Abstract:
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.
