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Diversity of local knowledge on use of wild food and medicinal plants in communities around five biodiversity hotspots in Zimbabwe

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Abstract

This study documented use of wild food and medicinal plants in areas around five biodiversity hot spots in Zimbabwe. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions in representative communities. About 89 wild food plants were used by the communities. Trees, shrubs, tubers/herbs, lianas/climbers and succulents constituted 65%, 11%, 12%, 8% and 4% respectively. Fruits were mostly harvested (52%) then leaves (28%), and others (roots/rhizomes/tubers, sap and fibres) (20%). Fruits were commonly consumed raw (96%) whilst others are processed into juices (4%), mostly collected by women and children. Fruits of Adansonia digitata L., Vangueria infausta Burch., Uapacca kirkiana Müll. Arg., Berchemia discolour/zeyheri (Klotzsch) Hemsl., Vitex doniana Sweet and leaves of A. digitata were most preferred plant species because of their taste and availability. However, some fruits such as Vitex spp. and U. kirkiana caused constipation and diahorrea respectively if consumed in excess. About 149 medicinal plant species belonging to 115 genera and 61 families were used for treating about 32 diseases and disorders. These were dominated by families; Fabaceae(16%), Meliaceae(5%), Apocenaceae(3%), Anacadaceae(3%) and Solanaceae (4%). About 45, 30, 25, 23, 13 species treat abdominal pains, toothache, women and gynaecological issues, sexually transmitted diseases and paediatric remedies respectively. Other species are used as aphrodisiacs (4) and treatment of cancer (4). Leaves (28%), roots(27%) bark(24%) and fruits(12%) were main parts used to prepare remedies. Cultural/Traditional knowledge plays an important role in valuing species in particular areas and associated conservation of food and medicinal plants.

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Acknowledgements

This research was made possible through the co-funding for the project on Biodiversity Information for Development under the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) (Grant Number BID-AF2017-0237-NAC) Grant Number BID-AF2017-0237-NAC sponsored by the European Union. Many thanks to the Forestry Officers and the volunteer participants from the five biodiversity hotspot areas. The Bindura University was Grant Number PRGT1917.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Bindura University of Science Education, P. Bag 1020, Bindura, Zimbabwe

    L. Mujuru, L. Jimu, A. Mureva, I. W. Nyakudya & J. Muvengwi

  2. National Herbarium and Botanic Garden, P. O. Box A889, Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe

    A. Mapaura

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  1. L. Mujuru
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  2. L. Jimu
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  3. A. Mureva
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Correspondence to L. Mujuru.

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All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were per the ethical standards of the Research Council of Zimbabwe and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards.

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L. Mujuru has no conflict of interest. L. Jimu has no conflict of interest. A. Mureva has no conflict of interest. A. Mapaura has no conflict of interest. I. W. Nyakudya has no conflict of interest. J. Muvengwi has no conflict of interest.

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Mujuru, L., Jimu, L., Mureva, A. et al. Diversity of local knowledge on use of wild food and medicinal plants in communities around five biodiversity hotspots in Zimbabwe. ADV TRADIT MED (ADTM) 20, 663–671 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13596-020-00512-z

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