Singing the nature - еthnobotanical knowledge in Bulgarian folk songs

Background: Bulgarian poetic folklore reflects an agrarian culture deeply connected with land and nature. However, traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) transmitted through is scarcely assessed. Questions: What are the dimensions of TEK related to plant diversity (native introduced) that appear in folk songs what their potential as transmitters ТЕК? Data description: The lyrics 10,113 were excerpted from major academic collections a set unpublished songs. Study site dates: Current study covers have been documented since mid-19th century onwards present former territories areas inhabited by ethnic Bulgarians abroad. Methods: Common names descriptions plants landscapes used detect botanical affiliations denoted plants. We focused on frequencies representations functions associated cultural, agricultural food-processing practices. Results: A total 146 taxa 109 genera mentioned 47.3 % studied Over 60 most frequently archaeophytes while neophytes represented seven taxa, denoting everyday spiritual importance Conclusions: presented wide range nature-related information typically reported for groups outside Europe. Quantification preserved further assessment performance nature-rich would allow development additional tools evaluation cultural significance species, ecosystems well educational inspirational materials.