Taxonomy, ecology, harvesting methods, ethnopharmacological use, trade and prospects for sustainable management of Prunus africana (Hook. f.) Kalkman (Rosaceae)

Abstract

Background: Prunus africana (Hook. F) Kalkman has been the spotlight of foresters and scientists for several decades. However, the knowledge about this plant, which is classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), is patchy. This article provides a bibliographic review for the current knowledge on Prunus africana, focus on harvesting methods, ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological use, trade and stakeholder involvement in the sustainable management of this species.

Methods: The literature cited was obtained from Google Scholar, PubMed, JSTOR and Scopus databases. A total of 122 documents (scientific articles, reports and thesis) were consulted. Grey literature was used in addition to published scientific research.

Results: Knowledge on the ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological importance of P. africana has developed considerably in recent years. Prunus africana is known in more than 22 countries and is for the use of utilized for its bark, which is used on medicinally to treat various diseases. The literature shows the climatic diversity of P. africana habitats (altitude, rainfall and temperature) in African countries. Currently, eight techniques are used to harvest the bark of P. africana: 1/2, 2/4 opposite, 3/4, 4/8, complete debarking, 1/4 felling and 3/6. Six techniques have been categorized as illegal (felling, complete debarking, 3/6, 3/4, 1/2, 1/4), while two have been presented as legal (2/4 and 4/8). While international trade in P. africana is regulated to ensure sustainable management, the impact of exploitation and trade in products destined for local markets is not yet known and evaluated in the literature on this species. The article raises concerns about the impacts of medicinal use, logging, land-use and land-cover change, deforestation, habitat fragmentation and climate change on the conservation and endangerment of P. africana.

Conclusion: Future research should be conducted to improve knowledge on ecology, genetics and phylogeny, phenology, harvesting techniques that promote natural regeneration after debarking, and vulnerability of P. africana to climate change to promote sustainable management of this species.

Keywords: Prunus africana, harvesting methods, ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological use, trade, sustainable management