Ethnobotanical characteristics of plants sold in herbalists and public bazaars in central Kayseri (Türkiye)

This study covers ethnobotanical studies on plants found in herbalists and public markets in the center of Kayseri. In the study, 19 different herbalist and public markets were visited periodically and 19 informants were interviewed. The collected plants were identified by utilizing the main source called Flora of Turkey and other auxiliary sources. By evaluating the named plants, 68 families and 170 species were determined. According to the results obtained from the studies, the first five families containing the most species are; Asteraceae 16 plats, Lamiaceae 13 plants, Apiaceae 12 plants, Rosaceae 11 plants and Fabaceae 8 plants. The parts of the plant used are seed (20%), leaf (20%), flower (17%), fruit (17%), root (10%), aboveground parts (10%), whole plant (3%), bark ( 3%). According to the results of the study, the plants whose ethnobotanical values were determined are used; 160 for medicinal purposes, 38 for food, 7 for evil eye protection and the others for various purposes (cleaning, incense, ornament, etc.). The usage types of the plants are brewing 57%, powdered 16%, boiling 15%, raw 10%, boiling brewing 7%, spice 8% and also 4% other used for evil eye protection, ornament, incense and fishing. It is thought that this study will constitute an important data for the provincial inventory and will also contribute to the recognition of herbalist culture.