Cultural importance and classification of queremes (Vaccinieae, Ericaceae) in El Queremal, Colombia

The Colombian Andes are a biodiversity hotspot for queremes, a local term that refers to at minimum 15 species of the blueberry tribe (Vaccinieae, Ericaceae). Queremes represent culturally important species appreciated for social, medicinal, and food uses of their flowers and berries. They likewise are of considerable scientific interest as close relatives of the temperate Vaccinieae – including blueberries, cranberries, and lingonberries – known for antioxidant rich fruit. The results of preliminary fieldwork in El Queremal, Colombia were identification of: (a) 15 species spanning six genera named in the local vernacular; (b) higher level ethnotaxonomic classification into macho [male] and hembra [female]; (c) historical and present cultural uses of queremes; (d) tension between local conservation ethics and practice.  The intended overall project goal is to understand the dual role of genetic and environmental factors in regulating antioxidant capacity in queremes, an investigation with implications for local economic development and conservation.