ETHNOBOTANY OF THE ASARA REGION OF KARAJ COUNTY, ALBORZ PROVINCE, IRAN: A MICRO LEVEL ANALYSIS

Ethnobotany, the study of relationships between people and plants, plays a crucial role in understanding cultural and ethnic diversity. Plants are deeply woven into the cultural fabric of societies, with usage patterns, beliefs, and attitudes varying significantly across different communities. This research, explores the specific roles of plants in the Asara region of Karaj County, particularly focusing on their culinary, medicinal, and cultural uses in three villages: Pourkan, Aderan, and Khoozankala. Through a series of 15 visits, data were gathered using ethnobotanical methods, including initial questionnaires, participant observation, and in-depth interviews with 22 local residents. The findings, organized in tables and charts, aim to document the unique connections between local people and plants, reflecting the cultural significance of indigenous knowledge. By drawing upon both existing sources and direct input from the study population, this research sheds light on the intricate relationships that shape the daily lives, beliefs, and practices of the local communities in Asara. The study identified 80 plant species used by villagers, of which more than half served both edible and medicinal purposes. Edible-medicinal plants represented the largest functional group, followed by species with combined cultural, functional, and ritual roles. The data reveal a deeply integrated system of traditional knowledge that not only sustains daily life but also reinforces cultural identity and ecological adaptation in the Asara region.