Indigenous knowledge on the uses and morphological variation among Strychnos gerrardii N.E.Br. morphotypes at Emkhandlwini area, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Strychnos gerrardii N.E.Br., a member of the Loganiaceae family, is primarily known in rural communities for its edible fruits. However, indigenous knowledge on the uses and morphological diversity of native fruit trees such as S. gerrardii has not received much research. This study aimed to document the existing ethnobotanical knowledge on local uses and morphological diversity of S. gerrardii morphotypes growing in the Emkhandlwini area.

Methods: The existing indigenous knowledge were collected from 100 randomly selected participants using a structured questionnaire. Simple random sampling method was used for selection of participants.

Results: Different food uses of S. gerrardii include direct fruit consumption as well as fruit processing into fermented beverages and food products called umbhantshi, ujwembe, amahewu, umnkwankwa in isiZulu local language, and alcohol. Therapeutic reports of S. gerrardii include its use to treat stomach disorders, influenza virus, high blood pressure, diabetes, and respiratory problems, as well as increasing milk production in females and cleansing of the body system.  Other uses of S. gerrardii include its importance as a homestead defence against thunderstorms and lightning, treatment for livestock diseases, ornament making, and controlling traditional spiritual problems. S. gerrardii varied morphologically according to its leaf, fruit, and organoleptic traits. Leaf colours varied from light green, green, dark green, and grey. Most leaves were roundish followed by elongated, round and heart-shaped, and elongated and heart-shaped leaves. Fruit shapes ranged from roundish, wedged, and pear-shaped, with the wedge-shaped fruits being reported sweeter than others.

Conclusion: Indigenous knowledge will benefit future breeding initiatives and the selection of desired traits for domesticating the species as a food crop.

Keywords: edible fruits, ethnomedicine, ethnofood, indigenous knowledge, morphological variation, organoleptic properties, Strychnos gerrardii.