Survey of Floristic Diversity of Medicinal Plant (Trees) in Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State Nigeria

Abstract

This research was carried out to survey the floristic diversity of medicinal trees in federal university Gusau, Zamfara state, Nigeria. A structured Questionnaire was organized in English language and common and local names of each plant were written on it. The questionnaire was divided into two section, namely section A and B. In section A, the socio-demographic information of the respondents was recorded, and information on medicinal trees was recorded, in section B. Thirty (30) questionnaire was administered on each medicinal tree plant. The target groups for this study (Ethno botanical data) were herbalists, farmers, civil servant, old folk, motorbike rider, students and other people of old age who have practiced and used medicinal plants. The identification of the plants was achieved by the aid of herbarium specimen and literature on Nigerian medicinal plant. Thirty (30) medicinal trees were identified which belong to the seventeen (17) families. The plants identified are used in the treatment of several diseases which include dysentery, stomach ache, tooth ache, ringworm, constipation and eczema. The most common parts used are leaves (37%), stem bark (19%), seed (2%), root (11%), fruit (2%), flower (2%) and whole plant (2%). About 90% of the medicinal trees in this research are prepared through decoction. Further research is recommended on floristic diversity of medicinal grass, shrubs, herbs, vines and lianas found at Federal University Gusau.