The trade of medicinal plants by muthi shops and street vendors in the Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

The role played by muthi shops and street vendors in the trade of medicinal plants of the Limpopo Province was investigated, in order to develop strategies that will prevent further loss of wild populations. Approximately 231 medicinal plants were traded at the investigated muthi shops and street vendors, with roots being the most preferred item. Open access communal lands are the main supply source for muthi markets. This, coupled with destructive harvesting methods and involvement of unscrupulous middlemen in collecting medicinal material, poses a serious impact on the survival of medicinal plants. The above factors have already led to a significant decline in the availability of some species in the Limpopo Province. A number of remedial actions are proposed that should arrest the decline in availability of critical medicinal species. Key words: Limpopo province, medicinal plants, muthi shops, muthi traders, street vendors.