Mohamed bin Zayed Species project number 242533463

The distribution and conservation of African ginger (Siphonochilus aethiopicus) in Eswatini- an endangered medicinal plant

 Siphonochilus aesthiopicus is listed as Endangered (EN A1d) in Eswatini with little information on habitat and and population distribution for the few that remain. The plant has high medicinal value and has been heavily harvested from its natural habitat, putting it at risk of extinction. Traditional health practitioners and muti traders harvest the plant destructively by digging out the rhizomes and fresh roots for traditional medicine and sale to local and export muti markets, without a sustainability plan, which expose the plant to almost total extinction.  

Hence, the project aims to: 

1. Map the distribution and diversity of African Ginger in Eswatini and identify critical locations that are environmentally threatened.

2. Develop sustainable conservation mitigation strategies through propagation techniques.

3. Engage and train local communities including traditional practitioners on sustainable conservation strategies to protect the African ginger.

4. Develop technical manuals for both seedlings and conventional production.

The outcomes of the project will generate  information on the population and distribution African ginger in Eswatini, and identify areas that are critically exploited . Propagation protocols that will support its sustainable use will be developed. The project  will also raise awareness to local communities and authorities on the importance of protecting the species.