Ethnobotanical study of Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A. Rich. and its parasites of the genus Tapinanthus in Benin

Authors

  • Francis Hounkpe University of Abomey-Calavi
  • Rodrigue Idohou Ecole de Gestion et de Production Végétale et Semencière, Université Nationale d’Agriculture, BP 43 Kétou, Bénin BP 43, Ketou, Benin
  • Adi Mama Applied Ecology Laboratory (LEA), School of Environmental Planning and Management, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01BP526 Jericho, Cotonou, Benin
  • Romaric Vihotogbé School of Tropical Forestry, National University of Agriculture, BP 43, Ketou, Benin
  • Kourouma Koura Forestry Sciences Laboratory, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi, Benin
  • Thierry Houehanou UR-Biodiversity Conservation at Interface People, Land use and Climate Change, Laboratoire d’écologie, de botanique et de biologie végétale, Faculté d’agronomie, Université de Parakou Faculté d’agronomie Laboratoire d’écologie, de botanique et de biologie végétale 03 BP 125, Parakou
  • Cossi Jean Ganglo Forestry Sciences Laboratory, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi, Benin

Abstract

Background: In response to climate change and the degradation of ecosystems, the promotion of indigenous knowledge is a key strategy for the sustainable conservation of biodiversity in West Africa. This study examines the variety of local knowledge and traditional practices related to X. aethiopica and Tapinanthus species.

Methods: An ethnobotanical survey was conducted among 172 respondents familiar with these species in order to document their uses and the plant parts involved. Statistical analyses (Chi² test and Correspondence Analysis) revealed that ethnicity significantly influenced the distribution of knowledge and uses.

Results: For X. aethiopica, the fruit was identified as the most valuable part of the plant (UV = 10). The species is mainly used for medicinal (39.4%), medico-religious (32.75%) and culinary (13.73%) purposes. In contrast, medico-religious (55.88%) and medicinal (38.73%) uses predominated for Tapinanthus spp., reflecting knowledge systems structured by the cultural heritage and ritual traditions of each ethnic group.

Conclusions: These findings emphasise the richness and specificity of indigenous knowledge, highlighting its central role in conserving and sustainably using local plant resources. It is essential to document and integrate this knowledge into participatory ecosystem management policies in order to promote culturally appropriate and sustainable conservation strategies.

Keywords: Ethnobotany, indigenous knowledge, Xylopia aethiopica, Tapinanthus spp., Benin, conservation.

Downloads

Published

2026-01-14

How to Cite

Hounkpe, F., Idohou, R., Mama, A., Vihotogbé, R., Koura, K., Houehanou, T. ., & Ganglo, C. J. (2026). Ethnobotanical study of Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A. Rich. and its parasites of the genus Tapinanthus in Benin. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 33, 1–14. Retrieved from https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/7888

Issue

Vol. 33 (2026)

Section

Research

License

All articles are copyrighted by the first author and are published online by license from the first author. Articles are intended for free public distribution and discussion without charge. Accuracy of the content is the responsibility of the authors.