The ethnobotanical properties of Samandere valley (Düzce) and its vicinity

This study was carried out in the Samandere Valley and its surroundings in 8 villages of different ethnic groups with rich cultural heritage, to determine the diversity of plant use, to record the local plant names, usage areas and traditional usage patterns, and to reveal the uses that differ according to the regions. Between April 2019 and October 2020, 8 villages located in and around Samandere Valley were visited for ethnobotanical research. Information about their use, preparation, application methods were compiled and recorded. As a result of the research, the local use of 148 taxa belonging to 64 families was identified. These plants are identified as follows; 109 of the plants are natural and 39 are cultivated plants; 95 medical, 83 food, 28 hand tools, 22 animal feed, 22 ornamental, 21 fuel, 13 veterinary folk medicine, 11 other use, 4 furniture, 4 were used as musical instruments and 4 as dyes. 275 different local names have been identified for the plants that are subject to this study. The first five families containing the most taxa among the plants determined to be used in the research area are respectively; Rosaceae, Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, and Apiaceae. Keywords: Düzce, Ethnobotany, Food plants, Medicinal plants, Samandere Valley