Use and management of tamarind (Tamarindus indica L., Fabaceae) local morphotypes by communities in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

ABSTRACT

The population structure, phenotypic differences and ethnobotanical knowledge of tamarind (Tamarindus indica L., Fabaceae) were studied in Kunama- and Tigrigna-speaking communities in the Tigray Regional State of Ethiopia. A vegetation survey on 902 plots of 400 m² each was conducted along riparian forests and farmlands. Seed and pod morphology of sweet and sour morphotypes was compared based on 6 pods/tree from 20 trees. Thirty-two key informants and 256 randomly selected general informants were interviewed about the use and management of tamarind. Tree densities differed significantly among sociocultural groups and land use. Relatively more trees (6.0–17.5 individuals per hectare) were found in riparian forests as compared to farmland (4.0–7.8). Stem diameter class distribution has a bell-shape, indicating a regeneration problem. Morphological characteristics (pod length, pod width, pod weight, seed weight, pulp weight, and the number of seeds per pod) differed significantly between sour and sweet tamarind morphotypes (p < .05). Interviews identified seven use categories of tamarind, including human and veterinary medicines and five food types, with a greater number of uses mentioned within Kunama communities. Results can be used to support the sustainable use of tamarind in riparian forests and on farms, including conservation of varietal diversity based on the complementary knowledge of both communities.

KEYWORDS:

• Ethnobotany
• Kunama-speaking communities
• Tigrigna-speaking communities
• land use types
• phenotypic traits
• medicinal plants
• traditional food

Acknowledgements

The research team would like to acknowledge all of the farmers in the study area, including the general and key informants who generously shared their knowledge about tamarind. We thank Muluberhan Tesfay, Awot Birhane, Muez Tesfay, and Zewde Simegnew for their assistance conducting interviews. We acknowledge support from Mekelle University, BoARD of Kolla Tembien Woreda (District), and the other members of the Legume Diversity Project team. We are grateful to Ric Coe for assistance with the sampling design for the vegetation survey. This work was supported by the McKnight Foundation Collaborative Crop Research Program under Grant #15-258.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the McKnight Foundation [Collaborative Crop Research Program under Grant #1 to 15-258].