Edible plants of urban domestic gardens in the Capricorn district, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

This study conducted between May and October 2012, was aimed at investigating the contribution of urban domestic garden flora in the Capricorn District, Limpopo Province, South Africa to household food supply. Semi-structured interviews, observations and guided field walks with 62 participants were employed to obtain ethnobotanical data on edible plants growing in domestic gardens. Based on ethnobotanical information provided by the participants, botanical specimens were collected, numbered, pressed and dried for identification. A total of 51 edible plants belonging to 44 genera and 26 families was recorded. Plant parts identified as important sources of food included: edible fruits (26 species), leaves cooked as leafy vegetable (12 species), edible bulbs, roots and tubers (six species), culinary herbs or spice (five species), edible seeds (four species), edible stems (two species) and fruit juice made into local beer (one species). Food plants in urban domestic gardens contribute to the livelihoods needs of local people.