Ethnobotanical studies of west african okra [<i>Abelmoschus caillei (a. Chev) stevels</i>] from some tribes of south western Nigeria

Abstract

West African Okra [Abelmoschus caillei (A. Chev) Stevels] is a multipurpose annual, biennal herb sometime perennial woody crop plant common in the humid West African subcontinent. It is produced in traditional agriculture especially when other vegetables are not in season and an important cash crop in the local economy. This study is aimed at generating information and documenting the ethnobotany of A. caillei via the indigenous knowledge among tribes of Delta, Edo and Ondo States of Nigeria). Primary information was collected from randomly selected respondents through survey using structured questionnaires and guided walks within 54 sites. A total of 540 persons were surveyed aged between 18-87 years old. Of this number, 259 (48%) were males and 281 (52%) females. Nine ethnic tribes were recorded in the 3 States. The tribes varied in their socio-cultural and economic characteristics and local knowledge about the crop. One-two local names of the crop was recorded with one related "type". Traditional uses of the crop include food (100%) and nonfood purposes. The information from non-food uses include medicine (27%), myth/religion (32%), soil fertility indicate (19%), rainy season indicator (8%), dry season/harvest time indicator (100%), fuel (15%) and sponge (11%). These sets of information indicate that the crop plant is of prime importance in the area.

Medicinal Plants Used by Raji Ethnic Tribe of Nepal in Treatment of Gastrointestinal Disorders

“…Number of studies such as Enayet Hossain, 2007;Giday et al, 2009;Osawaru and Dania-Ogbe, 2010;Rout et al, 2010;Namsa et al, 2011 have documented valuable information on traditional use of medicinal plants. Also some studies (Moreno-Salazar et al, 2008;Dey and De, Our Nature 2013, 11(2): 177-186 2012; Kadir et al, 2013) have been carried out particularly for gastrointestinal disorders.…”

Morphological Assessment of the Genetic Variability among 53 Accessions of West African okra [<i>Abelmoschus caillei</i> (A. Chev.) Stevels] from South Western Nigeria

“…A. caillei is especially liked for its ability to "draw" well and to retain its mucilaginous characteristics. However, lemon may be added to soup to reduce glutinous texture and make it more solid (Osawaru and Dania-Ogbe, 2010). It also contributes to protein, mineral, vitamins and source of roughages in human diet.…”

“…Osawaru and Dania-Ogbe (2010) reported the use of the mucilage in traditional midwifery in Southern Edo State of Nigeria. Other traditional uses of the whole and part of the plants can be found in Osawaru and Dania-Ogbe (2010).…”

“…The stem is fairly large with bark and fibres which are suitable for spinning into rope and for paper and card board manufacturing (Chevalier, 1940, Charrier 1984. Locally, the fibres are also used to make fishing lines, game traps and sponges (Osawaru and Dania-Ogbe, 2010). West African okra is used as a source of gum.…”

Genotypic Variation among Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) Germplasms in South India

“…The stem is almost large with bark and fibers which are suitable for spinning into rope and for paper and card board manufacturing (Chevalier 1940;Charrier 1984). The fibers are used to make fishing lines, game traps and sponges (Osawaru and Dania-Ogbe 2010). Okra is widely distributed and cultivated in tropics and subtropics of the world.…”