- Ecology and Vegetation Dynamics Studies
- African Botany and Ecology Studies
- Plant Diversity and Evolution
- Forest ecology and management
- Chemical synthesis and alkaloids
- Plant and animal studies
- Ethnobotanical and Medicinal Plants Studies
- Plant and Fungal Species Descriptions
- Tree Root and Stability Studies
- Botanical Research and Applications
- Plant Water Relations and Carbon Dynamics
- Phytochemistry and Biological Activities
- Leaf Properties and Growth Measurement
- Aquatic Ecosystems and Biodiversity
- Essential Oils and Antimicrobial Activity
- Conservation, Biodiversity, and Resource Management
- Forest Ecology and Biodiversity Studies
- Moringa oleifera research and applications
- Poverty, Education, and Child Welfare
- Sesquiterpenes and Asteraceae Studies
- Fern and Epiphyte Biology
- Land Rights and Reforms
- Hibiscus Plant Research Studies
- Phytochemistry and Bioactivity Studies
- Phytochemistry and Bioactive Compounds
University of Zimbabwe
2002-2025
Non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) such as social distancing and travel restrictions have been introduced to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus (hereinafter Covid). In many countries Global South, NPIs are affecting rural livelihoods, but in-depth empirical data on these impacts limited. We traced differentiated Covid throughout start pandemic May July 2020. conducted qualitative weekly phone interviews (n = 441) with 92 panelists from nine contrasting communities across Mozambique...
Species circumscriptions in the genus Dipcadi were evaluated based on both morphological and molecular data, with an emphasis African taxa. DNA was extracted ITS region amplified for 33 accessions, additional 18 sequences obtained from GenBank. Phylogenetic analyses Maximum Likelihood Bayesian Inference congruent. The species D. marlothii glaucum are recovered as monophyletic, their status is also supported by data. Other either paraphyletic (D. viride), polyphyletic longifolium, serotinum,...
Savannah woodlands of South Africa are dominated by fruit tree species that have a potential for commercial harvest from the wild. However, allometric equations enable quantification biomass trees non-existent. The aim this study was to develop fruit-based Strychnos madagascariensis and S. spinosa species. A total 80 were selected applying stratified sampling approach according four stem diameter classes during ripening period. For each tree, following parameters measured: biomass, at breast...
The diversity, structure, species composition, and above ground biomass of woody plants on Ngomakurira mountain in Zimbabwe were studied. A systematic random sampling approach was adopted to establish 52 plots measuring 10 × m across 3 study strata the 1266 ha area. Woody occurring each plot identified circumferences trees with diameters >8.0 cm at 1.3 height measured. total 91 belonging 74 genera 39 families sample plots. Shannon-Wiener index mean value 3.12 obtained indicating high...
The Hypoxis corm has a catalogue of medicinal uses and also serves as source food.Most scientific research on centred hemerocallidea although many other species are exploited medicinally.Hypoxis corms look similar this resulted in different being prescribed sold the same raising important public health issues efficacy quality medicines sold.The aim study was to investigate compare phytochemical profiles cytotoxicity hemerocallidea, rigidula, galpinii obtusa.Corm methanolic extracts four were...
Strychnos spinosa Lam. of the Loganiaceae family is associated with versatility, poverty eradication, and rural economic development. However, morphological diversity S. not well documented. This limits efforts toward its improvement commercial exploitation. study aimed to characterize variability, vegetative reproductive traits, heritability morphotypes at Bonamanzi Game Reserve. The majority had green, rough, round immature fruits dark elongated, open fully developed leaves. Fruits varied...
Trichilia emetica is a coastal fruit tree species from sub-Saharan Africa that has potential for commercial harvest its edible and useful seed oils. However, the prediction of yields necessary to plan profitable harvest. This study aims calibrate allometric equations predict amount fruits biomass seeds T. emetica. A total 35 trees were selected based on seven classes diameter at breast height (DBH) in Umkhanyakude district. The measured during maturation period. measurements included DBH,...
Methanol and aqueous root extracts of Indigofera serpentinicola were investigated for their phytochemical, antimicrobial cytotoxic properties. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence alkaloids, saponins, tanins, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, phenols, reducing sugars oils fats in both extracts. Flavanoids only detected methanolic extract. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. The low against Staphylococus aureus, Cornybacterium diptheriae,...
Strychnos spinosa Lam., commonly known as green monkey orange, is a highly valued indigenous fruit tree in South Africa with potential for domestication and commercialization. However, no study has reported on the molecular diversity of morphotypes. Therefore, this aimed to determine genetic variation among 32 morphotypes using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Fourteen amplified SSR markers produced 159 alleles, mean 5.68 per locus. The polymorphic information content (PIC) values...
This study aimed to assess morphological diversity within
The phenological and morphological variation studies among forms of Laggera Sch. Bip. Ex. Benth. Hook species are limited, despite the medicinal use genus. Therefore, this study aimed to document phenology in cultivated populations alata crispata from seedling maturity. were categorized as with a small capitulum (LA-SC), large (LA-BC), South Africa (LC-SA), Zimbabwe (LC-ZIM). Seeds germinated Petri dishes, transplanted plug trays, later field plots at 60 days. Phenological events recorded...
Background: Strychnos gerrardii N.E.Br., a member of the Loganiaceae family, is primarily known in rural communities for its edible fruits. However, indigenous knowledge on uses and morphological diversity native fruit trees such as S. has not received much research. This study aimed to document existing ethnobotanical local morphotypes growing Emkhandlwini area. Methods: The were collected from 100 randomly selected participants using structured questionnaire. Simple random sampling method...
The study examined
Two species of Curculigo; C. pilosa and a new multiflora are presented from the Flora Zambesiaca area. The descriptions, identification key distribution map presented.
Fruits contribute to carbon (C) fixation in fruit tree species of savannah woodlands despite that the C fixed fruits is rapidly turned back dioxide (CO2) when decompose or are eaten. The aim this study was determine biomass allocation between components Strychnos madagascariensis and spinosa derive stocks sequestrated by fruits. A total 400 ripe were harvested from trees distributed seven plots across UMkhanyakude district. Fruit shell pulp separated seeds. Puree juice S. centrifugation...
Edible fruits are an important source of food and income in rural areas. The savanna woodlands South Africa endowed with a high density fruit tree species whose production potential has never been investigated. We evaluated this for two (Strychnos madagascariensis S. spinosa) the central portions Umhlabuyalingana Municipality (cpUM). Tree inventories were conducted eight 0.25-ha square plots following East-West distance gradient. diameter at breast height (DBH) each was measured, allowing...