Abstract:
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.
