2013 - Volume 11 : Ethnobotany Research and Applications

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10125/33965

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Plumerias the Color of Roseate Spoonbills' - Continuity and transition in the symbolism of Plumeria L. in Mesoamerica
(Botany Department, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2013) Zumbroich, Thomas Josef
This study explores the complex symbolism which the genus Plumeria L. engendered from around the beginning of the common era to the present time in Mesoamerica. In much of this cultural area an intense interest in sensory pleasures can be traced to great antiquity, and, consequently, flowers became a central metaphor in the Mesoamerican cosmological discourse. In the Maya pantheon, plumeria was associated with deities representing life force and fertility and therefore plumeria flowers became strongly connected with a wide range of expressions of female sexuality. Among Nahuatl speaking people of central Mexico, especially during the height of the Aztec empire, the most prominent association of plumeria was to signify élite status, with plumeria trees planted in the gardens of the nobility, the blooms exchanged at feasts, or the stylized image of plumeria flowers inscribed on ceramics and codices. This high appreciation for plumerias was also reflected in the number of different varieties that were distinguished by name. Ethnomedical applications, especially of the lactiferous sap of plumeria, show continuity from pre-conquest times to the present. In the context of the hybridized religious systems that developed in response to the introduction of Christianity across Mesoamerica, plumerias developed new meanings, e.g., as elaborate decorations for the worship of the Virgin Mary. When in the sixteenth century plumeria was dispersed beyond the Americas into Southeast Asia, likely through Spanish hands and by way of the Philippines, it gained a wide-spread association with grave yards as a plant promoting contact with the deceased.
Local Knowledge of Plants and Their Uses Among Women in the Bale Mountains, Ethiopia
(Botany Department, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2013) Luizza, Matthew Wayne; Young, Heather; Kuroiwa, Christina; Evangelista, Paul; Worede, Aserat; Bussmann, Rainer; Weimer, Amber
Women’s local ecological knowledge (LEK) is noted by many scholars to be unique and important for local conservation and development planning. Although LEK integration is inherent to ethnobotanical research, in Ethiopia, the knowledge-gender link has not been fully explored, and few studies focus on women’s distinct plant knowledge. We catalogued rural women’s knowledge of a wide range of plant uses in south-central Ethiopia, conducted through picture identification of 337 local plants. Fifty-seven plant species were identified, constituting 38 families, with the top five families being Lamiaceae, Solanaceae, Asteraceae, Rosaceae, and Pteridaceae. An array of uses were identified ranging from food, livestock and wildlife forage, to honey production and cosmetics. The most prevalent use noted (nearly 70%) was human medicine. This study reveals the important contribution of rural women’s plant knowledge in the Bale Mountains, and the potential benefits of including this gender-distinct understanding of local flora in community-based conservation planning.
Herbal-based Traditional Medicinal Knowledge of Local Inhabitants in Rudraprayag District of Uttarakhand, India
(Botany Department, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2013) Chandra, Kailash; Nautiyal, Bhagwati Prasad; Nautiyal, Mohan Chandra
Traditional medicinal knowledge has gained much attention recently due to rejuvenation of faith in traditional system of medicines. The Indian Himalaya is a source of plant based indigenous medicinal knowledge based on local plant diversity. Surveys were conducted in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India to collect indigenous information on primary health care. 29 formulations using 159 plant species were recorded treating 119 ailments in 13 broad therapeutic classes. Results have been compared with traditional knowledge from other parts of India.
Ethnomedical Survey of Herbs for the Management of Malaria in Karnataka, India
(Botany Department, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2013) Prakash, Bangalore Nagendrappa; Payyappallimanaa, Unnukrishnan
Herbs used by traditional healers for malaria management were documented in the Tumkur district of Karnataka, India. In total, 31 species of plants in 20 families were used. 30% of the herbal remedies contained species in only three plant families; Fabaceae, Piperaceae, and Zingiberaceae. Leaves were the most commonly used plant part (29%). Eight plant species used in the study area, were documented for the first time for their use in the treatment of malaria. Ethnomedical and antiplasmodial activity of documented species was assessed by comparison with published literature.
Economic Contribution of Gum and Resin Resources to Household Livelihoods in Selected Regions and the National Economy of Ethiopia
(Botany Department, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2013) Mekonnen, Zenebe; Worku, Adefires; Yohannes, Temsgen; Bahru, Tinsae; Mebratu, Trehas; Teketay, Demel
Ethiopia has one of the largest dry forest and woodland resource bases in the Horn of Africa, predominated by diverse Acacia, Boswellia, Commiphora, and Sterculia species, with an estimated annual production potential of over 300,000 tonnes of commercial gums and resins. However, until recently, less than 1% of this potential has been tapped and traded while the resource bases are degrading fast. Shortage of locality-specific case studies typifying the state of gum and resin production and marketing systems and nationwide socio-economic significance of the resources has delayed development of value-added commercialization of the commodities and integrated management of the resource bases. A study aimed at exploring the value chain of traded gums and resins and their contribution to rural livelihood and national economy was conducted in 11 purposively selected localities in five National Regional States within the major gum-belts in Ethiopia. Two major cities, central for product processing and marketing, were also assessed. A questionnaire survey was administered to 135 randomly selected households, and key stakeholder interviews, group discussions, and field observations were carried out following the value chain (from producers to exporters). Results showed that one or more of the seven gums and resins (frankincense, myrrh, opopanax, hagar, gum arabic, gum talha, and gum gumero) were produced and traded at the studied districts. While frankincense marketing dominated the northern part, gum arabic, myrrh, and opopanax are most popular in the south and southeastern part of the country. About 93% of the interviewed households engaged in collecting, marketing, or both activities. Gums and resins contributed up to 14% of the average annual cash income of the households. However, a significant difference (P < 0.001) was found in the amount collected and income generated per household and locality. Strong correlation was observed between cash income from gums and resins and off-farm activities (R = 0.74) and other types of non-timber forest products like honey (R = 0.72, α = 0.01). However, weak correlation was observed between incomes from gums and resins and crop and livestock production. Despite the observed inefficient value chain, the gum and resin resources have considerable contributions to the national economy. For instance, the annual average revenue from three districts in Tigray National Regional State was USD 882,000 in 2010. Between 2002 and 2010, about 2,306 tonnes of different gums and resins were traded and average revenue of USD 3,220,542 was obtained in one district in the same region. At the national level, between 1997 and 2010 about 6,174 tonnes of gum arabic and about 33,865 tonnes of other gums and resins were exported, and more than USD 72 million were generated. Responding to what sort of institutional arrangement governs the value chain and use of gums and resins resources at the present situations, about 41% of the respondents asserted customary and national legal arrangements, while 56% mentioned alternative systems as means of conflict resolution. Key policy and development interventions that could enhance the socio-economic importance of the gum and resin value chain at the local and national levels, while also increasing responsibility and commitment towards long-term management of the resource bases, have been recommended.
The Role of Wild and Semi-wild Edible Plants to Household Food Sovereignty in Hamar and Konso Communities, South Ethiopia
(Botany Department, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2013) Addis, Getachew; Asfaw, Zemede; Woldu, Zerihun
Population based survey was conducted to investigate incidence of food shortage and coping mechanisms; knowledge, attitude and practice on consumption, conservation and management of wild and semi-wild edible plant species (WEPS) by Hamar and Konso communities of Ethiopia. The research used different ethnobotanical data collection methods and statistical tools. Irrespective of their social and economic strata, all study participants reported consumption of WEPS with increasing frequency, quantity and number of species consumed during food scarcity. More WEPS with lower sensory acceptability, poor cooking quality, and inflicting some kind of health problems were consumed during famine. Leptadenia hastata was the most preferred WEPS sought after during food deficiency by both communities. Ninety three WEPS are managed by both communities mainly in the vicinity of human settlements and farmlands. The Konso community demonstrated long established cultural practices of conserving, managing and using WEPS. Planning on promotion, sustainable use and conservation of WEPS must take note of the knowledge and practices of local communities on account of the key roles they would play in food security-sovereignty initiatives.
Contributions of Clarence Y.C. Wong and Current Updates on the Flora of Romonum Island, Chuuk Lagoon, Federated States of Micronesia
(Botany Department, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2013) Manner, Harley Ichiro
Recent field work on Romonum (Ulalu) Island, a small volcanic island in Chuuk Lagoon, Federated States of Micronesia, found 45 new accounts of vascular plants. Fosberg, Sachet and Oliver’s (1979, 1982, 1987) geographical checklists listed only 30 species for the island, although in 1965, Stone (1967) found 124 species of vascular plants there. This study acknowledges the work of Clarence Y. C. Wong, who in 1947 collected 142 species of vascular plants and discusses the botanic history of Romonum Island. For unexplained reasons, his work has been largely ignored. Much remains to be discovered in defining the biotic diversity of the Pacific Islands. Finally, this study suggests that digital images may be a very appropriate tool for documenting the diversity of the islands.
Ethnobotanical Studies of the Tarai Region of Kumaun, Uttarakhand, India
(Botany Department, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2013) Mathur, Anjali; Joshi, Hema
An ethnobotanical study was conducted during 2008–2010 in the central tarai region of Kumaun (also known as Kumaon) Himalaya in Northern India to highlight the uses of the diverse flora. The study sites included Lalkuan in Nainital district and Kichha Tehsil (covering Pantnagar) of district Udham Singh Nagar, as these occupy the major part of central tarai and have undergone massive development and settlement of people of diverse culture. The entire study area consisted of three sites and eight communities. Interviews were conducted with knowledgeable persons in the study area. A total of 206 angiosperm species recorded in this study were found to be used for medicinal, economic (aromatic, timber, spices, fuel, condiments, cosmetics, etc.), fodder, firewood, timber, food, spiritual, or some other purpose. The information was collected both from migrant and local people.
Medicinal Plants Used Against Typhoid Fever in Bamboutos Division, Western Cameroon
(Botany Department, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2013) Tsobou, Roger; Mapongmetsem, Pierre-Marie; Van Damme, Patrick
Typhoid fever is a serious infectious disease that has been a public health concern for millennia. An impressive number of plant species are traditionally used in the management of typhoid fever in the Bamboutos Division of the West Region of Cameroon. In the present ethnobotanical survey an attempt has been made to document the different medicinal plants used traditionally by traditional healers and elders to treat typhoid fever. Ethnobotanical interviews on medicinal plants used to treat typhoid fever were conducted with traditional healers and elderly persons using open-ended semi-structured questionnaires. Field trips were made to the sites where they harvest plants, and specimens were collected and identified. A total of 59 medicinal plant species belonging to 56 genera and 33 families were recorded during the study. The most commonly used plant families recorded were Asteraceae (17%); Fabaceae (7%); and Bignoniaceae, Malvaceae, and Moraceae (5.0% each). The most frequently utilized medicinal plant parts were leaves (48.6%), followed by bark (28.9%), stem (7.8%), whole plant (6.5%), roots (5.2%), and fruits (2.6%). while shrubs (35,5%) were the primary source of medicine, followed by herbs (32.2%) and trees (30.5%). Most of the medicinal plant species (40.6%) were harvested from the wild compared to 38.9% from cultivated land and 20.3% semi-cultivated. Decoction was the most common method of traditional drug preparation. Oral administration was the only mode of dispensing of herbal medicine. Most of the plants were used in combination to increase effectiveness in the treatment of the disease. Knowledge of the use of plants as medicines remains mostly with traditional healers and older generation who are illiterate. It is recommended that research institutes and university researchers carry out research on these species so as to conserve and improve their genetic constitutions. Also, attempts must be made to encourage the documentation of plants, so that they can be readily accessible to a larger number of populace.
Study on Uses and Trading of Huperzia squarrosa (G. Forst.) Trev. (Lycopodiaceae) in Manipur, India
(Botany Department, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2013) Yumkham, Sanatombi Devi; Singh, Potsangbam Kumar
Huperzia squarrosa (G. Forst.) Trevis. (Lycopodiaceae), locally known as leishang in Manipur, India, serves as a potential subsistence for livelihood to many people. It is extensively used by three main communities: Meiteis for cultural purposes and Nagas and Kukis for beautification, handicraft, and medicinal purposes. A critical analysis on the trading system showed that womenfolk dominated the entire workflow of activities like harvesting, transportation of plant materials from forests, and even regulating seasonal market prices. Detailed morphological parameters along with the biological life cycle are briefly highlighted. Introduction of conservation plans, training local communities on harvesting methodologies, and formulation of systematic marketing strategies are highly recommended.
Economic Botany of an Endemic Palm Species (Butia catariensis Noblick & Lorenzi) in Southern Brazil
(Botany Department, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2013) Kumagai, Leonardo; Hanazaki, Natalia
Butia catarinensis Noblick & Lorenzi is an endemic palm that occurs on sandy soils in coastal areas of southern Brazil, where its fruit are used as food. The objective of this study is to analyze the production chain aspects of B. catarinensis and to identify different stakeholders involved in its production in order to better understand the relationship between local people and this palm. The focus of this research is the Areais da Ribanceira, a common area where local residents harvest B. catarinensis fruit. The fruit are used on a domestic scale to produce B. catarinensis rum, and at an industrial scale to produce ice cream and popsicles, which are commercialized locally and in nearby municipalities. These products also reach the capital of Santa Catarina State, 80km from the harvesting area. The practice of this low impact activity can provide environmental, economic and social sustainability for the local community.
Ethnobotany of Wild and Semi-wild Edible Plants of Konso Ethnic Community, South Ethiopia
(Botany Department, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2013) Addis, Getachew; Asfaw, Zemede; Woldu, Zerihun
This paper presents the knowledge on wild/semi-wild edible plant species (WEPS) of Konso ethnic community of southern Ethiopia. Ethnobotanical information was collected through focus group discussions, observations, interviews, and preference ranking. A total of 154 edible parts were recorded from 127 plant species with fruit (71), leaves (35) and tubers/roots (18) accounted for the major edible parts. Fruit of Opuntia ficus-indica L., and leaves and young shoots of Leptadenia hastata Vatke were most sought after. Excessive harvesting and acquisition of land for crop cultivation is currently threatening Canthium pseudosetiflorum Bridson, Hyphaene thebaica (L.) Mart., Ficus sycomorus L. and O. ficus-indica, among others. Wise use of these plant species would ensure their sustainable availability and local food sovereignty.
The Global Flora: Descriptive statistics with a commentary and an ethnobotanical example
(Botany Department, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2013) Moerman, Daniel
This paper briefly describes the world’s flora, based on the materials available at ThePlantList.org, a large web site built by a collaboration of botanists at Kew Gardens and the Missouri Botanical Garden. The paper details the number and distribution of families, genera, species, authors, publication dates and several other elements of the flora. The author notes several of the most notable features of this global scientific enterprise. Though it might seem arcane, the database is widely utilized, and as such seems worth examining. For example, a search of Wikipedia.com found 901 references to ThePlantList.org.
Management of Astrocaryum standleyanum (Arecaceae) for Handicraft Production in Colombia
(Botany Department, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2013) Garcia, Nestor; Galeano, Gloria; Bernal, Rodrigo; Balslev, Henrik
We studied use and management of Astrocaryum standleyanum among the Wounaan people at the Pacific Coast of Colombia between 2009 and 2011, with the intention of generating recommendations for a sustainable management of the palm. We used ethnobotanical techniques and established plots to monitor palm populations. A. standleyanum grows in forest and cultivated fields near the Wounaan villages, where leaves are harvested non-destructively by using a medialuna mounted on a pole. Fiber is then extracted from the epidermis and mesophyll of the leaflets, processed, dyed, and used to produce baskets woven with the coiled technique. The handicrafts are marketed through middlemen or in handicraft fairs, and they are the major source of cash income for the Wounaan. As a result of the now abandoned malpractice of cutting down palms to obtain the fiber, there is a low number of adult palms, but the population structure shows signs of recovery. Integration of traditional practices with non-destructive harvest techniques suggests that in this region it is possible to conserve both the palm and the artisanal activity, which represents a major line for the socioeconomic development for the Wounaan.
Potentials for Promoting Oil Products Identified from Traditional Knowledge of Native Trees in Burkina Faso
(Botany Department, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2013) Ouédraogo, Amadé; Lykke, Anne Mette; Lankoandé, Benjamin; Korbéogo, Gabin
Oil products from native trees are far from fully exploited in West Africa. Only well-known species like shea (Vitellaria paradoxa C.F. Gaertn.) and oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) receive attention. We used quantitative questionnaires in 12 villages in Western Burkina Faso to assess the knowledge of four ethnic groups on 28 tree species and how their oil is used. Sixteen species were used the most. Among them, V. paradoxa, E. guineensis, Carapa procera DC., Pentadesma butyracea Sabine and Lophira lanceolata Tiegh. ex Keay received the most citations. Oils were used for soap (22%), food (21%), medicine (19%), body care (18%) and hair care (14%). Significant differences were found among ethnic groups concerning knowledge and preferences of oil products. Apart from the well-known species, C. procera, L. lanceolata and P. butyracea appear to be promising species for promotable oil products and a number of less known species may show potentials as well.
Diversity of Useful Plants in the Coffee Forests of Ethiopia
(Botany Department, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2013) Senbeta, Feyera; Gole, Tadesse Woldemariam; Denich, Manfred; Kellbessa, Ensermu
Plant use diversity and their forms of use and management were studied in four coffee forests of Ethiopia. A coffee forest is a segment of moist montane forest with occurrence of wild Arabica coffee populations. The present study was conducted in four forest fragments located in the southwestern and southeastern parts of the country. These forests represent three different indigenous ethnic groups that live in and around the coffee forests. On the bases of ethnobotanical and floristic studies, a total of 143 useful plant species representing 54 families were identified in all study areas. Nearly all species are native except one which is naturalized. The identified use categories include medicine, food, honey, material sources, social services, animal fodder and environmental uses. Overall, Yayu and Harenna shared a high number of useful plant species in common. Of the total, about 25 species (19%) were similarly used across three or more studied ethnic groups. The implication is that there is a difference between and among the four communities studied for general plant knowledge and uses. As observed, deforestation, over-harvesting, cultivation of marginal lands and overgrazing appear to be threatening the plant resources and their habitats in the studied areas. Ecosystem conservation will ensure in situ conservation of many useful plant species by applying sustainable harvesting methods for collecting plants for any type of use from wild habitats.
Structure and Floristics of Home Gardens in an Altitudinal Marsh in Northeastern Brazil
(Botany Department, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2013) Carvalho, Thamires Kelly Nunes; Abreu, Diego Batista de Oliveira; de Lucena, Camilla Marques; Pedrosa, Kamila Marques; Vasconcelos Neto, Carlos Frederico Alves; Alves, Carlos Antonio Belarmino; Felix, Leonardo Pessoa; Florentino, Alissandra Trajano Nunes; Alves, Romula Romeu Nobrega; Andrade, Leonaldo Alves; de Lucena, Reinaldo Farias Paiva
Home gardens are a traditional land use practice, which is very common in the tropics. The main goal of the home garden is to produce food for subsistence purposes. Therefore, they have been considered very important from an economic, cultural and ecological point of view. Despite their importance, there has been a lack in research of these environments in Northeastern Brazil. This research was carried out in a rural community belonging to Areia City (Paraíba, Brazil), and aimed to study the floristic diversity of home gardens and their contribution in the conservation of the local diversity. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, also using the technique of guided tours with the home garden maintainer. At the same time, the yards were measured, as well as all shrubby arboreal individuals present with DGL (diameter at ground level) ≥ 3 cm. A total of 19 yards were analyzed. 177 species were recorded, of which 155 were identified, representing 63 families and 131 genera. Fabaceae (16 spp.), Euphorbiaceae (10 spp.) and Myrtaceae (7 spp.) were the most represented plant families. 94 of the identified species are considered exotic and 83 are native, considering the origin at regional level. Structurally, the home gardens from Vaca Brava community have shown themselves as complex and rich in diversity, as a result of the association of crops and fruit, as well as the presence of native woody plants for which no uses were reported.
Impact of Wine Tapping on the Population Structure and Regeneration of Hyphaene petersiana Klotzsch ex Mart. in Northern Botswana
(Botany Department, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2013) Babitseng, Thamani Meshack; Teketay, Demel
Palms are tapped around the world as sources of sugars for fermentation. A comparison of tapped and untapped populations of Hyphaene petersiana Klotsch ex Mart. palm trees was conducted in northern Botswana. The objectives of the study were to: determine the densities, dominances, population structures and regeneration of natural palm stands. Social objectives of the study included assessment of preferred tree sizes for wine tapping, investigation of methods, frequency and processes involved in the wine tapping, and marketing of the tapped palm wine. The results revealed a significant difference in the mean total density of the species at the two study sites (Shorobe with 2,275 individuals/ha and Tubu with 1,402 individuals/ha). Total seed densities at Tubu (6,822/ha) and Shorobe (62/ha) were dramatically different. Mean total dominance (basal area) was significantly higher at Tubu than Shorobe where wine tapping is common. The species exhibited a pattern indicative of hampered population structures/regeneration at both sites. In Shorobe, the hampered regeneration can be attributed mainly to wine tapping associated with cutting down the trees. Palm wine tappers used destructive methods such as burning, felling, pruning and trimming the stem. The results revealed that the methods of wine tapping employed negatively impacted the population structure.
The Mexican Non-toxic Jatropha curcas L., Food Resource or Biofuel?
(Botany Department, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2013) Valdes-Rodriguez, Ofelia Andrea; Sanchez-Sanchez, Odilon; Perez-Vazquez, Arturo; Caplan, Joshua
Jatropha curcas L. is a promising natural resource which has been promoted globally for biodiesel production by policy makers and researchers in tropical and subtropical countries. However, both J. curcas seeds and oil have been found to be toxic to humans and domestic animals when consumed. A non-toxic genotype of J. curcas has been reported from some rural communities in southern Mexico, and is suitable for human consumption. This non-toxic germplasm has been used in traditional Totonacan cuisine in Mexico. However, increasing demand for J. curcas to be used in biofuel production is exerting pressure on the non-toxic genotype. In this work we analyze the possible origins and dispersal of non-toxic Jatropha by the Totonaca culture; the traditional uses of J. curcas seeds as a food; its status with respect to the Mexican commercial forestry regulations; and the risks associated with the demands of biofuels on this Mexican germplasm.
Green Path
(Botany Department, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2013) Veteto, James R.
A poem celebrating the relationship between plants and people.

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