Department of Biological Sciences

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Browsing Department of Biological Sciences by Author "Bhat, R. B."

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
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    An evaluation of the extent and threat of bark harvesting of medicinal plant species in the Venda Region, Limpopo Province, South Africa
    (2012-11-11) Tshisikhawe, M. P.; van Rooyen, M. W.; Bhat, R. B.
    The medicinal flora of the Venda region consists of a variety of species, which may potentially provide therapeutic agents to treat different diseases. Bark use for medicinal purposes has been reported for approximately 30% of the woody species (153 species) in the Venda region in southern Africa. However, only 58 plant species are commonly harvested for the medicinal properties in their bark and found in muthi shops in the region. These 58 species were scored for the possible threat of bark harvesting to the plant survival. Ethnobotanical studies indicate that the growing trade in indigenous medicinal plants in South Africa is posing a threat to the conservation and preservation of many plant species. Apart from pharmaceutical companies, trade in medicinal plants has become a way of making a living for some people. This study investigated the pattern of trade in medicinal plants by local markets in the Venda region, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Indications are that bark harvesting may threaten some of the plant species.
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    An investigation on the potential interactions between colophospermum mopane and its neighbouring understory vegetation
    (2015-02-24) Munonde, Humbulani Phillip; Ligavha-Mbelengwa, M.H.; Bhat, R. B.
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    The population ecology of Securidaca longepedunculata Fresen. in the Nylsvley Nature Reserve, Limpopo Province, South Africa
    (Fyton, 2012) Tshisikhawe, M. P.; Baloyi, O.; Ligavha-Mbelengwa, M. H.; Bhat, R. B.
    Securidaca longepedunculata Fresen., commonly known as the violet tree, belongs to the family Polygalaceae. It is widely distributed in tropical Africa, Mozambique, as well as in the North- West and Limpopo provinces of South Africa. The Vhavenda people use the roots of this species as an aphrodisiac. The species is co-dominant in the savanna vegetation of the Nylsvley Nature Reserve. This research looked at the ecology of the study species within the Nylsvley Nature Reserve because of its importance there. Understanding the population structure and environmental factors that impact on the species might help in assessing the population in urban areas. The population of the study species in the reserve displayed an adequate growth curve, when looking at its stem circumference and height-size classes. High intensity fires showed a negative effect on individuals of S. longepedunculata. Evidence of animals feeding on the roots at the study species was also recorded in the study.