The aim of this work was to do an ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants known and used by people in the Martim Francisco district, Mogi Mirim Municipality, São Paulo State, Brazil, as well as to investigate their application and importance for the community. A questionnaire was applied to a random sample of 50 households; in each, one adult (male or female) was interviewed. Plants cited were collected and photographed in conjunction with the interview; they were then identified and deposited at the Herbarium Rioclarense (HRCB). The 107 species were mainly cultivated herbs belonging to 40 botanical families; Lamiaceae and Asteraceae were the most representative. Diversity indexes (H'= 4.07; e = 0.87) were high when compared to surveys in other localities of São Paulo State. Leaves were the plant parts most utilized and decoction the most common way of preparation. Plant remedies were generally taken orally, and used to treat digestive and respiratory systems ailments. Dosage and treatment duration were rather loosely defined. Plants presenting relative importance and use agreement above 60% were as follows: "boldo" (Plectranthus barbatus Andrews), "capim-santo" (Cymbopogon citrates (DC) Stapf), mint (Mentha sp. 2) and "poejo" (Cunila microcephala Benth.).
ethnobotany; medicinal plants; folk medicine
