The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment found a general decline in the consumption and gathering of wild edible 31 plants, but some studies also observe a localized increase. Using information from interviews (n = 1133) in seven 32 sites in the Iberian Peninsula and one in the Balearic Islands, we 1) identify current trends in the consumption and 33 gathering of wild edible plants (n = 56 plant-uses) and 2) analyze how cultural ecosystem services relate to such 34 trends. Our data show a generalized decrease in the consumption and gathering of wild edible plants, although 35 the trend changes significantly across plant-uses. Specifically, we found that -despite the overall decreasing 36 trend-uses of wild edible plants that simultaneously relate to foods with high cultural appreciation and the 37 recreational function of gathering remain popular. Our results signal that cultural services and values associated 38 to the gathering and consumption of some wild edible plants are important factors explaining divergent trends 39 across plant species. This finding reinforces the notion that cultural ecosystem services are deeply intertwined 40 with other categories of services which can combine in complex, non-linear ways producing a variety of 41 interdependent benefits. 42

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This paper is a review of local plants used in water infusions as aromatic and refreshing hot beverages (recreational tea) consumed in food-related settings in Europe, and not for specific medicinal purposes. The reviewed 29 areas are located across Europe, covering the post-Soviet countries, eastern and Mediterranean Europe. Altogether, 142 taxa belonging to 99 genera and 40 families were reported. The most important families for making herbal tea in all research areas were Lamiaceae and Asteraceae, while Rosaceae was popular only in eastern and central Europe. With regards to botanical genera, the dominant taxa included Mentha, Tilia, Thymus, Origanum, Rubus and Matricaria. The clear favorite was Origanum vulgare L., mentioned in 61% of the regions. Regionally, other important taxa included Rubus idaeus L. in eastern Europe, Chamaemelum nobile (L.) All. in southern Europe and Rosa canina L. in central Europe. Future research on the pharmacological, nutritional and chemical properties of the plants most frequently used in the tea-making process is essential to ensure their safety and appropriateness for daily consumption. Moreover, regional studies dedicated to the study of local plants used for making recreational tea are important to improve our understanding of their selection criteria, cultural importance and perceived properties in Europe and abroad.

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