Census of NTFPs species of medicinal value

The data in this resource has been published as a Darwin Core Archive (DwC-A), which is a standardized format for sharing biodiversity data as a set of one or more data tables. The core data table contains checklist records. The date on medicinal plants is published by Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE), Department of Natural Resources, which is the national node for GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility) in Zimbabwe. The national Herbarium and Botanic garden is in charge of the maintenance and the updating plant biodiversity data, together with BUSE. The data that is documented in this resource are wild plants that are important for provision of medicine to rural communities in and around biodiversity hotspot areas in Zimbabwe. The biodiversity hotspots included in this resource are scattered around the country especially in areas that are protected, including national parks and a gazetted forest. Specific study areas were Chimanimani, Chipinge and Nyanga in the Eastern Highlands, Mutorashanga in the Great Dyke and Hwange in the west. The resource is a checklist of medicinal plants, including trees, shrubs, herbs and grasses. Medicinal plants are used to treat ailments such diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, malaria and sexually transmitted diseases. This is particularly important given that modern medicine is highly expensive and is beyond the reach of more than 50% of the rural population.