<em>Euphorbia pulvinata </em>Marloth: A useful succulent plant species in Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

The use of <em>Euphorbia pulvinata</em> by the Vhavenḓa tribe in Vhulaudzi and its adjacent villages has been part of their tradition, culture and enhancing their livelihood for centuries. The current study aimed at documenting ethnobotanical uses of <em>E. pulvinata </em>in Vhulaudzi and adjacent villages, Nzhelele, Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Data on ethnobotanical uses of the species was collected through interviews using semi-structured questionnaires. A total of 120 participants took part in the current study, including nine traditional healers, herbalists (21), avifaunal hunters (11), subsistence farmer (31) and laypersons (48). The fidelity level of the six <em>E. pulvinata </em>uses ranged from 5.8 to 35.8%. The recorded uses of <em>E. pulvinata </em>included the use of latex as glue (5.8%), insect-lime (17.5%) and birds-lime (35.8%), and other uses included ethnoveterinary medicine (25%), ornamental (9.2%), ritual and magical (6.7%). Plant parts used were latex (59%), followed by root (25%), whole plant (9%) as well as thorns and flowers (7%). Traditional uses and values of <em>E. pulvinata </em>are important in addressing livelihood and socio-economic challenges in the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve. These findings provide baseline data needed for the management and regional re-assessment of the conservation status of <em>E. pulvinata</em>.