Ethnological studies on melliferous plants of the Soudano-Sahelian Zone of Chad

Abstract

The melliferous plants of Chad are less known despite their diversity. The main objective of the study is to contribute to a better understanding of these plants and their use by the local population. An ethnobotanical study of melliferous plants was carried out in the region of Guera (Chad). Melliferous plants were classified following their traditional medicinal uses. These plants have many local uses: as fuelwood, medicinal and timber. 51 medicinal melliferous plants identified were distributed into 16 families among which trees were abundantly used. The most represented family was Mimosaceae. 17 melliferous plants were used in pharmacopeia. The monospecific preparation was frequently used. The leaves and bark were commonly used. 20 diseases listed were treated with beeplants. The most common diseases were the respiratory and digestive tract. Fifteen beeplants, spontaneous and cultivated species were used in the human and/or animal consumption, seven were used as timber and fuelwood.