Uses, Abundance Perception, and Potential Geographical Distribution of Smilax Aristolochiifolia Mill (Smilacaceae) in the Totonacapan Region of Puebla, Mexico

The study focused on Smilax aristolochiifolia, a plant used in traditional Totonac medicine and cuisine, which had seen a decline in population over the past 50 years in the Totonacapan region of Puebla, Mexico. This decline was attributed to land-use changes, herbicide use, and urban growth. Interviews with 260 Totonac families revealed that 31% had stopped consuming the plant. Despite its reduced presence, the plant remained socioeconomically important, particularly for treating baldness and dysentery. The Maxent® Program identified potential areas for conservation, but there was a lack of propagation knowledge and conservation efforts among the local population. The study highlighted the need for a biocultural conservation strategy to preserve the species.