5. Protected Plant Species in South Africa, by Aukram Burton
 
Several plant species, for example [Gasteria Croucheri], wild ginger [Siphonochilus aethiopicus] and the pepper-bark tree [Warburgia salutaris], have become extinct outside of protected areas in KwaZulu Natal. Laws have been passed to protect the over-harvesting of medicinal plants so that they continue to be available as natural resources in the future. The law governing the medicinal plant trade in KwaZulu-Natal is contained in Chapter 8 of the KwaZulu-Natal Nature Conservation Act [1997]. Other legislation aimed at protecting plants includes: National Forest Act; National Biodiversity Bill; CITES (Convention on International trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). These laws identify a number of species that are under threat and are thus specially protected.
 
The following medicinal plants are among the list of the protected plants in South Africa:
 
 
Haworthia limifolia (Asphodelaceae)
 
Photo by Aukram Burton
 
Uses:
 
  1. ✦Used for the same purposes as Aloe aristata
  2. ✦Promote security and reduces fear associated with leaving home
  3. ✦Treat stomach complaints
  4. ✦Protective charm  against lightning
 
Status: Protected
 
 
 
Alepidea amatymbica (Apiaceae)
 
Photo by Aukram Burton
 
Uses:
 
  1. ✦Smoked, or powered and taken as a snuff by diviners and healers to assist in divination and communications with the ancestors
  2. ✦Smoked for headaches
  3. ✦Can be used as a mild sedative and to produce vivid dreams
  4. ✦Carried as a lucky charm
  5. ✦Commonly used for colds. flu, asthma and chest complaints
 
Status: Not Protected
 
 
 
Scilla natalensis (Hyacinthaceae)
 
Photo by Aukram Burton
 
Uses:
 
  1. ✦Treat female infertility and enhance male potency and libido
  2. ✦Treat boils, sores, wounds and sprains
  3. ✦Emetic for cleaning out and rejuvenation the body
 
Status: Protected
 
 
 
 
Aloe aristata (Asphodelaceae)
 
Photo by Aukram Burton
 
Uses:
 
  1. ✦Used for the same purposese as Haworthia limifolia
  2. ✦Promote security and reduces fear associated with leaving your house
  3. ✦Treat stomach complaints
  4. ✦Protective charm against lightning
 
Status: Protected
 
 
 
Eucomis autumnalis (Hyacinthaceae)
 
Photo by Aukram Burton
 
Uses:
 
  1. ✦Enemas for backache
  2. ✦Assist in post-operative recovery
  3. ✦Assist in healing fractures
  4. ✦Emetics to treat hangovers, urinary complaints, stomach aches, colic, flatulence and syphilis
  5. ✦Facilitate childbirth
 
Status: Protected
 
 
Gasteria Croucheri (Asphodelaceae)
 
Photo by Aukram Burton
 
Uses:
 
  1. ✦Used to treat rheumatoid pains
  2. ✦Placed in the household to prevent fighting
  3. ✦Used in the treatment of paralysis
 
Status: Protected