Thesis (doctoral)--Université de Paris, 1921. / Includes bibliographical references (p. [131]-136) and index.

Thesis (PhD. (Anthropology)) --University of Limpopo, 2008 / In this study, the multidisciplinary epistemology of ethnobotany is reviewed within the wider context of ethnoecology and indigenous knowledge systems. The major problems derived from this theoretical framework cover aspects of the relationship between cultural groups and their natural environment - particularly the botanical component of the latter. Problems and critical questions about this relationship were investigated in selected areas of the Bushbuckridge district, which are inhabited by a number ofTsonga-Shangana communities. Salient aspects of the natural habitat in the study area are discussed with special reference to the vegetation, climate and soil types. A proper understanding of the culturally-based exploitation of plant resources necessitates a sound knowledge of the culture concerned, including relevan t aspects of its value-system and cosmology. In this review, emphasis is placed on those aspects of culture that are directly concerned with the utilisation of plant resources. The latter include a wide range of economic, technological and medicinal uses. Specimens of 200 plants were collected and identified by the University of Limpopo Herbarium. The uses of every species are described. Systematised tables of plant uses are presented, as well as comparative lists in which selected uses are compared to those of other cultures in which the same species are used. The effects of plant utilisation, as well as indigenous forms of resource management, are also discussed. Recommendations are made on how to counter the process of environmental degradation which is caused by over-exploitation .

Originally presented as the author's Thesis (doctoral)--University of Basel, 1990. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 327-336).

Originally presented as the author's Thesis (doctoral)--University of Basel, 1990. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 327-336).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2000. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 137-149). Also available on the Internet.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2000. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 137-149). Also available on the Internet.

MSc (Botany) / Department of Botany

Ecological research aimed at the conservation of useful plants has rarely considered the spatial distribution of resources nor the potential implications for management. In this thesis I examined the spatial patterning of a group of 23 useful plant species on the 3,500 ha territory of a Kuna community in Darien, Panama. A systematic random sampling scheme was used to survey the distribution and abundance of the species, as well as the physical environment. A series of canonical analyses was conducted to evaluate the species-environment relationships and to identify spatial structures in the species distributions left unexplained by the environmental variables. Four distinct distribution patterns were identified among the species; these were most strongly explained by land-use, the degree of canopy closure and topography. Significant spatial structures, independent of the environmental variables, were related to anthropogenic pressures and an edaphic gradient. The habitat associations of the individual species are described and data on one species, Sabal mauritiiformis , is used to illustrate the utility of these data in the management of plant resources on human landscapes.

No description available.

The aim of the study was to find benefits derived from the natural propagation and the use of guava plants and fruit by people living in rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal, looking at guava as a source of food, income, medicinal uses, shade, a source of fuel and use for agricultural purposes like fencing; and also assessing Conservation of the Agricultural Resource Act (CARA), Act 43 of 1983 relating to guava plant as invasive species. The Act states that all alien invader species and weeds should be controlled or removed depending on the category. CARA states that plants in category one are declared as alien invasive plants and are not allowed to grow on the land or appear on the water surface. Plants under this category may not be transported or allowed to disperse e.g. Psidium x durbanensis (Durban guava). Category two plants are invader species that have a potential value, plants that are used by the people as a source of income and food. These species can be retained if they grow in special areas demarcated for the purpose (an orchard). If these species are found outside demarcated areas they are to be removed e.g. Psidium guava (guava). Category three species are mostly plants with ornamental value which are not allowed to occur anywhere unless they were already in existence when the regulation came into effect e.g. Psidium guineense (brazillian guava) and Psidium cattleianum (strawberry guava). The study focused on selected areas of KwaZulu-Natal,: Umgungundlovu district municipality (Richmond local municipality) and Uthungulu district municipality. Richmond represented the midlands areas and Uthungulu the coastal areas to reflect two different areas of KwaZulu-Natal. To investigate this study the researcher used telephonic interviews with 23 Extension officials, questionnaires to guide focus group discussions which were conducted with 28 community groups that were involved in guava usage. Informal observation surveys were also carried out with five markets (stall holders) selling guava and guava products. Informal observations in two supermarkets and two home industries were also conducted. The results showed that people in rural areas still use this resource (guava) as a source of fuel (wood), medicine (especially the leaves and bark), fruit for own consumption (either processed or raw) and income generation. The impact of the legislation on rural poor communities is negative as guavas sustain livelihoods and the costs of applying for permits are prohibitive. People are illiterate yet they have to apply for special permits to plant this useful species because the regulation stipulates that guava plants must be controlled if dispersed outside demarcated areas. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2008.