Dr Ndhlovu is supervising Sinorita, who grew up in Bushbuckridge villages, where she observed locals using indigenous flora for food security and to treat various diseases. This inspired her interest in working on indigenous flora.
“She is determined to pursue her PhD. I believe that science should start by addressing immediate challenges and problems before fixing something far from the community. Thus, I encourage students to explore their communities and find sustainable solutions using indigenous flora,” he says.
The two conducted the study titled: "Ethnobotanical Appraisal of Wild Fruit Species Used in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa" has revealed that the medicinal and nutritional uses of wild fruit species in Mpumalanga Province are not fully explored across different ethnic groups, and their economic significance is also insufficiently determined.
Mpumalanga province, which occupies only 6% of South Africa's land surface, is home to 21% of its plant species diversity and high levels of endemism in plants. This diversity is concentrated in four centres of endemism and species richness, highlighting the importance of exploring the use of indigenous flora in the province. The province is home to local communities that still rely on consuming wild fruits for treating various diseases, including skin, gastrointestinal, and fertility issues,” says Dr Ndhlovu.
Mpumalanga boasts a rich array of plant species, which play dual roles as medicinal and nutritional resources for the local populace. The province has approximately 4,300 indigenous flora, and most of the plants are not documented for use.
“This raises interest in their use as a medicinal and food source, and their contribution to rural communities' socio-economic status and livelihood is unmatched and significant. Local people consume wild fruits fresh or processed into jams, juice, syrup, and alcoholic drinks, while also using plant parts as a source of medicine for health conditions.
These plants are crucial in providing essential nutrients to the local population due to their availability and affordability. Wild plant species are richer in nutrients than commercial species, and their potential for large-scale recognition for farming, processing, and trade could boost the local economy.”
The study aimed to review wild fruit plant species in Mpumalanga province to identify gaps in ethnobotanical studies, medicinal and nutritional uses, and scientific research.
Dr Ndhlovu further explains that locals use wild fruit species for nutritional and medicinal purposes but lack the resources to conduct scientific research. Therefore, scientific evidence is needed to validate and integrate this indigenous knowledge and broaden the recognition of these plant species.
“To advance research, existing literature needs to be gathered to identify research gaps and deficiencies in phytochemical, medicinal, and nutritional studies on these plants. Indigenous knowledge of using these plants is also crucial. The current study indicates that 20% of the previous investigations have focused on the economic aspects of wild fruit species. Therefore, the study highlights the economic use and domestication of wild fruit species by indigenous communities in Mpumalanga, highlighting the need to encourage the cultivation and processing of these plants for specific products.
Furthermore, we advocate for extensive documentation of wild fruit species in Mpumalanga province and further investigation into their biological properties. Additionally, thorough exploration of the commercial viability and domestication potential of these wild fruit species in Mpumalanga province is recommended to promote and sustain the socio-economic and livelihoods of local communities.”
Story by Lisa Thabethe. Pictures supplied.