Non-wood forest products from the understory: The case of the broadleaf deciduous oak forest (Quercus frainetto Ten.) in Taxiarchis-Vrastama Chalkidiki

The sustainable management of forest ecosystems should aim at optimum production of goods and services, while maintaining their equilibrium. The products of the forest can be distinguished into wood and non-wood. As non-wood forest products were defined all products other than wood, derived from forests, shrubs and tree plantations. The main sources of these products are trees, understorey plants, mushrooms, and animals. The purpose of the present study was to record the herbaceous and woody taxa of understorey of an oak forest in Cholomon Chalkidiki and to classify them into the following categories based on their potential use according to the FAO criteria: 1) Edible, 2) Medicinal & Aromatic, 3) Forage, 4) Ornamental, and 5) Dye. A total of 275 herbaceous and woody taxa were recorded. 76% of the taxa recorded in the area under study were classified in one or more of the above categories and their economic value was assessed.