Ethno-botanical Knowledge on Diversity of Cucurbita Landraces Grown in Northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Nontuthuko R Ntuli,Rufaro M Madakadze,Alpheus M Zobolo

doi:10.13189/ujps.2016.040302

Abstract

Ethnobotanical knowledge on local Cucurbita landraces was documented in three district municipalities of northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Seven distinct landraces of C. argyrosperma, C. maxima and C. pepo were identified by local (isiZulu) names as iNhlwathi emhlophe, iNhlwathi emnyama, iPhuzi, isiPhama, iThanga, uMpampini oluhlaza and uMpampini ophuzi. The majority had leaves with silvery-white mottling in axils of leaf veins, but isiPhama and uMpampini oluhlaza had uniformly green leaves. INhlwathi emhlophe and iNhlwathi emnyama had the largest fruits and isiPhama had the smallest. Landrace iNhlwathi emnyama maintained its green fruit colour at maturity, while iPhuzi changed to uniform yellow/orange fruit colour before maturity. The isiPhama, uMpampini oluhlaza and uMpampini ophuzi had sparse to moderate stem branching habit and the sweetest, less watery fruits of them all. Seed colour ranged from cream to white. This study was the first attempt to record the genetic-related diversity on types of Cucurbita landraces that are grown in South Africa. It also recorded the presence of C. argyrosperma for the first time in this country.

Highlights

Pumpkins, represented by various Cucurbita species, are nutritionally and economically important [1]
The incidence of occurrence and/or knowledge as determined by the number of specimens studied per landraces per district is indicated in this table. These landraces belonged to the following Cucurbita species: C. argyrosperma; C. maxima; C. maxima/pepo; and C. pepo
UMpampini oluhlaza landrace is known as uZulu and uGubungu at uThungulu and Zululand districts

Summary

Introduction

Pumpkins, represented by various Cucurbita species, are nutritionally and economically important [1]. Their mature and young fruits, seeds, staminate flowers, leaves and young shoot tips are consumed as leafy vegetables [2, 3]. Cucurbita species are important sources of vitamin C, minerals and β-carotene [4]. The genus Cucurbita is of American origin and is distributed from United States to Argentina [4, 5]. Of the five domesticated Cucurbita species: C. pepo; C. maxima;. In South Africa Cucurbita pepo landraces are widely grown and used as a traditional leafy vegetable [6]

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