Wild plant trade in Mexican traditional market: an ethnobotanical review from a socio-ecological systems perspective.

backgroundTraditional markets in Mexico are longstanding centers of biocultural exchange where wild plants are commercialized for diverse purposes, with important socio‑ecological implications. However, research in this topic remains fragmented across disciplines. This review critically examines and synthesizes scientific literature on the trade of wild plants in traditional Mexican markets to assess accumulated knowledge, prevailing theoretical approaches, and the extent to which this activity has been conceptualized within a socio‑ecological systems (SES) framework.

methodsWe conducted a systematic search of major academic databases and analyzed studies documenting wild plant trade in traditional markets across Mexico. We identified traded species, their origin, and their uses, and examined reported social, ecological, and economic variables, emphasized their integration within an SES perspective. Ethnobotanical potential and knowledge gaps were also evaluated for each Mexican state.

resultsBased on 32 studies documenting 60 traditional markets, we recorded 902 species (528 genera, 131 families), primarily Orchidaceae, Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Cactaceae, and Bromeliaceae. Most of the species were native to Mexico and were frequently harvested from the wild, including numerous taxa listed under conservation status. Medicinal and food uses predominated, while ornamental and ritual uses reflected strong cultural drivers of demand. Although most studies reported variables relevant to SES analyses, they were largely descriptive and rarely applied integrative, hypothesis‑driven SES frameworks. Oaxaca, Chiapas, Veracruz, State of Mexico, and Puebla exhibited the highest ethnobotanical potential; while the highest ethnobotanical gap values were found in Chiapas, Veracruz, Guerrero, and San Luis Potosí.

conclusionsKey ethnobotanical theories guiding plant selection and use where identified, along with critical research gaps related to governance, consumer behavior, ecological impacts, and management practices. Traditional markets represent strategic settings for advancing SES‑based ethnobotanical research and promoting sustainability that balance biodiversity conservation, livelihoods, and cultural continuity.