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Plant Diversity in Hmong and Mien Homegardens in Northern Thailand

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Plant Diversity in Hmong and Mien Homegardens in Northern Thailand. We surveyed 180 homegardens in three Hmong and three Mien villages in northern Thailand to study their floristic diversity and composition and to understand the impact of forced migration and ecological conditions for the development of the rich homegarden flora. We also looked at the role of culturally important species as carriers of cultural identity. We found 406 species: 341 (99 families) and 270 species (90 families) in Hmong and Mien homegardens, respectively. Five lowland villages had the richest homegarden flora, in part due to the presence of many widespread species. Twenty-two species were widespread in tropical countries and found in most Hmong and Mien homegardens, and 14 additional common species were shared between Hmong and Mien homegardens. Seventeen species were exclusive to Hmong homegardens and eight to Mien homegardens; these we have designated as culturally important species. The presence of culturally important species determines the homegardens’ characteristics and reflects the cultural identity related to plant uses of a group. Similarities in floristic composition of the two groups can be attributed to widespread and common species. Floristic variation and diversity in homegardens were strongly related to homegarden geographical location, personal preference, and cultural background of the owners.

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Acknowledgments

We are thankful to the Hmong and Mien for opening their homegardens to us, for their cooperation during interviews, and for their permission to collect plant samples. The Royal Golden Jubilee Program of the Commission on Higher Education of Thailand funded Kamonnate Srithi’s Ph.D. study, for which we are grateful.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Huay Kaew Rd., Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand

    Kamonnate Srithi, Chusie Trisonthi & Prasit Wangpakapattanawong

  2. Herbarium, Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden, P.O. Box 7, Mae Rim, Chiang Mai, 50180, Thailand

    Prachaya Srisanga

  3. Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Building 1540, Ny Munkegade 114-116, 8000, Aarhus C., Denmark

    Henrik Balslev

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  1. Kamonnate Srithi
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  2. Chusie Trisonthi
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Correspondence to Henrik Balslev.

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Srithi, K., Trisonthi, C., Wangpakapattanawong, P. et al. Plant Diversity in Hmong and Mien Homegardens in Northern Thailand. Econ Bot 66, 192–206 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12231-012-9199-y

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