Department of Biological Sciences

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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.
Open Access
Invasive alien plant species: A case study of their use in the Thulamela Local Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa
(Academic Journals, 2012-07-19) Semenya, Sebua S.; Tshisikhawe, Milingoni P.; Potgieter, Martin T.
The spread of plants from one country to another through intentional and unintentional human activities is a serious threat to the world’s biodiversity; second only to habitat destruction. However, a number of studies have shown that invasive alien plant species can positively contribute to rural economies. This paper is an attempt to document a few of these species ‘positive contribution to rural inhabitants’ well-being in and around Thulamela Local Municipality in Vhembe District of South Africa. Information on the uses of invasive alien plant species were obtained in 2010 through interviews with local inhabitants and traditional healers. Twenty one plant species, from 15 families, were found to be utilized by rural inhabitants. These species are important sources of food and medicine, provide firewood, and are of aesthetic value. They have become alternative sources of utilization, where the indigenous vegetation has been decimated by overexploitation. This study postulates that their extensive use, under careful management, could form part of a strategy for social upliftment and environmental management in poor rural municipalities.
Open Access
Medicinal utilization of exotic plants by Bapedi traditional healers to treat human ailments in Limpopo province, South Africa
(Elsevier Ireland Ltd., 2012-10-13) Semenya, Sebua S.; Potgieter, Martin; Tshisikhawe, Milingoni P.; Shava, Soul; Maroyi, Alfred
Ethnopharmacological relevance: Most exotic plants are usually labelled as alien invasives and targeted for eradication. However, some of these exotic plants play an important role in the traditional primary healthcare sector of the Bapedi culture in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. The medicinal uses of most of these species have neither been documented nor their biological activity evaluated. Aim of the study: To make an inventory of exotic species employed by Bapedi traditional healers to treat different human ailments in the Limpopo Province, South Africa. Materials and methods: Semi-structured interviews, observation and guided field walks with 52 traditional healers were employed to obtain ethnobotanical data during first half of 2011 on the use of exotic plant species by Bapedi healers to treat human ailments. Based on ethnobotanical information provided by these healers, specimens were collected, numbered, pressed, and dried for identification. Results: A total of 35 exotics species belonging to 21 families and 34 genera, mostly from the Fabaceae and Solanaceae (11.4% for each), Apocynaceae and Asteraceae (8.5% for each) were used by Bapedi healers to treat 20 human ailments. Trees (45.7%) and herbs (37.1%) are the primary source of medicinal plants. Species most frequently reported were used for the treatment of hypertension (35%), diabetes mellitus, erectile dysfunction and gonorrhoea (25% for each). The highest consensus from individual accounts of the traditional healers on the use of exotic plant remedies in this study was noted for the three ailments. These were for Catharanthus roseus (gonorrhoea, 60%), Punica granatum (diarrhoea, 38.4%) and Ricinus communis (sores, 21.5%). Of the 35 exotic plant species recorded, 34.2% are regulated by the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (1983) (CARA) No. 43 of 1983 either as worst weeds or invaders. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that exotic plant species play an important part as medicinal remedies employed by Bapedi healers to treat different human diseases in the Limpopo Province. The use of these species as alternative sources of medicinal remedies could alleviate harvesting pressure of wild indigenous plants, thereby enhance biodiversity’s region. However, there is a need to formulate an appropriate policy to retain some of the useful medicinal exotics (listed under CARA No. 43 of 1983) within the environment before their medicinal value vanishes as they are eradicated through management strategies adopted by the South African government.
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.
Open Access
Population biology of Brackenridgea zanguebarica in the presence of harvesting
(Academica Journals, 2012-12-03) Tshisikhawe, Milingoni P.; Van Rooyen, Margaretha W.
Population biology studies play a major role in understanding the ecology of our highly utilized natural resources. Intense and frequent harvesting of bark from species with a high market demand often result in ring-barking of trees. The trees subsequently die, and the species becomes rare over time. Brackenridgea zanguebarica Oliv. is a species in demand not only because of its medicinal value but also because it is highly regarded for its magical value. The species has a limited distribution and is found only at Thengwe in the whole of South Africa. The population structure of the species was investigated and the response of the species to harvesting pressure evaluated in order to gain an understanding of its survival strategies. In spite of the high demand for the species it seems to be surviving the harvesting pressure. B. zanguebarica showed a healthy population structure with lots of seedlings. The adult individuals showed a very high degree of bark regeneration as a response to bark removal from medicine men. The inverse J-shaped curve showed that the population is healthy although sharp decreases between stem diameter size classes were observed. Fewer older individuals have healthy crown covers since crown health status tends to decrease with increase in stem diameter. It is therefore important to monitor the diameter size classes that are being impacted negatively by medicinal bark harvesting for the population to remain viable at all times.
Open Access
How fast can you climb a mountain? climate change, ant assemblages and a centre of endemism
(2012-12-19) Munyai, Thinandavha Caswell; Foord, S. H.; Baxter, R. M.
Open Access
Population biology of Elaeodendron transvaalense Jacq. in the presence of harvesting
(Fyton, 2013-01-12) Tshisikhawe, M. P.; Van Rooyen, M. W.
Elaeodendron transvaalense Jacq. is one of the medicinal plant species commonly used by people in the Venda region. The species is known to treat a variety of diseases. It is widely used and important to traditional healers. Because of this, it found its way into the muthi markets, and it is among the seven most commonly traded plant species in the Venda region. This study investigated the impact of bark harvesting on the population structure of this species. The study revealed that although the level of bark harvesting is high, the species is able to resist that stress since it is a fine-grained species. The population also showed the ability to regenerate as it exhibited an inverse J-shaped curve. The crown health status was generally good although some individuals, contributing 9% of the sample, had dead crowns, which are a cause for concern. A linear relationship was noticed between areas harvested and stem circumference, which is understandable considering the large surface area of harvestable bark on bigger individuals.
Open Access
Medicinal plants used in the treatment of livestock diseases in Vhembe region, Limpopo province, South Africa
(Academic Journals, 2013-03-10) Luseba, D.; Tshisikhawe, M. P.
Traditional medicine (TM) is very important among Venda speaking people but the available literature does not cover the ethnoveterinary medicine (EVM) uses. Open ended questions and group focus discussion were used to investigate the knowledge of EVM in the region. Thirty-seven (37) individuals with an average age of 48.2 years were interviewed of which 24 were males and 13 females. EVM practices involved the use of plants as remedies collected from the wild and prepared mainly as infusions and decoctions for internal use and leave sap for local applications. Cattle, followed by sheep and goats were predominantly owned by old men who treat by themselves their livestock for worm and tick infestations. There were 47 indications in total prepared from leaves, followed by bark of 34 plant species belonging to 22 plant families. The families with more species were Fabaceae (6 species), Asteraceae and Rubiaceae (3 species each) and, Combretaceae and Euphorbiaceae (2 species each). Literatures on laboratory investigations have shown that some of the plants recorded possess multiple biological properties. Further studies on chemical composition and subsequent biological properties are required for validation purpose.
Open Access
Use, conservation and present availability status of ethnomedicinal plants of Matebele-Village in the Limpopo Province, South Africa
(Academic journals, 2013-04-12) Semenya, S. S.; Potgieter, M. J.; Tshisikhawe, M. P.
Ethnobotanical surveys were carried out between January 2011 and April 2012 to compile an inventory of plants used medicinally by people of the Matebele village. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on the species used by the villagers. The results show that 65 species (86.1% indigenous and 13.8% exotics) from 36 families, mostly the Asteraceae (13.8%) and Fabaceae (10.7%), are being used to treat 28 ailments or conditions. To the best of our knowledge, 24.4% of the species were recorded for the first time as medicinal. The most widely used species were Terminalia sericea (43.3%), followed by Acacia senegal, Eucomis pallidiflora (36.6% each), Drimia elata (26.6%), Warburgia salutaris (19.9%) and Artemisia afra (16.6%). Roots (39.1%), leaves (21.6%) and stem bark (10.8%) were the most frequently used parts. The heavy dependence on wild medicinal plants and utilization of threatened (E. pallidiflora, D. elata and W. salutaris) and protected (Sclerocarya birrea) species by inhabitants of Matebele village calls for urgent conservation intrusion.
Open Access
Is the present Brackenridgea Nature Reserve large enough to ensure the survival of Brackenridgea zanguebarica Oliv.?
(Koedoe, 2013-09-04) Tshisikhawe, Milingoni P.; van Rooyen, Magaretha W.; Gaugris, Jerome Y.
The Brackenridgea Nature Reserve is a 110 ha protected area established by the provincial Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism as a way of protecting the population of Brackenridgea zanguebarica, a species classified as critically endangered in South Africa. In the whole of South Africa, the species is found in only one small area around Thengwe–Mafukani in Venda. It is threatened with extirpation due to high demand for its medicinal bark. This study investigated the adequacy of the reserve to conserve the species using a method established in 2001 by Burgman et al. This method involves 12 steps to quantify the risk of the decline or possible extinction of the species and takes current human activities, disturbances and the viability of the population into consideration for setting a conservation target. From the results, it was clear that more area is needed for the current population to survive beyond 50 years. Assuming the status quo, it will require 410 ha to maintain the population, whereas a 50% reduction in human-related activities, such as cultivation, harvesting and livestock grazing, will lower the required potential habitat to 203 ha and a conservation option, which allows for bark harvesting, will require 179 ha. Conservation implications: The results of this study will have conservation implication on management of viable species population within a nature reserve. It will require managers to take into consideration the reserve size in relation to potential habitats for the development of species under their management.
Open Access
Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used in treatment of ticks
(2014) Magwede, K.; Tshisikhawe, M. P.; Luseba, D.; Bhat, R. T.
The documentation of traditional knowledge on medicinal use of plants has provided many important drugs that are used worldwide on a daily basis. Traditional remedies had been (and still are) the main source of livestock ailment treatments, especially in regions of poor resources of the Vhembe District, South Africa. In many rural areas of the Republic of South Africa, traditional medicine is sometimes the only available modern orthodox health care for managing both human and animal health. Much work remains to be done regarding the documentation of the existing ethnobotanical knowledge. In this work, we report an inventory list of ethnoveterinary, medicinal plants used in treatment of tick infested wounds. Sampling was made in the Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa through interview surveys. A list of 25 medicinal plants was compiled from 4 local municipalities within the District. Some plants were more frequently mentioned than others. Knowledge about the ethnoveterinary plant use differed between sex and age groups within the municipalities.
Open Access
Perceptions of traditional healers on the treatment of diarrhoea in Vhembe District Municipality of Limpopo Province, South Africa
(INDILiNGA, 2014) Netshivhulana, Tshivhangwaho Austin; Masevhe, Ndivhaleni Anox; Tshisikhawe, Milingoni Peter; Samie, Amidou
Diarrhoea illness has long been recognised as the cause of death of millions of people worldwide especially in developing countries (Nkwi, 1994). The disease is treated using western as well as traditional remedies. The knowledge of traditional healers and their practices can play an important role in building capacity to promote the appropriate home management of diarrhoea (Anokbonggo et al., 1990). Traditional healers around the world have different beliefs and understanding of diarrhoeal disease and its treatment. The aim of the project was to investigate the perception and concept of traditional healers on the treatment of diarrhoea in Vhembe district. Twenty traditional healers from two municipalities (Mutale and Thulamela) around Vhembe district were interviewed. Data was collected through interviews using questionnaires. Interviews were conducted with individuals in their own languages and later translated into English. According to Vhembe traditional healers, diarhoea is described as a disease which can lead to death as a result of excessive loss of water in a patient’s body through vomiting and frequent visits to a toilet. Symptoms of diarrhoea include vomiting, loss of weight, and change in appearance of skin, face and eyes. Traditional healers of Vhembe district have a better understanding of diarrhoeal diseases. They mention different categories of diarrhoeal diseases. There is a lack of information when it comes to the description of diarrhoeal illness’s on infants and children.
Open Access
Leaf architecture characters of Vachellia tortilis (Forssk.) Galasso and Banfi along longitudinal gradient in Limpopo Province, South Africa
(Pyton, 2015) Mashile, S. P.; Tshisikhawe, M. P.
This paper looked at the leaf architecture characteristics of Vachellia tortilis to determine if either there is or not an effect of the tropic line on plants. Vachellia tortilis leaves were sampled along a national road (N1) in Limpopo province. Sampling points were set 10 km apart away from the Tropic of Capricon in opposite directions. Leaf morphology revealed that leaves of V. tortilis are bipinnately compound with alternate arrangement. The venation pattern of the pinnules was eucamptodromus and brochidodromous with imperfect reticulation. Areoles were imperfect and pentagonal or irregular in shape.
Open Access
Medicinal plant use of villagers in the Mopani District, Limpopo Province, South Africa
(2015) Chauke, M. A; Shai, L. J.; Mogale, M. A.; Tshisikhawe, M. P.; Mokgotho, M. P.
Background: An ethno-medical survey of plants was conducted at Mashishimale village near Phalaborwa, in Limpopo Province (South Africa). Owing to high level of poverty and lack of proper daily operational healthcare facilities in certain parts of Mashishimale village, the use of plants as medicine persists. The aim of the study was to compile a list of medicinal plants used by traditional health practitioners for treatment of diabetes mellitus and other ailments. Materials and methods: Traditional health practitioners were identified using the snowballing sampling technique. Structured interviews were conducted and a list of medicinal plants compiled. Data collection included local names of the plants, the plant parts used in the traditional medicine, the disease treated by the plant-based remedies and the method of preparation of the medicines. Results and discussion: A total of 49 plants species belonging to 20 different families we identified. Plant parts used in preparation of remedies by practitioners are roots (51%), stem barks (30%) and leaves (19%). The most preferred methods of administration were boiling (74%) and infusion (12%). About 14 plants species were indicated for treatment of diabetes mellitus, while most plant species were indicated for sexually transmitted diseases, fertility and erectile dysfunction. Conclusion: The results of the survey indicate that plants play a significant role in primary healthcare of the community of Mashishimale Village. It would seem that a number of major diseases/ailments are treated by traditional methods. Scientific investigation is therefore needed to isolate active compounds and to determine safe dosages for treatment. These studies may guide the regulation of herbal medicine industry in South Africa.
Open Access
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers for human identification in the vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa
(2015-01-16) Dzhivhuho, Godfrey Azwinndini; Nangammbi, T. C.; Samie, A.; Chauke, L. F.
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.
Open Access
Bioactivity and chromatographic profiles of the selected medicinal plants against candida albicans
(2015-07-17) Mulaudzi, Takalani Millicent; Masevhe, N. A; Mojapelo, P. E. L
Open Access
The edge effects of mango farming on flower visitor insect communities and epigeal ant species in Northern-Eastern South Africa
(2015-09-15) Simba, Lavhelani Dembe; Foord, S. H; Seymour, C. L
Open Access
Review of extinction risk in African Cycads
(Pyton, 2016) Bamigboye, S. O.; Tshisikhawe, P. M.; Taylor, P. J.
Over a long period of time, cycads endemic to Africa have been facing high risk of extinction. Several conservation efforts have been made to reduce the risk of losing these highly endangered species. In this study we review the current risk of extinction of all African cycads species. We calculated the percentages of each category of species found in African cycads using the IUCN (International Union of Conservation of Nature) red list of threatened species 2014 version. We compared our result with that of Donaldson (2003) on percentages of different categories of IUCN for cycads in Africa which was carried out a decade ago. We also calculated the percentage of population trend in African cycads. When comparing these results, we discovered that over one decade there was no improvement in cycads conservation despite several conservation efforts that were made during this period. The results of the population trend also showed that the majority of African cycads are experiencing population decreases. These results highlight that the risk of extinction of African cycads is still very high and much conservation effort is still required to properly tackle ecological factors pushing these endangered species to extinction.
Open Access
Management plan of a medicinal plant species in demand : the case of Brackenridgea Zanguebarica Oliv
(Indlinga, 2016) Tshisikhawe, Milingoni Peter
Studies on the impact of bark harvesting for medicinal purposes on Brackenridgea zanguebarica revealed a high degree of overexploitation. Conservation effort from all levels is highly welcomed since it will be contributing towards conservation of this indigenous medicinal plant. It is therefore clear that an integrated approach of taking best conservation practices from western as well as indigenous systems can be the way to go. Formation of a Participatory Natural Resource Management Associations in areas where natural resources are being threatened by unsustainable harvesting practice can help in bringing together interested stakeholders into the mainstream of protecting such resources. Such associations should be governed by natural resource harvesting policies with clear objectives around documentation, monitoring and evaluation of harvesting. These policies should cover ecological, social, as well as economic concerns of stakeholders.