Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants in Dodola Town, South Ethiopia

Abstract

Medicinal plant is any plant from which one or more of its organs contain ingredients essential for therapeutic purpose. In Ethiopia, the use of traditional medicines is widely prevalent in the country but ethnobotanical studies on medicinal plants in the country are limited when compared to the multiethnic and cultural diversity of the people and diverse flora of the country. The present study aimed to document the medicinal plant species, identify the plant parts used to treat human disease, assess community perception and identify the threats to medicinal plant conservation in Dodola Town, in Ethiopia. The study focused on three kebeles namely, Geneta, Gedira and Tullo Alawanso based on the recommendations of elders and local authorities. Sixty respondents were selected from these three kebeles and 15 key informants (10 males and 5 females) were added based on the recommendations of local knowledgeable elders, local leaders and development agents. Questionnaire distribution, interviews and focus group discussions were the data collection tools. The result indicated a total of 10 wild medicinal trees and shrubs that were identified useful for treating human disease in Dodola Town. The plants and parts used to treat diseases varied from disease to disease. Leaf, fruit, bark and root were widely used for treating human disease but leaves and roots were the frequently used plant parts. Mostly medicinal plants in the area were used in their fresh form. The study also indicated as the majority of respondents have positive perception towards medicinal plants and their use in the area. The medicinal plants of the town are facing threat from intensification of agriculture, wood extraction and over grazing.

Keywords: Dodola, Ethnobotanical study, Medicinal plants.

DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/12-1-04

Publication date: January 31^st 2022