ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of the 10 native species of Patagonian berries which hold the most cultural significance, identifying local practices and their history. The INIBIOMA Ethnobiology group has been studying the use of wild and cultivated plants in the Patagonian region for many years, conducting field work in different enclaves there, and also drawing up bibliographical databases of sources relating to different social and biological disciplines. Preliminary studies carried out in rural communities of Chubut province show that rural dwellers are selective in the gathering process used for B. microphylla, they prefer certain individual plants to others, and prefer to pick the larger, darker berries. Ethnobotanical studies carried out in Mapuche communities reveal a marked overlap between edible and medicinal species. Ethnographic information examined and the interest shown by ethnopharmacological research in certain species, highlight the resources which display the most potential.
