Ethnobotanical use of fig (Ficus carica L.) in southern Italy

In this paper we present the results of a survey aimed to define the ethnobotanical uses of fig tree (Ficus carica L.) in southern Italy (Campania and Basilicata region). Field data were collected during the periods 2000-2014 through structured interviews. The results of this study showed a high number of traditionally uses of fig tree in the medicine, human and animal nutrition, and domestic-handicraft purposes. The plant parts most frequently used were syconia. However, the traditional use of this plant is declining and the according knowledge is mainly restricted to the elderly.