<b>Suburban Residents' Psychological Ownership of Ethnobotanical Plants Found in Surrounding Green Spaces</b>

Abstract

This research studied the psychological ownership (PO) of ethnobotanical (ETB) plants found near suburban residents' homes. A mixed methods study was done using site survey, aerial photographs, historical research, interviews, and questionnaire responses. Inquiries regarding recognition, usage, and hopes for increase of 12 selected ETB plants were asked. Results showed the closest relationship of recognition and appreciation was due to gathering and usage. Usage of plants and remembering them also had a deep relationship with wanting to see an increase of them in the surroundings. Interest in commercially available plants and hopes for plants in the future in the surrounding neighborhood is associated with usage knowledge. Interviews confirmed that experiences with plants differ from childhood to adulthood. Children have direct and short experiences, such as picking and eating or playing immediately and observing adults' usage, whereas adults collect and use plants procedurally. Plant experiences in childhood create deeper opportunities for PO in adulthood due to associated memories. Interviews showed these are often familial or personal experiences. Results also showed that medicinality of ETBs is not well-known, and is based on cultural input rather than association with the plant itself. It was concluded that PO, and consequently interest, come from memories associated with identification and usage knowledge. Further, from the results, it is concluded that ETBs must be readily identifiable in the landscape and that encouraging experiences through events aimed at families or personal experiences could foster the PO of ETBs.