ETHNOBOTANICAL STUDY OF MEDICINAL PLANTS USED BY THE PEOPLE OF TARMABER DISTRICT, NORTH SHEWA ZONE, AMHARA REGION, ETHOPIA

Abstract

Ethiopia has rich flora with different plant species having use in health care system based on local indigenous knowledge. In this study, plants of traditional medicinal use and their associated indigenous knowledge in Tarmaber district were investigated. A total of 100 informants (age≥20) were selected to collect information on medicinal plant use from four sampled kebeles. Of these, 30 key informants were selected purposively based on recommendation by local elders and authorities. Ethnobotanical data were gathered using semi-structured interviews, field observations and group discussions with local traditional medicine practitioners. Informant consensus factor, fidelity level and preference ranking were computed to analyze ethnobotanical data. Ethnomedicinal use of 97 plant species distributed in 91 genera and 51 families was documented. Highest numbers of species (9) were under family Asteraceae followed by Solanaceae (8) and Lamiaceae (7). Habit wise, 46.39%), were herbs followed by shrubs (35.05%) tree species (11.34%) and climbers (7.21%). Plants were used mostly in fresh for remedy preparation. Route of administration was mainly oral followed by dermal. Snake bite and poison, Dental, Rabies and Sensorial problems had the highest ICF value > 0.90. Agricultural expansion, firewood collection, and use of plants for construction were reported as major threats to plants of the study area. In order to protect biodiversity erosion and loss of indigenous knowledge, local communities must be taught and involved in conservation and management of plant resources and their indigenous knowledge.