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

Cyrtorchis arcuata Summerh
This species, because it is not very demanding, does well under cultivation. The long sprays of
hite fragrant flowers are quite attractive. The flowers are symmetrical; the lip is very similar to
the other perianth-segments. The bract is quite large, brown and triangular in shape. The stem is
elongate, up to 50 cm but generally much shorter. Many thick aerial roots are observed. The
white flowers turn orange and heavily scent at night.
Eulichone rothschildiana (O’Brien) Schtr.
This is a very beautiful, large flowered but rare epiphyte that grows in the lower storey of the
tropical rain forest. It is not difficult to cultivate, provided the conditions are shady and humid.
The delicate flowers are fragrant, especially in the daytime. The stem is short, about 7 cm long.
There are 2 to 3 inflorescence bearing 2 to 6 flowers each.
Ancistrochilus thomsonianus
This is an epiphyte of the basal or central parts of large branches Johansson (1974). The stem is
short and woody. The pseudobulbs are crowded and conical. The leaves are lanceolate, thin,
ribbed and dark green. The inflorescence is long, it bears large pink flowers.
4.19 Rattans (Palmae)
Rattans are climbing palms exploited for their flexible stems that occur in a wide range of forest
types (Sunderland, 1998). These stems are used either split or whole to manufacture a wide range
of household products, from bridges to baskets, from fish traps to furniture.
Although a number of different species may occur in the Takamanda Forest Reserve, only three,
Eremospatha wenlandiana, Calamus deeratus and Laccosperma secundiflorum are of economic
importance to people of this locality. The cane is bundled and then head-portered out of the forest
and used at the village-site. Local based artisans undertake the majority of harvesting for
commercial purposes.
5. RECOMENDATIONS
The ethnobotanical has provided detailed information on the types of species used for various
purposes within the project area. In other to ensure sustainability of these resources, the need to
study the methods by which these products are harvested is indispensable. This will enable the
identification of unsustainable harvesting methods as well as the silvical requirements of
important species.
Also, since most indigents rely on traditional medicine for various cures, sensitisation programs
should include dosage determination and information on negative side effects of some medicinal
plants. Also, the domestication of important medicinal plants could be encouraged. This will
reduce the reliance on the forest.
The dissemination of research findings may have far reaching results. Information on medicinal
plants, wild vegetables and mushrooms should be exchanged among tribes. This will lead to
increased knowledge as well as ensure maximum use of plant resources. Formation of an
Association of Traditional Healers will enhance co-ordination in this sector.
A detailed study of the Orchids of the Takamanda Forest Reserve could enable the preparation of
a comprehensive checklist as well those with a high potential to be use as ornamentals.
An investigation of edible mushrooms may be worth while. This will reveal their cultivation
requirements; a prerequisite for their domestication.
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