Ecology and phenology of Melia Azedarach Linn.on and off the Riverine Areas

Abstract

Noteworthy, Melia azedarach Linn. is an indispensable tree species that is utilised in various forms. It can be used in craft industries as a substitute for teak wood when the supply is reduced. Simultaneously, its leaves, roots, bark, and flowers are used as medicines and natural pesticides. Melia azedarach Linn. is traditionally used as medicine to treat astringents and furthermore can be used against intestinal worms, skin diseases, stomachaches, uterine illnesses, and as a diuretic and febrifuge. In addition, it has been reported to possess anticancer, antimalarial, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial and antioxidant activities. This tree can adapt to different environmental conditions so that it can grow well in extensive areas. Melia azedarach Linn. is a plant that grows both on and off the riparian zones. Communities in South Africa see less value attached to it to the extent that in many places where these trees are found growing, the majority are cut for no good reason. Sometimes, the plant species is cut for the construction of fences, kraals, or firewood. The main reason for this practice is that much is not known about the plant; it could be found de-vegetated anytime. The study was conducted at Ha-Tshikonelo, Thulamela Local Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Plant phenology and distribution have gained increased interest because climatic change is sensitive to phenological traits and their consequences for ecosystem function. It is made possible to gather information on spatial and ecological scales because of new technologies innovative technologies. Temperature, photoperiod, and winter chilling are examples of plant phenology drivers, and competition is included. A smartphone ( Huawei Nova Y60) camera was used to take pictures of phenological changes when visiting the on and off riparian zones from August 2019 to December 2021. The research aimed to determine the different phenophases and distribution patterns of Melia azedarach in riparian zones. The Nearest-neighbour method of sampling individuals within a population of plants was used for data collection. The collected data was then analysed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). It was found that Melia azedarach Linn. is regularly distributed for both on and off-riparian areas. Phenophase occurring off riparian zones was found to be occurring earlier than in riparian zones. It was found that Melia azedarach Linn. is surviving and flourishing in both off and on the riparian zones. On riparian zone individuals were growing bigger than those found off the riparian zones because of the abundant supply of resources such as water and nutrients.