A Review of Conservation Status and Its Implications on Some Common Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants in Botswana

Abstract

Demel Teketay, Tiroyaone Albertinah Matsika, Kamogelo Makgobota and Witness Mojeremane

The current knowledge on useful plant species for their medici- nal and herbal properties in the African sub-continent is diverse. However, the monitoring and conservation efforts accorded to these species have not been very consistent despite increased attention towards utilizing them. Depending on the societal, industrial and/or personal needs, species provide great health, social, and psychological utility for many [1]. Therefore, it is of great importance to review existing ethnobotanical information and knowledge to advise further and future innovative research possibilities on many of these wild edible and medicinal spe- cies. Firstly, this review sought to aggregate plants species with peculiar relevant edible and medicinal characteristics found in Botswana for an in-depth analysis. Secondly, this paper intends to explore the conservation status of the selected species. Lastly, we intend to draw recommendatiuons on further action based on the vulnerability arising from the harvesting and/or use method.

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