Abstract
Globally, the potential of indigenous and neglected fruit species is continuously being recognized. In the current study, we explored the uses and benefits of locally available fruit species among the Mapulana people in Bushbuckridge Local Municipality. An ethno-botanical survey was conducted using in-depth interviews to record the names of the fruit species, their uses, seasonal availability, and occurrence in three villages, namely, Mokhololine, Motlamogatsane, and Rooiboklaagte B. Forty-one (41) participants aged 23 to 89 years old, identified by community members as knowledgeable on the utilization of fruit species, were interviewed. The frequency of citation (FC), use value (UV), and use report (UR) of the locally sourced fruit species were determined. The study revealed thirty-one (31) indigenous/naturalized plants belonging to 17 families with Anacardiaceae (four species) and Rubiaceae (three species) as the dominant ones. Approximately 48% of the 31 plants had FC of 100%, suggesting their high popularity in the study area. The identified plants had diverse uses that were categorized into six (6) groups and mainly dominated by food (59%) and medicine (34%). Strychnos madagascariensis had the highest (0.56) UV while Berchemia discolor, Parinari capensis, Parinari curatellifolia, and Sclerocarya birrea had the highest (6) URs. Overall, these locally sourced fruit species still play a significant role in the daily lives of the Mapulana people. The identified fruit species have the potential to be considered as alternative sources to meet the dietary requirements and health needs, especially in rural communities.
Highlights
Food and nutritional insecurity remain among the biggest concerns facing humans, as recently highlighted by Willett et al [1]
There is a risk of knowledge loss if nothing is done to motivate and engage the youthful generation about the use of fruit species
Relative to previous work done in Bushbuckridge, four plants (Canthium inerme, Macrotyloma maranguense, Searsia penduline, and Syzygium intermedium) are reported in the study area for the first time, to the best of our knowledge
Summary
Food and nutritional insecurity remain among the biggest concerns facing humans, as recently highlighted by Willett et al [1]. Local communities continue to utilize and consume indigenous edible fruits for food and medicine as well as fulfilling the socio-cultural needs and livelihood of the people [6,9,10,11]. It may be a supplementary income or the major income for the household [12,13]. Awodoyin et al [14] stated that encouraging the domestication and protection of indigenous fruit trees in the agro-ecosystem may provide highly sustainable systems that maintain soil productivity, micronutrients, and biodiversity This can enhance food productivity, adaptation, and mitigation to climate change. Cemansky [13] articulated the need for concerted research effort and policies to mitigate the ongoing decline of indigenous fruit trees
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
