Distribution, Diversity and Conservation of the Genus Aloe in Kenya

Wabuyele, E.; Bjorå, Charlotte Sletten; Nordal, Inger; Newton, L. E.

doi:10.2982/0012-8317(2006)95[213:ddacot]2.0.co;2

Cited by 19 publications

(21 citation statements)

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“…Kenya is known for its high diversity of aloes [ 8 – 11 ]. Carter et al [ 8 ] reported 59 species in Kenya, and since then four more species have been described [ 12 , 13 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The uses of Kenyan aloes: an analysis of implications for names, distribution and conservation

Bjorå

Wabuyele

Grace

et al. 2015

J Ethnobiology Ethnomedicine

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BackgroundThe genus Aloe is renowned for its medicinal and cosmetic properties and long history of use. Sixty-three Aloe species occur in Kenya, of which around 50 % are endemic. Several species of aloes are threatened with extinction and knowledge about their use is of major importance for sound conservation strategies. The main aims of this study were to assess the biocultural value of Aloe in Kenya by documenting local uses of aloes and evaluating how the vernacular names reflect the relative importance in different ethnic groups.MethodsEthnobotanical and ethnotaxonomical data were collected using field observations and semi-structured interviews. Information was collected by interviewing 63 respondents from nine different ethnic groups, representing different ages, gender and occupations. Statistical analyses were performed using R version 3.1.2.ResultsA total of 19 species of Aloe were found in the study area, of which 16 were used. On the generic level Aloe was easily distinguished. At species level, the local and scientific delimitation were almost identical for frequently used taxa. Aloe secundiflora, with 57 unique use records was the most important species. The two most frequently mentioned Aloe treatments, were malaria and poultry diseases. In our study area neither age nor gender had a significant influence on the level of knowledge of Aloe use. Finally, no correlation was found between extent of use and people’s perception of decrease in local aloe populations. The aloes are highly appreciated and are therefore propagated and transported over large areas when people relocate.ConclusionBiocultural value is reflected in the ethnotaxonomy of Aloe in Kenya. Different ethnic groups recognise their most-valued Aloe at the genus level as “the aloe” and add explanatory names for the other species, such as the “spotted aloe” and the “one-legged aloe”. Widespread species of Aloe have the highest number of uses. There is no obvious correlation with high use and decrease in abundance of aloes locally, and we found no compelling evidence for local uses causing devastating damage to populations of the 19 species in use, whereas habitat loss and commercial harvesting appear to be of urgent concern for these important plants.

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“…Kenya is known for its high diversity of aloes [ 8 – 11 ]. Carter et al [ 8 ] reported 59 species in Kenya, and since then four more species have been described [ 12 , 13 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The uses of Kenyan aloes: an analysis of implications for names, distribution and conservation

Bjorå

Wabuyele

Grace

et al. 2015

J Ethnobiology Ethnomedicine

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“…However, Aloe species is reported to also thrive under closed-canopy forests at altitudes of 2700m absl [24]. The distribution of the three Aloe species studied seemed to follow a particular geographical range whereby A. turkanensis and A. scabrifolia were found distributed only to the North of the equator while Aloe secundiflora seemed to colonize both the North and South hemispheres [6,25] reported that the East Africa region alone had about 83 species of Aloe and approximately 60 species growing naturally in the dryland zones of Kenya. From this study, different Aloe species were found growing naturally in abundance in several Counties in Kenya including Baringo, Samburu, West Pokot, Turkana, Laikipia, Homabay, Migori, Kwale and Taita Taveta.…”

Section: Geographical Distribution Of a Secundiflora A Turkanensismentioning

confidence: 91%

“…The commercial exploitation of Aloe species in Kenya was first reported in the 1960s with only five species being exploited for bitter gum production i.e. A. secundiflora, A. turkanesis, A. rivae, A. calidophila and A. scabrifolia [6,7]. Climate change, unsustainable harvesting of plants and their products, introduction of exotic species and pollution has been the key to unprecedented change in biodiversity worldwide [8].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Genetic diversity and population structure of three commercial indigenous Aloe species in selected ASALs of Kenya

Adienge¹,

Muturi²,

Nadir³

et al. 2019

J Plant Sci Mol Breed

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Aloe species are common in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) of Kenya and are of economic importance especially for bitter gum production. However, the species is under ecological threat due to unsustainable harvesting from the wild. The objective of this study was to evaluate genetic diversity and population structure of three commercially exploited indigenous Aloe species; A. secundiflora, A. turkanensis and A. scabrifolia.The study was carried out in fifteen populations of Aloe species in their wild habitat where their geographic distribution was surveyed and populations delineated. Within each population, 30 trees were sampled at a distance of 100 m apart where leaf tissues were collected for DNA isolation and analysis using modified Cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) method. Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPDs) and Inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) markers were used to determine the genetic diversity and population structure. Ten RAPD and seven ISSR discriminative primers with the highest value of genetic diversity were selected to genotype three indigenous Aloe species. The genetic similarity was performed using Popgene 1.3.1; hierarchical UPGMA cluster analysis and principal coordinate analysis were performed using Genalex 6.5. To map genetic structure and gene pools, both Structure and Structure Harvester statistical packages were used. From the results, A. secundiflora species was the most distributed in the surveyed ASALs. There was high genetic variation among and within the populations. The combined use of ISSR and RAPD revealed high variations among the populations as compared to when either of them used singly. Genetic variation was highest within secundiflora species and least within turkanensis species. Maralal secundiflora population had the highest genetic variation. The study exhibited a population genetic structure with three major clusters which corresponded to the three Aloe species with minimal reproductive crossing among them. It is therefore, recommended to undertake biophysical studies to determine the advantages of A.secundiflora that has over the other species. In addition, Maralal sec population should be conserved ex-situ because of its high genetic diversity while both ISSR and RAPD markers should be prioritized in Aloe genetic studies as they reveal high variation.

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“…In the case of aloes, sustainable exploitation hinges largely on the actions of stakeholders in the horticultural and natural products industries, and the aloe trade in Kenya is a case in point (Grace, 2011). Following a presidential decree against the exploitation of wild Kenyan aloes in 1986, the Kenya Wildlife Service has maintained a ban on the commercial exploitation of wild Aloe species (Wabuyele and Kyalo, 2008;Wabuyele et al, 2006). Subsequently, the National Strategy for Conservation and Management of Commercial Aloe species was formulated and lunched in 2008 to promote in situ and ex situ aloe conservation through, amongst other things, sustainable harvesting controlled by Aloe Management Units and the establishment of ex situ collections in botanical gardens (Wabuyele and Kyalo, 2008).…”

Section: Sustainable Use Of Aloesmentioning

confidence: 98%