Urban Ethnobotany: Plants in Urban Spaces

Date of the last update: 10.10.2024

Plants in urban spaces play a key role in creating a healthy ecosystem, influencing air quality, microclimate, aesthetics, noise levels and also the mental and physical health of residents. As a result, many cities around the world are implementing modern urban planning projects, turning concrete jungles into green oases.

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What is ethnobotany?

Ethnobotany is the science that studies the relationship between people and plants, with a focus on traditions, culture and everyday practices. It analyses how different communities use plants for medicinal, culinary, ritual or economic purposes. It is an interdisciplinary field, combining botany, anthropology, ethnography and ecology. In an urban context, ethnobotany studies the role of plants in urban spaces such as parks, community gardens and even the recently fashionable green roofs.

What is ethnobotanical research?

Ethnobotanical research in urban areas involves analysing the relationship between people and plants, identifying species present in the city and understanding how residents use plants in their daily lives.

Researchers also investigate how green urban spaces affect the wellbeing of residents, their mental health and their physical health. Understanding how biodiversity and local gardening practices contribute to a more sustainable urban environment is also an important aspect of this research.

Research shows that spending even 20 minutes in such spaces can significantly reduce stress, improve mood and increase an overall sense of wellbeing.

An example of ethnobotanical research in Poland is the ‘dzieło-działka’ project, initiated in 2009 by the Ethnographic Museum in Krakow. As part of this project, a group of 16 researchers, mainly ethnologists, interviewed allotment holders in Kraków, Katowice and Wrocław. The research included the identification of plants grown in allotment gardens and documentation of their uses. The research showed that many plants, such as herbs, vegetables and flowers, are important to local communities, both culinarily and medicinally. The project also highlighted the role of allotment gardens as places where plant knowledge and ethnobotanical traditions are passed on and nurtured.

What are the greatest benefits of creating green spaces in cities?

Plants in cities do not only improve their aesthetics. Above all, they bring numerous benefits to residents.

They act as natural filters that remove pollutants, dust and heavy metals. They thus have an impact on air quality.
They reduce the urban heat island effect, which is particularly important in an era of global warming. Studies have shown that urban greenery lowers the ambient temperature by up to several degrees Celsius, improving the living comfort of residents especially on hot days.
Play a key role in the city’s water management. Urban greenery, especially trees and shrubs, improves rainwater retention, preventing overloading of sewers during heavy rainfall. Plant root systems improve the natural infiltration of water deep into the soil, which is essential for maintaining the urban ecosystem.
They reduce noise levels, thanks to the ability of plants to absorb sounds and dampen sound waves.
They strengthen social ties and a sense of responsibility for shared space.
They enable residents to learn about local flora and its benefits.
They promote stress reduction, improved mood and overall quality of life.
They provide space and encourage outdoor activities.
They provide access to traditional edible plant species as well as herbs with medicinal properties.
They increase biodiversity in urban spaces, creating habitats for animals including birds, insects and small mammals.
The presence of culturally important plants, such as oaks, lindens or chestnut trees, enriches urban landscapes and reminds us of the traditions associated with native flora.

Examples of local urban ethnobotany initiatives

In view of the above, it is not surprising that more and more cities are taking steps to integrate greenery and ethnobotany in urban spaces.

Urban community gardens, where residents grow vegetables, herbs and flowers together. Such places, such as Warsaw’s ‘Garden in the North’ or Krakow’s ‘Stanisław Wyspiański Community Garden’, are not only a source of fresh food, but also a space for education and social integration.
Green roofs and walls are an increasingly popular way of introducing plants into urban spaces. Projects such as the green roof of the University of Warsaw Library not only beautify the city, but also improve air quality, regulate temperature and create new habitats for birds and insects.
Pocket parks – these are small, green spaces integrated into densely built-up urban areas. They are an example of how, even in a small area, enclaves of green can be created to promote relaxation for residents.
Educational trails – in city parks and gardens, dedicated to local flora. Information boards next to trees, shrubs and herbs present their properties and cultural significance, encouraging residents to learn more about the nature around them.

Urban ethnobotany as a tool for sustainable development

Urban ethnobotany has an important impact on urban sustainability. By developing urban greenery and promoting local plant-related initiatives, we create healthier and more livable spaces. It is important to emphasise that education about the role of plants in urban ecosystems and the promotion of traditions related to the cultivation and use of plants help to build environmental awareness and a sense of responsibility for the world around us in the population.

Check out also: How to develop a relationship with nature in the city

Summary

Ethnobotany in urban spaces plays a key role in bringing residents back into contact with nature, even in the most urbanised areas. By integrating plants in urban gardens, parks and green roofs, cities gain in aesthetics, biodiversity and public health. The introduction of plants with phytotherapeutic properties brings health benefits and supports local ecosystems. Ethnobotany combines environmental education with the practical use of plants, strengthening social connections and improving quality of life. Ultimately, by pushing for more greenery in cities, we are creating a more sustainable and healthy environment for today’s residents.