It is imperative to promote a variety of flagship indigenous plant species. Some indigenous trees are true carriers of biodiversity, which is itself indicative of human presence, customary power, traditions and knowledge, and a mark of the colonial heritage. But many species exist only as relics, threatened with extinction in the vicinity of protected areas.
Kivu Ethnobotanical GardenFondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Erythrina abyssinica
Erythrina abyssinica (Cigohwa or Kikowa in Mashi and Rega) is a species known by almost all ethnic groups in Kivu as an indicator of human presence. Among the Rega and Pygmies (Twa), this species is a royal symbol and is planted on the tombs of customary chiefs.
royal slippers to rest the queen's feetFondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Royal sandals with Erythrina
These sandals are carved from Cigohwa (Erythrina abyssinica). They are very light to wear and resistant against the action of insects. They are at the same time a symbol of power in the colonial era because only the queen wore them during ceremonies.
Kivu Ethnobotanical GardenFondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Ficus vallis-choudae
The Ficus vallis-choudae (Mulehe in Mashi), for its part, constitutes a home par excellence for bats and is a source of food for animals with its numerous figs (fruits) and edible leaves. It is a host species of biodiversity in Kivu.
Kivu Ethnobotanical GardenFondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Araucaria bidwillii
Although this species is of exotic origin, it is reminiscent of the history of colonization. At the same time, the species has adapted well to the ecology of the mountains. It produces fruits that are edible by primates and humans. Its wood is sought after in industry.
Kivu Ethnobotanical GardenFondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Markhamia lutea
The Markhamia lutea (Ngamia in Swahili), produces a very strong and beautiful wood for the manufacture of works of art such as vases, traditional plates very durable. This tree has the advantage of regenerating easily by its numerous seeds in ex situ conditions.
Kivu Ethnobotanical GardenFondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Ficus glumosa
The Ficus glumosa (Mutudu in Mashi and Havu) with different varieties is more than an icon and cultural symbol in the traditions of different ethnic groups in Kivu. All customary chiefs or Mwami of the Kamirogosa dynasty in Kalehe territory are buried in the ficus.
Tephrosia vogelii medicine and biopesticide among the Shi, Rega and Batwa (2021) by ako ntiboneraOriginal Source: Fondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Tephrosia vogelii
Tephrosia vogelii (Mulukuluku in Mashi) is a plant used as a medicine, biopesticide and for traditional fishing. Like all other legumes, the plant is also used as a natural fertilizer.
Kivu Ethnobotanical GardenFondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Myrianthus holstii
In Mountainous Kivu, the survival of endemic species such as the Gorilla is intimately associated with rare plants, such as the Myrianthus holstii known as the Gorilla Pineapple (Bwamba in Mashi and Rega). Eliminating such a species could affect the life of the gorillas in the forest.
Kivu Ethnobotanical GardenFondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Alangium chinense
Food for the fauna endemic to Mountainous Kivu, this tree has multiple uses as in traditional crafts. The wood is used to make the spatulas used in traditional cooking. In addition, its bark is used in traditional medicine.
Kivu Ethnobotanical Garden - Tree Landscapes and RitesFondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Alangium chinense
The bark of the trunk is widely exploited by indigenous people in traditional medicine. Because of its beauty, the wood is used to carve spatulas for traditional cooking.
ornamental plant at crsn lwiroFondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Dracaena steudneri
Along with other indicator species described above, Dracaena steudneri (Mukonzikonzi in Mashi, ) is still preserved for its widespread use in fishing on Lake Kivu. Its leaves serve as net floats during fishing.
Fishing on Lake Kivu: canoes based on Musanga leo – errerae (2021) by ako ntiboneraOriginal Source: Fondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Musanga leo-errerae
Like other biodiversity indicator species, this tree is widely used in the craft industry to make dugout canoes and fishing tools. Its fruits are edible by some primates in the mountain forest.
Kivu Ethnobotanical Garden - Tree Landscapes and RitesFondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Cikobarhi
Some plant species are real natural habitats for others, for example the tree called Cikobarhi on which edible mushrooms grow. The tree provides solid wood for furniture. This example fell before it was described.
the tree and the forestFondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Prunus africana
Like Myrianthus Holstii, some indigenous plants are real pharmaceutical factories still less explored, such as Prunus africana, Cinchona sp.etc. As a sustainable solution, these species offer many opportunities to local populations.
Rural women and livelihoods in the Kivu (2016) by Marie CakupewaOriginal Source: Fondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
native plants to conserve at all costs
In short, various native tree species contribute to the ecological balance in the traditional landscape by fighting erosion, stimulating rapid ecological restoration and the means of survival of the populations. To conserve them is to preserve local knowledge.
Marie Chakupewa Fundiko, Akonkwa Ntibonera, Pasteur Mirindi, Anicet Bahidika
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