Abstract:

Background & Aims: This paper provides a detailed theoretical basis for changing the disciplinary name of “Ethnobotany” in Chinese from “民族植物学(Minzu Zhiwuxue)” to “人文植物学(Renwen Zhiwuxue).” From 1980s, Ethnobotany, translated as “民族植物学(Minzu Zhiwuxue)” in China, has undergone significant development and has made important contributions in the fields such as conservation of biodiversity and associated traditional knowledge, traditional medicine, plant taxonomy, economic botany and plant resource development and utilization, as well as sustainable agriculture. However, as the discipline gains increasing impacts in China, widespread confusion and misconceptions about its Chinese name have hindered the development of the discipline and the dissemination of knowledge on biocultural diversity. Especially in the context of forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation, cultural and national identity have become increasingly important. The term labeled with “民族(ethno-)” exacerbate cultural division and limit its scope. 

Perspective: A retrospective analysis of ethnobotanical evolution reveals that the discipline, both globally and in China, has consistently transcended specific ethnic confines, moving beyond ethnic limitations to propel traditional botanical knowledge from localized cultural practices toward a shared ecological wisdom of humanity. Therefore, we propose “人文植物学(Renwen Zhiwuxue)” as the official Chinese rendering of “Ethnobotany” to enhance its humanistic universality, bridge academic and public understanding, and better reflect cultural integrity and shared ecological responsibility. Thereby it will contribute to the conservation and utilization of plant diversity in China, as well as exploration and dissemination of China’s rich and profound plant culture. 

Future prospects: To explore plant culture, study traditional knowledge associated with plant diversity, and reveal the relationship between humans and plants, we have to rely on ethnobotany. The proposal of “人文植物学(Renwen Zhiwxue)” as a renewed and appropriate translation for the discipline not only addresses the limitations of the previous term “民族植物学(Minzu Zhiwuxue)”. It will also reflect contemporary demands for interdisciplinary research, scientific communication, and cultural identity. To select exemplary cases of Chinese plant culture and constructing a discourse system for Ethnobotany in China, it will provide strong scientific support for China’s implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Key words: Ethnobotany, plant culture, traditional knowledge, culture identity, science communication, eco-civilization, forge a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation