A forum for debate and learning

Ever since it first existed, Salagon has been a centre for research and a scientific centre specialising in ethnobotany. Ethnobotany is the area of ethnology concerned with studying relationships between man and plants. For example, an ethnobotanist might study the uses, representations and beliefs linked to plants. In keeping with its scientific vocation, each year Salagon organises an ethnobotany seminar. It brings together researchers, academics, students and members of associations. The participants are not necessarily ethnologists. Work at the seminar feeds on disciplines including history, history of art and literature.

A seminar for both interested amateurs and specialists

The seminar is an opportunity to explore progress in a particular area of ethnobotany, bring little-known work to the fore and open new research avenues. It is a forum for networking, communicating and sharing open to anyone interested in the subject, whether a specialist or not.

A theme is chosen for each seminar. Past examples include:

• Roots, a metaphor for origins (2014)
• Time of plants and time of humans (2013)
• Women's plants (2006)
• Trees in use and in the imagination across the world (2002)

This event is organised with support from the Ministry of Culture and Communication. Proceedings of the seminar are published each year.