Abstract
A combination of social survey and direct field observation was used to identify the medicinal plant species used in Ijesa land of Osun State, Nigeria. Voucher specimens of the species were obtained and the relative abundance for each of the identified botanical species was determined. A total of 45 plant species belonging to 30 families were identified. Our survey indicated they were used in the control of 22 diseases. Tribal information of these species is passed from one generation to another. These species were found to have multiple uses in the study area. Only 29% of the species were cultivated in the study area. A considerable proportion of these plant species were extracted predatorily and collections were done indiscriminately without consideration for size and age. At present, only 47% of the medicinal plants fall in the ‘abundant’ category for this study area. Most of these abundant species were cultivated for their fruits, seeds, leaves or vegetables. Finally, strategies that would enhance the conservation of the species in the study area were proposed.
Recommended Citation
Kayode, J.; Aleshinloye, L.; and Ige, O. E.
(2008)
"Ethnomedicinal Use of Plant Species in Ijesa Land of Osun State, Nigeria,"
Ethnobotanical Leaflets: Vol. 2008:
Iss.
1, Article 20.
Available at:
https://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/ebl/vol2008/iss1/20