Bioversity Fellow to unravel conservation status of critically endangered Pepper-bark tree

Warburgia salutaris, commonly known as the Pepper-bark tree is used in many Southern African countries as traditional medicine to treat many illnesses, from colds and bronchial infections to malaria and gastric ulcers. Yet high demand for its bark along with unsustainable harvesting methods, have placed the tree on the endangered list  [2] in southern Africa.

For the many people in Swaziland who rely on Warburgia salutaris for primary health care, its disappearance would have a devastating impact.  And its further potential for use in making medicinal drugs has yet to be fully explored.

Mr. Meshack Dludlu, winner of Bioversity International’s Abdou-Salam Ouédraogo 2011 Fellowship  [3] for research on conservation and use of forest genetic resources, will document the distribution and conservation status of the tree in Swaziland to develop knowledge about the conservation status of the species, and ultimately contribute to the sustainable management of this valuable tree.

The research will be conducted at the University of Swaziland’s Institute for Research in Traditional Medicine, Medicinal and Indigenous Food Plants  [4]. Dludlu's work will include surveying traditional healers and herb sellers, as well as collecting, identifying and depositing representative samples in the Swaziland National Herbarium.