Checklist of Ethno-Medico-Botanical Trees in Igbariam Campus of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Anambra State, Nigeria
- March 29, 2022
- Posted by: RSIS
- Categories: Forestry, IJRSI
International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI) | Volume IX, Issue III, March 2022 | ISSN 2321–2705
Kelechi G. Ibeh* and Michael J. Nworji
Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Abstract: The inventory of tree species and their enthno-medico-botanical information was carried out to document species richness and provide the first comprehensive checklist of trees in Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam campus, Anambra State, Nigeria. The checklist presents the species in botanical and local names, families, origin, habit and their ecological status. Results showed that 45 trees species of ethnomedicinal values with a total frequency of 695 belonging to 40 genera in 25 families were identified and documented to cure about 50 health disorders. Elaeis guineensis had the highest occurrence and Fabaceae family recorded the highest number of species (5) while 16 families were found to have 1 species each. Leaf had the highest frequency (31.93%) in plants part used for medicinal purposes while whole plant, fruit water/juice, wood and shell were the least (0.84%). Sixty per cent (60%) of all the species are exotic while (40%) are indigenous to Nigeria and West Africa. One species (Delonix regia) according to IUCN redlist is vulnerable. University management should intensify efforts towards planting more trees and protection of the existing ones. Avenue planting, establishment of botanical gardens and tree plantations within the area is highly recommended.
Keywords – Tree checklist; ethnobotany, ethnomedicine, COOU, Igbariam campus, Nigeria, health disorder.
I. INTRODUCTION
Proper knowledge of the environment, its richness, biological diversity, composition, and abundance is a basic necessity for the sustainable protection and conservation of trees. Trees are known for their numerous uses; the environmental services they offer – air purification, soil binding, erosion control, rain interception, pollution and noise absorption, wind break/shelter belts; and the direct benefits derived by both man, animals and other organisms co-existing in the environment (food, fruits, fuelwood, timber, roots and herbs, resins, tannins, pulp, fibre, etc.). Trees are also key pointers to changes and disturbances in a landscape. Africa has been known for dependent on plants for their health needs. Trees serve as the storehouse of therapeutic materials with insignificant or out rightly no side effects.
