Rising demand for medicinal plants has led to
increased pressure on wild plant populations. This,
combined with shrinking habitats, means that many
species in South Africa are now facing local extinction.
In 1997, a study was initiated to determine the
extent of trade in medicinal plants in the South
African Lowveld (the low lying plains to the east
of the Drakensberg escarpment), and to investigate
socio-economic factors influencing trade and resource
management. Trade was not as extensive in the
Lowveld as in major urban markets such as Durban
or the Witwatersrand ( Johannesburg and surrounding
towns), either in terms of the quantity, number or
range of species sold, or the numbers of people relying
on the trade for an income. In markets assessed in
Mpumalanga Province, 176 species were identified
(71% of the vernacular names encountered in the
market place), representing 69 plant families. In
Limpopo, 70 different species were identified (84% of
the vernacular names encountered in themarket place),
representing 40 families. Imports were significant in
Mpumalanga (33% of the plants on offer), mainly from
Mozambique. A detrended correspondence analysis
showed substantial differences between species traded
in Mpumalanga and those sold in Limpopo. There was
little variation in the species stocked by vendors in
Mpumalanga, regardless of the season, the attributes
of the seller, or whether business was carried out in
urban or rural areas. In contrast, there was considerable
variation in the stock inventories of the Limpopo
traders. Despite the lower levels of local trade,
increased harvesting pressure is being experienced
regionally, to meet demand in metropolitan centres
such as the Witwatersrand. This study showed
considerable local variation and complexities in the
harvesting and marketing of medicinal plants, with
both a national and an international dimension. This
dual spatial scale presents both opportunities and
challenges in the management of these plants, which
need to be addressed simultaneously, particularly with
respect to research requirements and development
of predictive models and capacity. Cooperation in
* Correspondence: Professor E.T.F.Witkowski Tel: +27 11 717 6428
Fax: +27 11 403 1429 e-mail: ed@biology.biol.wits.ac.za
conservation strategies and policies is required at
regional, national and international levels, while
ensuring thatmanagement initiatives take into account
local market conditions and the socio-economic
realities facing both consumers and those who depend
on the trade for their livelihoods.