Prospects for the domestication of Aloe mzimbana in Zambia

  • Emmanuel L Kapongolo The Copperbelt University
  • Gillian Kabwe
  • Patrick S.M. Phiri The Copperbelt University
Keywords: Aloe mzimbana, Asphodelaceae, Ethnobotany, Domestication, Medicinal plants

Abstract

Chishimba Falls is one of several waterfalls of aesthetic value and tourist attraction in Zambia, which is located on Luombe River that forms part of the Bangweulu Basin drainage system. The geomorphological nature of Chishimba Falls is such that it consists of two waterfalls called the Mutumuna and Chishimba and the Kaela Rapids. The Chishimba Falls Heritage Site covers a total area of 777 hectares and is surrounded by village settlements. Out of a total a 314 plant species recorded at this site, 138 species of flowering plants are of ethnobotanical value and of which 91 are medicinal plants. The main vegetation type on this site which contains plants of ethnobotanical value is the mesic miombo woodland which is dotted with patches of the evergreen forest relicts. This study generated an idea to domesticate Aloe mzimbana as a source of pharmaceutical compounds.

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Published
2022-11-03
How to Cite
1.
Kapongolo E, Kabwe G, Phiri P. Prospects for the domestication of Aloe mzimbana in Zambia. University of Zambia Journal of Agricultural and Biomedical Sciences [Internet]. 3Nov.2022 [cited 28Mar.2024];6(2). Available from: https://journals.unza.zm/index.php/JABS/article/view/876
Section
Agriculture Sciences