A survey of the indigenous relishes of the Vhavenda and their agricultural potential

Abstract

The Vhavenqa use indigenous plants as a source of food, medicines, firewood and timber for building and creative work. The cereal porridge that forms a basic part of their diet is relishes with green vegetables, most of which are collected from natural stands. As a results of various factors, many plants species traditionally used as relishes are no longer collected and knowledge about their preparation is gradually being lost. A thorough survey of the plant species used as relishes by the Vhavenda had to be undertaken. The survey would help to preserve "important cultural information and could also serve as a source of information for further agricultural and pharmacological studies. The survey collected information of 29 plant species (22 indigenous and 7 naturalised). Details about their family associations, synonyms, vernacular names, description, geographical distribution, habitat, growing season, harvesting, preparation, agricultural potential, related species and additional notes were recorded.