Plant Diversity ›› 2013, Vol. 35 ›› Issue (4): 493-496.DOI: 10.7677/ynzwyj201313027

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The Genus Caragana Fabr. and Its Mongolian Ecological Culture

 ZHAO  Ling-1, E  Er-Du-Ji-Ru-Ga-3, MAN  Liang-1、2,   Chen-Shan-2   

  1. 1 Tianjin Key Laboratory of Animal and Plant Resistance, College of Life Sciences, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387, China;
    2 College of Life Sciences and Technology, Inner Mongolia Normal University, Huhhot 010022, China; 3 Shanqian School,
    Yuanbao Mountain District, Ulaan Had (Chifeng) City, Inner Mongolia, Chifeng 024071, China
  • Received:2013-03-01 Online:2013-07-25 Published:2013-05-08
  • Supported by:

    国家自然科学基金项目 (30960083, 31170381);国家社会科学基金项目 (09Bmz030);天津师范大学博士基金项目 (52XB1208)

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 Mongolian’s 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.

Key words: Caragana Fabr., Pasture management and conservation, Cultural value, Mongolian nationality

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