| Arrow-leaved balsamroot in flower.
Chambers |
| GF researcher Kimberlee Chambers working in a cultivation plot of balsamroot
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| Investigators |
| Kimberlee Chambers, M.Sc. Candidate, School of Environmental Studies and Department of Geography, University of Victoria
Dr. Nancy Turner, School of Environmental Studies, University of Victoria
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What is the Issue? |
| MAINTENANCE AND INVESTIGATION OF A TRADITIONAL MEDICINAL AND FOOD PLANT |
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Traditional botanical knowledge may be applicable to sustainable community development, conservation and ecosystem resilience. Arrow-leaved balsamroot (Balsamorhiza sagittata) is one of the most versatile food plants used by indigenous people in the interior of British Columbia. At one time, the leaves, roots, bud stalks and seeds were all used. Balsamorhiza sagittata is a culturally and ecologically important plant throughout its growing region, and it is well adapted to the dry, hot climate of the interior. As a processed crop, it may provide an alternative source of energy, nutrition and an antimicrobial herbal medicine. Arrow-leaved balsamroot is also being researched for its role in slope stabilization, mine reclamation and ecological restoration. Native plants, grown commercially for their nutritional and therapeutic properties, have potential to replace environmentally damaging, imported crops (such as ginseng) in the BC Interior. The germination and propagation of arrow-leaved balsamroot has the possibility to meet objectives of both economic development in First Nations communities and environmental conservation.
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What is our goal? |
| EXPLORE BOTANICAL MEDICINAL POTENTIAL OF OUR FORESTS THROUGH FIRST NATIONS KNOWLEDGE.
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Where we currently stand. |
| Research is expected to be complete in July 2001. Ecological research on large populations of B sagittata in Botaine Valley, Hat Creek Valley and Pavilion Mountain is underway, and seeds have been collected for germination and propagation experiments. It is expected that B. saggittata can be grown in a field situation with minimal water and no soil additives. Agronomic studies have begun in Agriculture Canada's greenhouse facility in Agassiz, BC, and in field plots east of Lillooet. Fieldwork in the BC Interior will continue in spring and summer 2001.
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