Abstract:
Sclerocarya birrea (A Rich.) Hochst. subspecies caffra (Sond) is a plant species belonging to the Anacardiaceae
family. In South Africa, it is dominant in the Baphalaborwa area in the Limpopo Province. Throughout its distribution range,
S. birrea is a keystone species that is highly utilized by herbivores and people. Understanding the utilization pattern assist in
determing if the population is not negatively affected. The aim of this study was therefore to compare the distribution
patterns and population status of S. birrea in Ga-Makhushane and Tshivhongweni villages in the Limpopo Province. The
study will investigate the influence of culture in utilization of S. birrea resources since the study area are made up of
communities of people from different cultures. Nearest-neighbour method of sampling individuals within a population of
plants was used to collect data on S. birrea populations which was analyzed using Analysis of Variance. It was found that
the populations were regularly distributed meaning there is an antagonistic relationship of the species with the users in both
villages, and there was also a significant difference in distribution patterns between the two villages. It was concluded that
although S. birrea is regularly distributed in both villages, there are differences in terms of interplant distances, heights, stem
circumferences and canopy covers. It means that the two culturally different communities have different preferences when
they harvest resources form S. birrea species
