Ethnobotanical Study of Traditional Medicinal Plants in DigelunaTijo District, Arsi Zone Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract

Ethiopia has rich flora with different plant species having use in health care system based on local indigenous knowledge. However, documented ethnobotanical information was lacking in DigelunaTijo district. Hence, the aim of this study was to identify and document the use and conservation status of medicinal plants in Digeluna Tijo district. Ethnobotanical information on plants of local medicine was gathered through group discussion, semi structure interviews involving 129 informants, guided filed walk and market survey. Random and systematic sampling methods were employed to select the study site as well as the informants. 50 medicinal plants recognized for the treatment of various disease were collected and recorded. The plants were described with their scientific names. Most of the species were collected from wild (48%) followed by cultivated land (38%) and home garden (14%). Among the 50 species shrubs were the most widely used plants accounting for 20 (40%) of the total followed by herbs17 (34%) and trees11 (22%), climbers 1(2%) and grass 1(2%). The most frequently used plant part was leaves 19(38%) followed by roots10 (20%),seed 5(10%),fruit 4(8%),bark 1(2%),steam 1(2%),flower1(2%),bulb 1(2%),the combination of them 8(16%). Regarding the method of preparation drinking14 (28%), creaming12 (24%), chewed 6 (12%), inhale5 (10%), put 2 (4%), swallowed 2 (4%), others 9(18%).The paired comparison and preference ranking result indicate that Aloe pirotta and Ocimum lamiifolium ranked first and Aloe pirottae subspecies cuspidate got the first rank multi-purpose usage, threats on medicinal plant species include deforestation, agricultural expansion, and drought and fuel wood collection. People that live in DigelunaTijo district are still partially dependent on medicinal plants and thus promoting appropriate conservation strategies and sustainable utilization of plant resources are required. Then the rich environment by this natural gift has to be kept with the help of environmental and agricultural trained persons also the society must training on how to keep their environment save with the help of the district agricultural offices.