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The Genus Caragana Fabr. and Its Mongolian Ecological Culture

Authors Zhao Ling; E Er-Du-Ji-Ru-Ga; Man Liang; Chen Shan

Journal Plant Diversity and Resourcues , 2018-Apr,1:15

DOI 10.4274/tjps.82473 PubMed 32454646

Abstract The genus Caragana has very important cultural value in addition to its significance in both ecology and landscape. The ethnoecological study revealed that Mongolian ecological culture can accurately reflect the cultural, ecological and resource value of Caragana. Firstly, except for the original Mongolian name Haragana for this genus, the blending Altagana from the Mongolian adjective Altan (meaning golden) and Mongolian noun Haragana also contributes a lot to the development of modern plant science. Secondly, different thicketizationgrasslands in either the steppe zone or the desert zone constructed or dominated by Caragana microphylla, C.liouana, C.tibetica, C.stenophylla or C.korshinskii are the very pastures for the Mongolian nationality to herd with seasons or with different livestock in accordance with the geomorphic characteristics, grassland characteristics or feeding habits of livestock. This has also become the cultural and scientific foundation for the establishment of the grazing system unit centralized by rotational grazing. Thirdly, the folk songs of Mongolian nationality which speak highly of sandfixing and windpreventing function of Caragana can reflect the Mongolians correct understanding of the ecological principles of biological sand fixation. They are also the authentic cultural materials of the construction of the ecological civilization in the steppe zone or the desert zone in China.

Species covered 小叶锦鸡儿 Caragana microphylla 锦鸡儿属 Caragana