Eco-taxonomic Survey of the Flowering Plants in Shendi Locality, with special reference to traditional medical uses

Abstract

ABSTRACT The aim of the present study is to document the natural vegetation status and floristic composition in Shendi Locality and to provide a recent species list. The work-plan was designed to cover taxonomic qualitative assessment in the different vegetation units from the River Nile bank to the high terrace. A questionnaire was designed to assess the traditional use of medicinal plants by the locals. Three species commonly used by the locals as medicinal plants were selected for phytochemical analysis. The results of flora survey identified 86 species belonging to 26 families. The floral assessment includes: updated scientific names, synonym, vernacular names and a brief description of the collected taxa. Reference is given to the local traditional uses of each species. Photographs are given to illustrate important morphological features of the plant. The distribution of the collected taxa varies within the different vegetation units. Karru soil is highly populated including 48 plant species followed by the Nile Bank 43 species. The High terrace contains 30 species and the aquatic flora of the area includes only 4 species. Most of the collected plants are annual herbs representing 47.7%; perennial herbs constituted 29%, while trees and shrubs represent 9.3% and 14% of the taxa respectively. The questionnaire revealed that the percentage of people that use plants in medical remedies increase with the increase of their age. People above 55 years have high tenancy to cure locally by plants (26.7%). The major used plants include Hargel (Solenostemma argel (Del.) Hayne), Gared (Acacia nilotica L.), Helba (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.), Mahareb (Cymbopogon

schoenanthus L.), Tundub (Capparis decidua (Forssk.) Edgew) and Gum Arabic (Acacia senegal (L.) Willd). Qualitative screening reveals the presence of important secondary metabolites and antioxidant activity in the selected three medicinal plants namely: Demsisa (Artemisia absinthium L.), Abu shoka (Fagonia indica L.) and Derrisa (Tribulus terrestris L.). The study suggested recommendations that might advance eco-taxonomic and ethnobotanical knowledge that might promote improvement of the management of the natural vegetation in Shendi Locality.