Ethnobotany of Pentadesma butyracea in Benin: a quantitative approach

Type Working Paper - Traditional forest-related knowledge and sustainable forest management in Africa. IUFRO world series
Title Ethnobotany of Pentadesma butyracea in Benin: a quantitative approach
Author(s)
Volume 23
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2009
Page numbers 154-164
URL http://webdoc.sub.gwdg.de/ebook/serien/yo/IUFRO_WS/ws23.pdf#page=160
Abstract
Pentadesma butyracea Sabine (Clusiaceae) is a multi-purpose tree that provides non-timber forest products (NTFPs). In particular, fruit kernels can be transformed into butter for cooking and cosmetics. Unfortunately, natural stands of P. butyracea are seriously threatened in Benin. A questionnaire was used to measure plant use knowledge for all parts of the species from 180 randomly selected respondents of two municipalities belonging to seven sociocultural groups: Nagot, Anii, Kotocoli, Waama, Ditamari, Natimba and Fulani. Four use values are presented: reported use (RU) value for each plant and plant part; plant part value (PPV); specific use (SU); intraspecific use value (IUV); and overall use value (OUV). After using a Principal Components Analysis, it seemed that Social groups that were living in the same geographical area shared similar values of P. butyracea parts. Nagot also have the highest use value for bark and root, two the most sensitive parts for the plant survival. Using intraspecific use value (IUV), the following uses of P. butyracea plant parts can be noticed. Leaves are commonly used to treat fever and to heal wounds. The young leaves are consumed like vegetable for their lactogenic effects. As for root and bark, they are used in stomach pain treatment and in menstrual cycle regularization. Flowers are especially known for their use in magico-mystics treatments. Pulp is used in pedicures care and constipation treatment.

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