The impacts of harvesting circumcision amaryllids from the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

This quantitative study seeks to determine the impacts of harvesting three plant species traditionally used for wound healing during circumcision. Three localities where these plant species occur have been identified. The population size for each species was determined and an assessment of the extent of harvesting was determined through repeated assessment of marked plants. A significant harvest of these species resulted in the unsustainable use of our natural resources. Out of 25 Boophone disticha plants marked, only one plant was remaining after two circumcision seasons. The Brunsvigia grandiflora and Scadoxus multiflorus populations monitored disappeared completely, with no single marked plant found after two circumcision seasons. Growth rates of wild populations of Boophone disticha and cultivated Brunsvigia grandiflora and Scadoxus multiflorus plants were determined. The seedling bulbs of Brunsvigia grandiflora grew significantly more slowly at less than 0.6 cm per year, while Scadoxus multiflorus grew faster at over 1 cm per year. A model for population dynamics of the three plant species was designed which showed that the plants are being harvested before they even flower. It is therefore recommended in this study that a conservation plan for these plant species must be done to save the little that is left in the wild before they become critically endangered