Traditional agroecosystems play an important role in the conservation of biodiversity and in sustainable development. As a typical type of traditional agroecosystem, traditional homegardens have been receiving increasing attention from scientists, especially ethnobotanists. They are considered as germplasm banks for many crops and other economic plants. They are also a key site for domestication of wild plants. Current ethnobotanical studies on homegardens focus on their structures, floristic composition, and contributions to their owners. Traditional homegardens often show complicated structures, diverse floristic compositions, multiple functions, low input (including labor and money), and ecological and socioeconomic sustainability. The characteristics and functions of traditional homegardens are closely related to many factors, such as their geographic location and the cultural backgrounds and socioeconomic conditions of their owners. Many researches on homegardens are conducted in the tropics. There are few studies on the dynamics of traditional homegardens, especially those located in temperate, arid and semi-arid zones. The dynamics of homegardens and the factors affecting these processes will be a fruitful field for future research.
. Characteristics and functions of traditional homegardens: a review[J]. Frontiers of Biology in China, 2009, 4(2): 151-157.
Huyin HUAI, Alan HAMILTON. Characteristics and functions of traditional homegardens: a review. Front Biol Chin, 2009, 4(2): 151-157.
annual & perennial herbaceous plants: tomatoes, espelon, corn, ginger, cassava, and taro
herbaceous stratum
< 0.5
herbs & creepers: basil, squash, epazote, and sweet potatoes
Tab.1
vertical profile
height/m
species
emergent layer
≥10
coconut, areca palm, bamboo, and teak
canopy layer
5-10
mango, tamarind, durian, coral tree, Indian trumpet flower, and plum mango
understory layer
<5
diverse fruit trees with a height<5 m
shrubs and ground cover
different species of shrubs and grasses
Tab.2
vertical profile
height/m
species and usage
upper stratum
7-12
fruits and timbers: Schinopsis brasiliensis, Anacardium occidentale, Erythrina velutina, etc.
mid-stratum
3-7
multiple uses: Tabebuia sp.; Myracrodruon urundeuva, etc.
lower stratum
1-3
medicinal plants, fruits, and forages: Psidium guajava, Annona squamosa, Jatropha molissima, etc.
Tab.3
plant types
management practices
cultivated
under intensive management
protected or encouraged
spontaneously growing or transplanted from elsewhere, the owner taking measures to protect or encourage them
spared
spontaneously growing, left unweeded
Tab.4
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