Department of Biological Sciences
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Browsing Department of Biological Sciences by Author "Bhat, R. B."
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Item Open Access 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.Item Open Access 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.Colophospermum mopane is a common tree or shrub locally dominant in savanna of sub-tropical region. A study of this tree species was carried out focussing on the two semi-arid areas where it is dominant and prevalent; the main areas considered for this current study are Mopani Bushveld and Tshiungani both located in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. The study focussed mainly on the interaction of C. mopane and its understory and nearest neighbour vegetation; the study also considered the response of C. mopane to disturbance and also on the plant-animal interactions; the reproductive strategies of C. mopane also formed part of this current work. The competitive interactions were established by this study wherein a complete permanent removal of C. mopane resulted in the growth, establishment and flourishing of grasses and herbs in the stands that were formerly dominated by C. mopane trees. Cutting of C. mopane trees revealed that they indeed do resprout vigorously thereafter following rainfall; it was also proved that root suckering is another strategy which C. mopane trees use for survival especially after fire. Our current work also revealed that C. mopane trees produce abundant amount of seeds and seedlings and this was more obvious immediately after rainfall. Moisture and light, amongst other environmental factors, are indeed therefore indispensable for the continuous existence and survival of C. mopane trees; these factors are also necessary for the continuous coexistence of C. mopane and its understory and nearest neighbour vegetation. Our study established the need for rainfall to keep our mopane woodlands germinating, growing, establishing, producing and reproducing perpetually; rainfall in C. mopane dominated stands areas ensures sustained coexistence of C. mopane and vegetation of other species.Item Open Access 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.