Home Garden Herbs and Medicinal Plants of Lefke, Cyprus

The objective of this study was to record edible herbs and fruits derived from home gardens in Lefke, Cyprus and in addition to determine the local residents’ knowledge of medicinal uses of home growing plants within their home gardens. This study was performed in old Turkish Cypriot town Lefke, Cyprus. During the surveys between November 2016 and February 2017 the fruit and edible herb production was documented and standard interviews were performed with garden owners. A total number of nine herb and 20 fruit tree species were determined during the surveys. The most widely used herb was mint (Menhta spicata L.) followed by Origanum (Origanum majorona L.). Almost all home garden owners were aware of the health benefits of mint. The most widely used fruits were lemons (Citrus x limon) and oranges (Citrus x aurantium). The residents were aware of the Vitamin C content and health benefits of these fruits. However, almost all recorded fruit species were used for culinary purposes rather than their medicinal uses. Through this research, the role of Cypriot home gardens for traditionally grown herb and fruit plants and their effect on cultural-ecological socialization as well as their health benefits were determined.