

19

95

66.67

N

Sambucus nigra L.

Adoxaceae

P

sammucara (sambucara)

Leaves Stem

HC

the leaves rubbed on the strings avoid fraying; wood is used for making parts of musical instruments

13

65

50.88

N

Scirpoides holoschoenus (L.) Soják

Cyperaceae

G

juncu

Stem

AGR, HC

used as binding material in agriculture and to craft the ricotta containers

10

50

42.98

N

Silene vulgaris (Moench) Garcke

Caryophyllaceae

H

cualedda

Leaves Flowers

FOOD

eaten in the typical dish "minestra sabbaggia"

10

50

42.98

N

Sinapis arvensis L. subsp. arvensis

Brassicaceae

T

senapa

Leaves

FOOD

eaten in the typical dish "minestra sabbaggia"

4

20

27.19

N

Smilax aspera L.

Smilacaceae

P

raunìa

Shoot plant Whole plant

FOOD, REL

the buds are edible; the plant is used as a religious decoration

2

10

21.93

N

Solanum lycopersicum L.

Solanaceae

T

pumadoru

Fruit

MED

the application of cut fruit is used to cure? burns

1

5

19.30

C

Solanum tuberosum L.

Solanaceae

T

patata

Tuber

MED

the application of cut fruit is used to cure? burns

8

40

37.72

C

Sonchus oleraceus L.

Asteraceae

T

cardeddha

Leaves

FOOD

eaten in the typical dish "minestra sabbaggia"

18

90

64.04

N

Sorbus domestica L.

Rosaceae

P

subbara

Stem

HC

used for the construction of screws and walking sticks

16

80

58.77

N

Spartium junceum L.

Fabaceae

P

jinistrhara

Stem

AGR

used as binding material in agriculture

17

85

61.40

N

Sulla coronaria (L.) Medik.

Fabaceae

H

suddha

Whole plant Stem

AGR

used as food for donkeys

18

90

64.04

N

Triticum sp.pl.

Poaceae

T

‘ranu

Fruit

MED

used to cure the Herpes zoster virus

16

80

58.77

C

Tussilago farfara L.

Asteraceae

G

ugna cavaddhina

Leaves

MED

are used to cure the cyst

5

25

29.82

N

Ulmus minor Mill. subsp. minor

Ulmaceae

P

umbraru

Stem

HC, MED

used to craft rods and baskets; the glue obtained from the decoction of the bark and root is used to treat muscle contractures and as putty

8

40

37.72

N

Urospermum picroides (L.) Scop. ex F.W. Schmidt

Asteraceae

T

caddeddha rizza

Leaves

FOOD

eaten in the typical dish "minestra sabbaggia"

5

25

29.82

N

Urtica dioica L. subsp. dioica

Urticaceae

H

fuddica masculina

Leaves Stem

AGR, FOOD, MED

used as fodder for chickens; is used in risotto; if macerated in ethyl alcohol cures rheumatism

17

85

61.40

N

Verbascum macrurum Ten.

Scrophulariaceae

H

babbascaru

Leaves Stem

AGR, MED

the infusion of leaves in boiling water is used to treat the hemorrhoids or the fresh leaves are used as a tray for the ricotta; the stem is used as binding material in the agricultural field

15

75

56.14

N

Vicia faba L.

Fabaceae

T

favara

Seeds

MED

eaten are used to cure the heartburn

7

35

35.09

A

Vicia sativa L.

Fabaceae

T

fraga

Whole plant

AGR

used as food for rabbits

4

20

27.19

N

Ziziphus jujuba Mill.

Rhamnaceae

P

‘nzinzulara

Stem

HC

used to craft parts of bagpipe

1

5

19.30

A