La Flora Medicinal de los Parques del Distrito Metropolitano de Quito

La Flora Medicinal de los parques del Distrito Metropolitano de Quito, is a publication whose objective is to make available to the inhabitants of the city information about the biological wealth that we can find in natural spaces very close to our places of residence. This study focuses on medicinal plants, which in addition to enriching natural knowledge, shows the usefulness that these plant species could have to treat various diseases and ailments. The work puts into consideration the traditional medicinal uses of plants, based on the knowledge of Tayta Alberto Taxo and his experience as a wise man and Andean healer. The publication is complemented with scientific information: botanical, pharmacological and chemical. Beyond the important traditional and scientific information, the ability of this text to synergize Andean ancestral knowledge with academic information is highlighted, thus creating a work full of syncretism between science and knowledge. The publication is the result of arduous work days in the following parks of the Metropolitan District of Quito: La Armenia, Sendero el Chaquiñán, Itchimbía, Metropolitano Guangüiltahua and Metropolitano del Sur. The collaboration of the Salesian Association group of the UPS, "Guardians of the Kutukú" was fundamental in the collection, identification of plant species and review of scientific literature. It is hoped that the text will serve in the future as a source of general consultation at all levels, that it will explain to the neighbors of green spaces how plant resources can be used medicinally, and that it will invite professors, researchers and students to complement, in their universities and research centers, the existing information in order to value the immense biodiversity of the city of Quito.