Ecofloristic characterization of medicinal flora of Kisantu and Mbanza-Ngungu territories, in Kongo-Central Province, DR Congo

Abstract

We accessed the composition and dynamics of the vegetation in the Kisantu and Mbanza-Ngungu territories, as well as the distribution and availability of medicinal plants in their harvesting areas, using stigmatist and eco-floristic approaches. The flora was composed of 709 botanical species (113 families and 446 genera). The most abundant taxa were from Fabaceae family (14.8%), and used for medicinal purposes. Herbs (47.4%), pantropical (28.9%), phanerophytes (50.8%), species with sarcochorous diaspores (39.2%), with mesophilic leaves (49.08%) and species belonged to the Musango-Terminalietea (27.9%) group were the most dominant. The most abundant taxa were from dryland forests (45.4 ± 11.9.9) and anthropized formations (43.08 ± 11.4.4). Most species (62.04%) had a very restricted ecological niche, whereas 2.24%, had a very wide distribution. The highest similarity indices were observed, in descending order, between (1) dryland and swamp forests (KS: 70.7; JC: 26.1), (2) savannahs and dryland forests (KS: 55. 01; JC: 21.6), (3) anthropized formations and dryland forests (KS: 46.7; JC: 18.9), and (4) anthropized formations and savannahs (KS: 41.9; JC: 17.3). The Highest dissimilarity index was observed in anthropized formations (35%) and swamp forests (33%). Plant formations have a natural succession defined by vegetation dynamics from the pioneer stage to the climax stage. Field observations indicated that most habitats are degraded and that the availability of medicinal plants is decreasing. Adequate conservation measures, including in-situ and ex-situ methods are essential to promote and ensure the sustainable supply of medicinal plants to the communities that depend on these resources.