Status of medicinal and aromatic plants in - Inia

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WORKING GROUP ON MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC PLANTS: FIRST MEETING
Regions of Hungary specialized in MAP collecting and/or cultivation
The traditional regions of utilization of the indigenous flora and the main cultivation areas of
MAPs are shown in Fig. 1.
Reg 2
Reg.6b
Reg.3
Reg.5
Reg.1
Reg.4
Reg.6a
Reg.7
Fig. 1. Traditional regions for utilization of indigenous flora and main cultivation areas of medicinal and
aromatic plants in Hungary:
Reg. 1 = Great Plain and East Tisza river region
Reg. 2 = North-central mountainous region of Hungary
Reg. 3 = Balaton highland
Reg. 4 = South Hungary
Reg. 5 = Bakony and its surroundings
Reg. 6a = Region suitable for "spring poppy" cultivation
Reg. 6b = Northern part of Transdanubia suitable for "autumn poppy" cultivation
Reg. 7 = Region of plant species which can be cultivated all over the country
• Traditional regions of utilization of the indigenous flora
The regional specialization in Hungary for utilization of the indigenous flora dates back to
the beginnings of the 1920s. This specialization took place spontaneously in response to
various biological, economical and social factors (Bernáth 1994). As a result of spontaneous
specialization during the past 80-90 years, well-defined production areas have appeared,
which have had a great influence on the effectiveness of the medicinal plant sector in the
past and may also affect its future development.
- Region 1
The natural occurrence of Matricaria recutita in Hungary is one of the model examples
illustrating the regional specialization for utilization of species of the indigenous flora
(Fig. 1). From a biological point of view, chamomile grown in saline habitats was regarded
as high quality. This was first based on empirical observations and later confirmed by
sophisticated chemical and pharmacological analysis. From a socioeconomical point of view
the development of this region was promoted by the abundance of labour locally. According
to the data of trading companies, as many as 15 000-20 000 people are involved in gathering
chamomile flowers at harvest time, even today. Because of the short duration of the
chamomile harvest and processing, the regional activity had to be complemented by
utilization of other MAPs indigenous to the region (Juniperus communis, Achillea millefolium,
Gypsophila paniculata, Crataegus spp., Rosa spp., etc.).