Miskito Indian ethnobotany in northeastern Nicaragua

This botanical study is the first contemporary endeavor to study ethnobotany amongst the Miskito Indians on a regional level. Research reflects studies conducted from October 1993 through December 1994 within seven Miskito communities located in the Northern Autonomous Region of Nicaragua. Identifications to date have resulted in the identification of more than 244 species and varieties of plants to which just under 1200 applications are ascribed. The nine categories of usage (followed by the percentage of plants with these applications) are identified as medicinal (60%), edible (31%), ornamental (13%), household (11%), construction (10%), superstition (9%), fuel and additional (both with 7%) and personal uses (5%). Each category is discussed in detail. Appendices provide information on botanical, historical and cultural background concerning this study and the region as a whole. Glossaries listing botanical, medicinal, supernatural and food terminology are provided.