Knowledge Gaps in Taxonomy, Ecology, Population Distribution Drivers and Genetic Diversity of African Sandalwood (Osyris lanceolata Hochst. & Steud.): A Scoping Review for Conservation

Abstract

The increasing demand for ornamental, cosmetic and pharmaceutical products is driving exploitation of plant species globally. Sub-Saharan Africa harbours unique and valuable plant resources and is now a target of plant resource depletion. African Sandalwood (Osyris lanceolata), a multi-purpose and drought-tolerant species, has seen increased exploitation for the last thirty years and is now declared endangered. Initiatives to conserve O. lanceolata are not yet successful in Africa due to poor understanding of the species. This review surveys relevant research on the ecology, taxonomy, population dynamics, genetic diversity and ethnobotany of O. lanceolata, and highlights gaps in the literature for further research. A scoping review of grey literature, scholarly papers and reports was applied with pre-determined criteria to screen relevant information. Review findings indicate O. lanceolata is a globally distributed species with no identified center of origin. In Africa, it ranges from Algeria to Ethiopia and south to South Africa; in Europe it occurs in the Iberian Peninsula and Balearic Islands; in Asia from India to China, and also on Socotra. The species has a confusing taxonomy, with unresolved issues in nomenclature, country range distribution, extensive synonymisation and variation in growth form (shrub or tree). The species population is reported to be declining in Africa, but information on population dynamics across its entire range of distribution is anecdotal. Additionally, ecological factors influencing spatial distribution and survival of the species remain unknown. A variety of uses are reported for O. lanceolata globally, including: cultural; medicinal and food; dye; perfumery; timber; ethnoveterinary and phytoremediation. Key research areas and implications for conservation of O. lanceolata in Sub-Saharan Africa are proposed.

Essential Oils of Aromatic Plant Species from the Atlantic Rainforest Exhibit Extensive Chemical Diversity and Antimicrobial Activity

“…The extensive intra-specific chemical diversity of aromatic and medicinal plant species is challenging for several steps required for their widespread use, including yield, cultivation, and extraction conditions [ 38 ]. Similarly, the chemical variation within a given species reinforces the need for genetic and chemical profiling of the individuals of interest [ 39 , 40 ].…”

Safeguarding sandalwood: A review of current and emerging tools to support sustainable and legal forestry

“…In an effort to conserve sandalwood species in Australia and internationally, there have been changes to the regulation of sandalwood harvest and trade (Lingard & Perry, 2018). Osyris lanceolata (African Sandalwood) is listed as a protected species under CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) Appendix 2, but populations have continued to decline to the point of local extinction in some countries, despite this protection (Mugula et al, 2021). Laws prohibiting the import and trade of illegal timber products have been introduced in Australia (Illegal Logging Prohibition Act), the European Union (European Union Timber Regulation) and the United States (2008 Amendment to the Lacey Act) (Gascoigne, 2021).…”

“…Most species commonly called sandalwood belong to the genus Santalum and have a natural geographic range between 30°N and 40°S, occurring throughout India, Australia, South East Asia, Hawaii and the Pacific Islands (Subasinghe, 2013) (Table 1). African sandalwood, genus Osyris , is also heavily extracted for commercial purposes (Bunei, 2017; Mugula et al, 2021).…”

“…harvest and trade(Lingard & Perry, 2018). Osyris lanceolata (African Sandalwood) is listed as a protected species under CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) Appendix 2, but populations have continued to decline to the point of local extinction in some countries, despite this protection(Mugula et al, 2021). Laws prohibiting the import and trade of illegaltimber products have been introduced in Australia (Illegal Logging Prohibition Act), the European Union (European Union Timber Regulation) and the United States (2008 Amendment to the Lacey Act) F I G U R E 1 Estimated annual sandalwood production and consumption in 2040, by region; (a) map indicating anticipated future annual production and consumption of sandalwood by region; graphs indicating quantity of air-dried tonnes of heartwood (ADTH) of sandalwood produced and consumed annually, by region.…”

Rooting African Sandalwood stem cuttings using low-cost technology employed in the commercial propagation of Camellia sinensis in Kenya

“…DC.) is a multipurpose, drought-tolerant (Mugula et al, 2021) and hemi-parasitic tree (CITES, 2013). It belongs to the semi-parasitic plant family Santalaceae (Polhill, 2005).…”