Ethnobotanical and economic value of Ravenala madagascariensis Sonn. in Eastern Madagascar.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Known worldwide as the "traveler's tree", the Malagasy endemic species Ravenala madagascariensis Sonn. (Strelitziaceae) is considered as an iconic symbol of Madagascar. It is a widespread species in the eastern part of the country with four different varieties which are well represented in Ambalabe community. All of them are used for different purposes and the species represents an important cultural value in the lives of the local population. However, uses of Ravenala are only generally well known by local population. Thus, in this study, we report on the different uses of Ravenala and its importance to the Ambalabe local people.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews among 116 people, 59 men and 57 women with ages ranging from 17 to 84 years old, free listing and ma

SUBMITTER: Rakotoarivelo N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4106185 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature