KNP on a mission to save endangered pepper bark

[Stephens.L]

As much as *** population is under threat from poachers, so is the pepper bark trees which are also under threat from illegal harvesters because of their medicinal purposes. The pepper bark scientifically known as Warburgia salutaris or Isibaha in zulu langauge is one of the 336 species of trees that the KNP hosts. It is listed among the protected trees of the KNP and is classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as endangered.

In an attempt to preserve them from extinction, SANParks has established a project in 2011 to propogate these trees. The Skukuza Indigenous Nursery is employing different methods to propogate this trees in order to reduce overexploitation of this tree in the park. With assistance from Agricultural Research Centre in Nelspruit, Kwazulu-Natal Wildlife and SANBI Lowveld Botanical Garden the cultivation process is gaining momentum and more plants are being produced.

The KNP is also working closely with traditional healers from communities adjacent to the park with the aim of stoping illegal harvesting of pepper bark trees. Communities are also supplied with plants so that they can
grow them and use them in a sustainable manner. Illegal harvesting in the KNP is a serious offence and perpetrators will be prosecuted.

Although, the stock is limited pepper bark trees can be purchased at Skukuza Nursery as it has a permit to sell threatened or protected species.

[Yoda]

Sounds like a good idea.

I remember seeing a program on tv some time ago. There is an inititiative to cultiuvate and distribute plants that are commonly used as mutti, rather than harvesting it from the veld.

[Ifubesi]

Thanks for the post Stephens. Great to hear Sanparks is taking care of all forms of biodiversity found in our parks. I really think that the creation of sustainable nurseries which cultivate and sell traditional medicinal plants can be one of the most effective ways to create a working partnership between our parks and neighbouring communities.

[okie]

Very interesting

Here is a link to an excellent website about South African plants and trees , with further links to SA Botanical institute ( SANBI ) : http://www.plantzafrica.com/plantwxyz/warburg.htm

[Kooscra]

Indeed a one stop chemist shop Is it well used by wildlife as well?

[okie]

From The Trees and Shrubs of Mpumalanga and the KNP:

"A pinch of powdered peppery bark is taken with a teaspoon of cold water or smoked with Cannabis sativa (dagga or lagtwak) to relieve coughs. Powdered bark and leaves used with fat and sometimes with Hibiscus surratensis to treat inflammation and sores on the penis. Preliminary screening of the inner bark has revelealed the presence of highly toxic substances; also widely used for a wide range of complaints from purgatives, malaria, venereal disease, to a tonic to make dogs more aggressive and alert. "

A tree with many uses.

The natural distribution in the KNP is very restricted, by the way: around Punda and Berg & Dal, that's it.

Johan

Hmmm... Like *** horn for the chinese

[johanrebel]

Is it well used by wildlife as well?

Schmidt is silent on the subject, Pooley states "browsed by black *** and antelope".

Black *** will chow anything, including Tamboti and Euphorbias, so they can no doubt stomach Pepper-bark as well.

Johan

[Imberbe]

The SANParks Honorary Rangers are involved in funding the pepper bark tree conservation effort via sponsors such as Lasher.

The tree has a strong pepper taste. Picking a leave and chewing on it causes a strong burning sensation in the mouth and afterwards your mouth feels numb for a long time ... I know!

The chances of spotting a tree in Kruger is not good as they are extremely scarce and localised. Know concentrations are not close enough to public roads to be seen.

There is an adult tree in the Skukuza nursery ... best option if you are interested in seeing the tree.

I know that buffalo have caused some damage to the trees and probably do utilise them.

[Stephens.L]

SAPPI has donated R100 000.00 to be used towards propogating Pepper Bark trees in the Kruger National Park. The money will be used to cultivate trees and supply them to the communities to prevent illegal harvesting of these trees. The communities members will be taught how to look after these trees for sustainable use.

In addition to the money, six (6) bicycles were donated to the KNP retired rangers who will patrol and look after Pepper Bark trees in the park.

Michele Hofmeyr from Skukuza Nursery received R100 000.00 cheque to propogate Pepper Bark trees

Tinyiko Chauke received a bicycle on behalf of the KNP retired rangers.

Pepper Bark tree is one of the endangered species in the park

[Rooies]

Very good initiative SANParks.

[Ouma Biskuit]

Good on Sanparks.