Abundance and use of Vepris dainellii (Pichi-Serm.) Kokwaro, an Ethiopian endemic plant, in Melokoza woreda, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

The study on abundance, distribution and use of Vepris dainellii was undertaken inMelokoza woreda (administrative unit) in GamoGofa Zone of Southern Nations,Nationalities and Peoples Region (SNNPR). The objective of this study was to assess theuse of this species by local communities and its current population status in its naturalhabitat in south-west Ethiopia where it is poorly known. The study approach wascategorized into three 1) market survey, 2) informant interview and 3) species populationinventory in the surrounding natural habitat. Market survey was mainly focused onmarket observation to estimate the amount of fruits sold in the market and its frequencycompared to other food crops. Informant interview was focused on the uses of thespecies and its availability in the surrounding forest fragments. The adult tree speciesabundance and regeneration status in the existing forest fragments was estimated. Theresult indicates that the species is used as additives to coffee drink because of itsaromatic character. Local communities supplement their livelihood by selling wildcollected ripe fruit of this species for consumption. In conclusion, Vepris dainellii islocally very useful plant that needs attention for future research that benefitscommunities. Current over harvesting of mature fruit from parent-tree influenced theregeneration of this species. If this unsustainable harvesting by local people continues,the capacity of the species to maintain its wild population is significantly reduced.Therefore, management and conservation strategies that incorporate this factor isrequired.