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Traditional Medicinal Uses and Natural Hosts of the Genus Ganoderma in North-Eastern Parts of Namibia

Journal article published in 2012 by Lempie K. Ekandjo, Percy M. Chimwamurombe ORCID
This paper is available in a repository.
This paper is available in a repository.

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Abstract

Ganoderma is a large complex genus name of polypore fungi, characterized by the presence of pores instead of gills underneath fruiting caps. This genus has very complex taxonomy occasionally resulted in multiple names for some species within this genus. The presence of Ganoderma species on hosts is noticed by the appearance of their cap shaped, hard, crusty and shiny varnished appearance of the outer surface of their fruiting bodies. Ganoderma species are one of the most commonly used ingredient in Asia's traditional medicine. They are also referred to as a health tonic since they are known to heal a wide range of diseases. The objective of this study was to determine the medicinal uses of Ganoderma by local people and also to determine the natural hosts of Ganoderma in the north-eastern parts of Namibia. The host identification was done to as species level in the field during sample collection. Open-ended questionnaires were used to gather traditional medicinal uses data. Of all the respondents, 64% did not know any use of Ganoderma. Ganoderma species are used for three medicinal purposes by local people in the north-eastern parts of Namibia. These are to halt nose bleeding, boost immunity and strengthen infant bones. Ganoderma extract can be taken in form of tea, smoke inhalation or ash. Thirteen natural hosts of Ganoderma were identified in the north-eastern parts of Namibia. The most common tree host was Colophospermum mopane (18%) and the least common were Ochna pulchra and Grewia bicolour (1%) Lastly Ganoderma is also found on soil with high woody debris contents or emerging from a plant root underneath the surface.