Abstract
Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides is a West African forest tree that is used for example against malaria and sickle cell anemia in Burkina Faso. The goal of this study was to analyze the genetic and morphological diversity of the species within wild populations in Burkina Faso, where it is potentially under threat due to the uncontrolled harvesting of its roots. Seventy-two trees from three different sites in Southwestern Burkina Faso were analyzed. Each tree was characterized by 12 traits specifying the period of flowering and maturity as well as morphological characteristics of the stem, leaves, and seeds. The molecular analysis was performed using two plastid DNA regions (psbA-trnH and trnL-trnF) and two nuclear regions (GBSSI and ITS) to identify the genetic diversity of the species for further development of a management plan for ex situ reproduction and in situ conservation. We found variability in morphological traits correlating with the geographic distance of the study sites. The molecular analysis, in contrast, revealed hardly any genetic variability among the tested trees and no population structure. Whether the differences in morphological traits are caused by different environmental conditions or by genetic variability in genes linked to morphological traits needs further testing. The apparent lack of genetic differentiation suggests that germplasm throughout the study region is suitable for planting in conservation actions. Efficient conservation management should involve local communities, especially those interested in traditional medicine.
Highlights
The genus Zanthoxylum (Rutaceae) evolved about 19 million years ago in Asia [1] and comprises about 250 species [2]
In Burkina Faso, the plant species can be found in the southwestern part of the country (Figure 2) [5]
Silt (≤23%) seems to have a positive effect on the height of the trunk. These results suggest that at least some of the morphological variability of Z. zanthoxyloides could be a consequence of the physical parameters of the soil
Summary
The genus Zanthoxylum (Rutaceae) evolved about 19 million years ago in Asia [1] and comprises about 250 species [2]. Recent work by Perichet et al [3] has shown that the traditional circumscription of the genus should be revised and Fagara should be split from Zanthoxylum. Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides (Lam.) Zepernick & Timler is a small West African tree distributed from. Senegal to Nigeria (Figure 1) [4]. In Burkina Faso, the plant species can be found in the southwestern part of the country (Figure 2) [5]. The plant grows as a prickly, low-branching shrub or tree, usually up to 12 meters tall, occasionally to 16 meters [6], with a diameter of up to 0.5 m [7].
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