Abstract:
Elaeodendron transvaalense Jacq. is one of the medicinal
plant species commonly used by people in the Venda region. The
species is known to treat a variety of diseases. It is widely used and
important to traditional healers. Because of this, it found its way into
the muthi markets, and it is among the seven most commonly traded
plant species in the Venda region. This study investigated the impact
of bark harvesting on the population structure of this species. The
study revealed that although the level of bark harvesting is high, the
species is able to resist that stress since it is a fine-grained species.
The population also showed the ability to regenerate as it exhibited
an inverse J-shaped curve. The crown health status was generally
good although some individuals, contributing 9% of the sample, had
dead crowns, which are a cause for concern. A linear relationship was
noticed between areas harvested and stem circumference, which is
understandable considering the large surface area of harvestable bark
on bigger individuals.
