An ethnobotanical study of the Buhid Mangyans of Oriental Mindoro

This ethnobotanical study attempts to determine the role of plants in the culture of the Buhids in Oriental Mindoro. Pertinent data were obtained using basic ethnobotanical procedures namely: observation, survey through questionnaires, interviews, participation, photography and collection of specimens. A total of 196 species belonging to 67 plant families were found to be useful to the Buhids as sources of food, medicine, building materials, household articles, tools, forage, firewood, materials for toys, personal care and ornamentation. Plants were also found to be a part of their religious activities, literature, beliefs and practices