(Ethnobotanical characterization of leatherleaf fern (Rumohra adiantiformis (G. Forst) Ching - Dryopteridaceae) management systems used in southern Brazil). The leatherleaf fern (Rumohra adiantiformis (G. Forst.) Ching) is commercially used in flower arrangements. The harvesting of this species is an income source for many families from southern Brazil. The aim of this study was to characterize species management systems used in Maquiné municipality, Rio Grande do Sul state (RS), through semi-structured interviews and participant observation with harvesters' families. A great diversity of management techniques was verified. Based on these management techniques, we propose a typology of the management systems. This typology consists in four main types of management systems, according to landscape management and leatherleaf fern population management used. An association between land tenure and the management system adopted was observed. On rented lands, only the fronds are harvested, while on private property harvesters use techniques such as trimming, tree-felling, removal of dead fronds, treading on the area after harvesting, and interaction with shifting cultivation and cattle. The typology of management systems presented here, in association with other studies on sustainability of leatherleaf fern harvesting, has provided support for the regulation/legalization of this activity in Rio Grande do Sul.
sustainable management; harvesting; leatherleaf fern; non-timber forest products
