ethnobotanical survey of the takamanda forest reserve - Impact ...

Produces Non timber forest products (NTFPs)
NTFPs are important sources of income in the project area. Sales from species like Irvingia
gabonensis are substantial. This species together with others like Afrostyrax kamerunense,
Ricinodendron heudolotii, Garcinia kola, Cola lepidota, Poga oleosa, Baillonella toxisperma etc
are left untouched during land preparation.
Religious/ Cultural reasons
One clear characteristic of the inhabitants of the project area is their strict adherence to their
culture. This is manifested in their way of life. In all the tribes some trees are permanently
protected because they are believed to be host to evil spirits (Distemonanthus benthamianus and
Santira trimera, Leea guineensis and Alstonia boonei in Becheve communities) or can lead to ill
luck if tampered with.
Timber species
Some species for their ability to produce valuable timber are protected during farming. This
includes Terminalia ivorensis, Lovoa trichlioides, Melicia excelsa and other species of
mahogany.
4.15 Uses of Wild Plants in Making Traditional Craft
Traditional craftsmanship such as mat making, thatch making, weaving of baskets and back
packs, design of beds, cupboards and local ceiling, fishing traps and drying trays constitutes an
important industry in the local economy. Indigenous knowledge in the design and preparation of
important household items was seen in all the sites visited.
Mat Making
This is a very common activity within the project area. Mostly the old perform it. There are soft
and hard mats.
The soft mats are made from the leaves of Pandanus cadelabrum while the hard mats are made
from the stems of Megaphrynium macrostachyum, Thaumathococcus daniellii, etc.
Mats are used in the drying of Agricultural products, and for sleeping. Table 13 show the
particulars of wild forest plants utilised in making various mats in the project area.
Table 13: Wild Plant Species Used for Mat Making
Family Genus Species Tribe Local Organ Use
Name
Marantaceae Megaphrynium macrostachyum Becheve Egongo Sts For making hard mats
Ovande Oukoh Lvs Weaving of soft sleeping mats
Pandanaceae Pandanus candelabrum Becheve Okwoh Lvs For making soft sleeping mats
Boki Kenkep Lvs Making of soft sleeping mats
Palmae Phoenix reclinata Becheve Azimbe Lvs For making sift sleeping mats
Marantaceae Thaumatococcus Daniellii
Boki Akpong Sts For making of hand sleeping
mats
Ovande Behkela sts Weaving of hard sleeping mats
Thatch Making
Thatches are generally called local zinc. They are an important component in traditional
construction. Most houses within the project area are made of thatch.
Thatches are made from the leaves and the petioles of Raphia hookeri and the stem of
Eremospatha wenlandiana. The mode of preparation varies within tribes.
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