An ecological evaluation of the sustainability of bark harvesting of medicinal plant species in the Venda region, Limpopo province, South Africa

The study evaluated the extent and threat of bark harvesting of plant species for medicinal purposes in the Venda region and investigated possibilities of the sustainability of these practices. Approximately 30% of the woody plant species in Venda were found to have medicinal properties in their bark, but only about 12% of these species are commonly traded in muthi shops in the region. Fifty-eight medicinal plant species are commonly harvested for medicinal properties in their bark and found in muthi shops in the region. These 58 species were scored for the possible threat of bark harvesting to the species’ survival using 20 ecologically relevant plant population traits. The most vulnerable species were Adansonia digitata, Adenia spinosa, Albizia adianthifolia, Albizia versicolor, Brackenridgea zanguebarica, Croton megalobotrys, and Warburgia salutaris. Of these species Brackenridgea zanguebarica and Warburgia salutaris are amongst the ten most traded medicinal plant species in Venda region. Elaeodendron transvaalense and Brackenridgea zanguebarica, the two species investigated in detail in this study, were amongst the most commonly traded medicinal plant species in Venda region. Analysis of size class distributions showed that both species had growing and healthy populations, exhibiting J-shaped population curves, centroids left-skewed from the midpoint of the size class distribution, and a fine-grained status. However, size-class distributions in both species revealed certain classes that needed monitoring since they were negatively affected by bark harvesting. Adult individuals of B. zanguebarica showed a high degree of bark regeneration as a response to bark removal from medicine men. The crown health status of E. transvaalense was generally good although some individuals, contributing 9% of the sample, had dead crowns. A linear relationship was noticed between areas harvested and stem circumference, which is understandable considering the large surface area of harvestable bark on bigger individuals. Matrix modeling of E. transvaalense revealed that the vegetative stage should be targeted for management action. An assessment of the adequacy of the Brackenridgea Nature Reserve, an initiative aimed at protecting Brackenridgea zanguebarica, revealed that the reserve size is not enough for conservation of a viable population. The method flagged out potential growth habitat for B. zanguebarica around the current reserve, which could be incorporated to enlarge the conservation area, which could be incorporated to enlarge the conservation area. Four different scenarios were analysed on how best to conserve the species. Assuming a 50% reduction in human-related activities, such as cultivation, harvesting and livestock grazing, it is recommended that the reserve be enlarged from its current 110 ha to 366 ha to maintain a viable population into the future. Finally, the study recommended the adoption of an integrated approach to achieve sustainability of bark harvesting in the Venda region. Only by selecting best practices from both indigenous and conventional conservation techniques will the conservation of natural resources that are of important to local communities, be successful. An action plan that will involve the formation of an association by all stakeholders interested in the sustainable utilization of natural resources must be developed. The association must be governed by a constitution with a clear mission statement and the harvesting of natural resources should be done in line with a collection policy.Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2012.Plant Scienceunrestricte

Propagation potential for the conservation of Brackenridgea zanguebarica Oliv., a critically endangered plant species endemic to Vhembe District in Limpopo Province (South Africa)

Brackenridgea zanguebarica Oliv. is an important multipurpose tree valued for its medicinal uses in Vhembe District. The unsustainable harvesting coupled with poor seed germination in the wild is threatening its regeneration; which poses a challenge in efforts to its conservation. This study was conducted to identify suitable methods for propagating B. zanguebarica species using seeds and stem cuttings. Seeds propagation was carried out to evaluate the effect of various pre-treatments. Vegetative propagation was tested to assess if B. zanguebarica could be successfully propagated via stem cuttings with appropriate treatments. The results showed that B. zanguebarica seeds did not germinate at all under any of the conditions tested. Stem cuttings presented a possibility of propagating this species despite the poor results obtained, where 51% of cuttings across all treatment produced buds and 17% only developed leaves without any root development. The growth media had insignificant (P > 0.05) effect on some vegetative growth parameters, while growth hormones showed significant (P < 0.05) effect in all the vegetative growth parameters of stem cuttings where IAA performed better than IBA and NNA. However, their interaction were significant (P < 0.05) on all the growth parameters of Brackenridgea zanguebarica stem cuttings except on the percentage of cuttings that produced buds (P = 0.107). The findings showed that B. zanguebarica is difficult to propagate sexually and asexually, hence, further studies are needed to identify suitable methods for both seed and vegetative propagation of this plant

Population biology of Elaeodendron transvaalense Jacq. in the presence of harvesting

Elaeodendron transvaalense Jacq. is one of the medicinal plant species commonly used by people in the Venda region. The species is known to treat a variety of diseases. It is widely used and important to traditional healers. Because of this, it found its way into the muthi markets, and it is among the seven most commonly traded plant species in the Venda region. This study investigated the impact of bark harvesting on the population structure of this species. The study revealed that although the level of bark harvesting is high, the species is able to resist that stress since it is a fine-grained species. The population also showed the ability to regenerate as it exhibited an inverse J-shaped curve. The crown health status was generally good although some individuals, contributing 9% of the sample, had dead crowns, which are a cause for concern. A linear relationship was noticed between areas harvested and stem circumference, which is understandable considering the large surface area of harvestable bark on bigger individuals.National Research Foundation of South Africahttp:// www.revistaphyton.fund-rumuloraggio.org.arhb201

Evaluación de la magnitud y peligro de la cosecha de corteza de especies vegetales medicinales en la región de Venda, Provincia de Limpopo, Sudáfrica

The medicinal flora of the Venda region consists of a variety of species, which may potentially provide therapeutic agents to treat different diseases. Bark use for medicinal purposes has been reported for approximately 30% of the woody species (153 species) in the Venda region in southern Africa. However, only 58 plant species are commonly harvested for the medicinal properties in their bark and found in muthi shops in the region. These 58 species were scored for the possible threat of bark harvesting to the plant survival. Ethnobotanical studies indicate that the growing trade in indigenous medicinal plants in South Africa is posing a threat to the conservation and preservation of many plant species. Apart from pharmaceutical companies, trade in medicinal plants has become a way of making a living for some people. This study investigated the pattern of trade in medicinal plants by local markets in the Venda region, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Indications are that bark harvesting may threaten some of the plant species.La flora medicinal de la región de Venda consta de una variedad de especies, que potencialmente pueden proporcionar agentes terapéuticos para tratar diferentes enfermedades. El uso de la corteza con propósitos medicinales se ha informado para aproximadamente 30% de las especies leñosas (153 especies) en el sur de África, en la región de Venda. Sin embargo, sólo 58 especies vegetales son cosechadas por las propiedades medicinales en su corteza, y vendidas en tiendas muthi en la región. Estas 58 especies se clasificaron por la posible amenaza de cosecha de su corteza, relacionado con la supervivencia de las plantas. Estudios etnobotánicos indican que el creciente comercio de plantas medicinales indígenas en Sudáfrica está siendo una amenaza para la conservación y preservación de muchas especies vegetales. Además de las compañías farmacéuticas, el comercio de plantas medicinales se ha convertido en una forma de vida para algunas personas. Este estudio investigó el patrón de comercio de las plantas medicinales en los mercados locales en la región de Venda, Provincia de Limpopo, Sudáfrica. Los resultados indican que la cosecha de corteza puede amenazar algunas de las especies vegetales.Muthi is a term for traditional medicine in southern Africa. It has been derived from the Zulu language word for “tree” due to the fact that most traditional medicines are derived from trees.http://www.revistaphyton.fund-romuloraggio.org.aram201

Is the present Brackenridgea Nature Reserve large enough to ensure the survival of Brackenridgea zanguebarica Oliv.?

The Brackenridgea Nature Reserve is a 110 ha protected area established by the provincial Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism as a way of protecting the population of Brackenridgea zanguebarica, a species classified as critically endangered in South Africa. In the whole of South Africa, the species is found in only one small area around Thengwe–Mafukani in Venda. It is threatened with extirpation due to high demand for its medicinal bark. This study investigated the adequacy of the reserve to conserve the species using a method established in 2001 by Burgman et al. This method involves 12 steps to quantify the risk of the decline or possible extinction of the species and takes current human activities, disturbances and the viability of the population into consideration for setting a conservation target. From the results, it was clear that more area is needed for the current population to survive beyond 50 years. Assuming the status quo, it will require 410 ha to maintain the population, whereas a 50% reduction in human-related activities, such as cultivation, harvesting and livestock grazing, will lower the required potential habitat to 203 ha and a conservation option, which allows for bark harvesting, will require 179 ha. CONSERVATION IMPLICATIONS: The results of this study will have conservation implication on management of viable species population within a nature reserve. It will require managers to take into consideration the reserve size in relation to potential habitats for the development of species under their management.http://www.koedoe.co.zaam201

Management plan of a medicinal plant species in demand: the case of Brackenridgea zanguebarica Oliv

Studies on the impact of bark harvesting for medicinal purposes on Brackenridgea zanguebarica revealed a high degree of overexploitation. Conservation effort from all levels is highly welcomed since it will be contributing towards conservation of this indigenous medicinal plant. It is therefore clear that an integrated approach of taking best conservation practices from western as well as indigenous systems can be the way to go.Formation of a Participatory Natural Resource Management Associations in areas where natural resources are being threatened by unsustainable harvesting practice can help in bringing together interested stakeholders into the mainstream of protecting such resources. Such associations should be governed by natural resource harvesting policies with clear objectives around documentation, monitoring and evaluation of harvesting. These policies should cover ecological, social, as well as economic concerns of stakeholders.Keywords: Harvesting impact, integrated management, sustainable harvestin

Epidermal structure of stomata and trichomes of vachella tortilis (FORSSK.) galasso and banfi

Department of BotanyLeaves of Vachellia tortilis were collected along the national road (N1) in Limpopo province, South Africa. Variations in the epidermal structure of stomata and presence of trichomes amongst V. tortilis in nine different stations selected along the study site were investigated. In this study leaves of V. tortilis were found to be hypostomatic. The epidermal cell revealed a polygonal structure only. Anticlinal walls were either straight or curved. Trichomes recorded showed a nonglandular unicellular conical shape. Stomata types observed were paracytic and anisocytic with single subsidiary cell. In comparison the frequency of epidermal cells was higher than that of guard cells. Stomatal index and frequencies of stomata and epidermal cells were also recorded and compared.Natinal Research Foundation (NRF) and University of Vend

Hierarchies of knowledge: ethnobotanical knowledge, practices and beliefs of the Vhavenda in South Africa for biodiversity conservation

Abstract Background Indigenous and local knowledge systems are characterised by a ‘knowledge-practice-belief’ complex that plays a critical role for biodiversity management and conservation on indigenous lands. However, few studies take into consideration the interconnected relationship between the social processes underpinning knowledge accumulation, generation and transmission. The study draws on ethnobotanical research to explore plant uses, practices and belief systems developed among the indigenous Vhavenda in South Africa for sustaining indigenous plant resources and highlights some of the forces of change influencing the acquisition and transmission of knowledge. Methods Data was collected from September–November 2016 from 31 individuals by means of semi-structured interviews; walks in home gardens, cultivated fields, montane forests and deciduous woodlands; and vouchering of plant species in six villages (Duthuni, Tshidzivhe, Vuvha, Lwamondo, Mashau and Tshiendeulu) in the Vhembe District of South Africa. The Use Value Index (UVI) was used to measure the number of different uses of each species and the Relative Frequency Index (RFI) to measure the local importance of each species. Semi-structured interviews and comparisons with published works also explored cultural practices and belief systems associated with plants, modes and barriers of knowledge transmission. Results Eighty-four plant species were reported within 44 families, with Fabaceae representing the highest diversity of plant species. We identified six species not previously documented in the Vhavenda ethnobotanical literature, 68 novel uses of plants and another 14 variations of known uses. Vhavenda plants were predominantly used for food (36.0%) and medicine (26.1%) and consisted mainly of native (73.8%) compared to non-native species (26.2%). The Vhavenda possess a range of practices for managing plant resources that can be attributed to taboos preventing the use of selected species, promotion of sustainable harvesting practices and the propagation of plant species for ecological restoration. Plant knowledge and management practices were transmitted from relatives (48.4%), self-taught through time spent planting and harvesting plants on the land (19.4%), through apprenticeships with traditional healers (16.1%), initiation schools (9.7%) and clan gatherings (6.4%). Changes in traditional learning platforms for knowledge exchange, erosion of cultural institutions and shifting value systems serve as barriers for knowledge transmission among the Vhavenda. Conclusion The study points to a need for new partnerships to be forged between conservationists, government actors and local and indigenous knowledge holders to foster hybrid knowledge coproduction for developing strategies to enhance the productivity and biodiversity of indigenous lands

<em>Euphorbia pulvinata </em>Marloth: A useful succulent plant species in Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, Limpopo Province, South Africa

122-126The use of Euphorbia pulvinata by the Vhavenḓa tribe in Vhulaudzi and its adjacent villages has been part of their tradition, culture and enhancing their livelihood for centuries. The current study aimed at documenting ethnobotanical uses of E. pulvinata in Vhulaudzi and adjacent villages, Nzhelele, Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Data on ethnobotanical uses of the species was collected through interviews using semi-structured questionnaires. A total of 120 participants took part in the current study, including nine traditional healers, herbalists (21), avifaunal hunters (11), subsistence farmer (31) and laypersons (48). The fidelity level of the six E. pulvinata uses ranged from 5.8 to 35.8%. The recorded uses of E. pulvinata included the use of latex as glue (5.8%), insect-lime (17.5%) and birds-lime (35.8%), and other uses included ethnoveterinary medicine (25%), ornamental (9.2%), ritual and magical (6.7%). Plant parts used were latex (59%), followed by root (25%), whole plant (9%) as well as thorns and flowers (7%). Traditional uses and values of E. pulvinata are important in addressing livelihood and socio-economic challenges in the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve. These findings provide baseline data needed for the management and regional re-assessment of the conservation status of E. pulvinata

Ethnobotanical evaluation of selected medicinal plants used in treatment of diseases around Venda region: A literature review

370-377The importance of traditional medicine has been recorded throughout the world. It has also been practiced throughout Africa by more than 80 % of rural communities. Traditional medicine has since been imbedded in the culture of many rural communities. People of the world continues to use traditional medicine because of their accessibility and affordability. The use of medicinal plants around the Venda region is vast, yet the published data on the various plants is scanty. The review aims to bring forth the knowledge of the most widely used plants among the Vhavenda population. The data was compiled from peer reviewed and non-peer reviewed journals, textbooks, thesis and also by interviews conducted with the traditional healers. The review revealed that there are a number of traditional medicines that are being preferred by traditional healers in their practice, the use of the selected plants in literature has never reported to be used in curing HIV/AIDS and its related illnesses. Most of the plants recorded were found to have active compounds in most of their organs. Plants are great sources for the discovery of new medicines. Natural products and their synthetics can be utilized in the development of highly useful drugs through chemical procedures and isolation followed by analog synthesis through modern medicinal mechanisms. The knowledge and understanding of each utilized medicinal plant is of great importance for it is through the discovery of newer potential drugs that the emerging life threatening infections can be effectively combated. With the increasing rate of people migrating from either rural &ndash; urban or vice versa, the natural habitats for such herbal plants is in the process of being completely destroyed without preservation of the naturally important plant species. The fear is of losing such important plant from the local communities thus losing valuable and future vital drugs