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Sustainable utilization of woodrose-producing mistletoes (Loranthaceae) in South Africa

Nutzanwending von holzrosen-produzierenden Misteln (Loranthaceae) in SüD-Afrika

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Abstract

Pedistylis galpinii and Erianthemum dregei produce woodrose outgrowths at attachment points with host trees. In some rural areas of southern Africa, woodroses are sold as curios. The socio-economics related to woodrose harvesters were investigated via interview schedules and field survey. Harvesting is not detrimental to hosts as only branches infected with mistletoes are cut. Over half the harvesters interviewed reported harvesting both live and dead mistletoes while 20% used only dead ones. The density of dead mistletoes could satisfy present demand. Such sustainable harvesting practices (only using dead woodroses) allow for woodrose harvesting according to calculated quotas. The median gross income per month generated from woodroses was estimated to be between US $38 and 90. Eleven percent of harvesters relied on woodroses as their only source of income. Marketing was relatively haphazard, involving informal selling at roadsides and unscheduled visits to retailers. The market for woodroses can be expanded and the potential exists to increase supply considerably on a sustainable basis.

Résumé

Pedistylis galpinii und Erianthemum dregei bilden an ihrer Verbindungsstelle mit dem Wirtsbaum eine Holzrose als Auswudis. In manchen Gegenden werden die Holzrosen als kunstwerke verkauft und stellen für die ländliche Bevölkerung im südlichen Afrika eine Einkommensquelle dar. Die Sozio-ökonomischen Aspekte der Holzrosen sammler wurden an hand von Fragebögen bearbeitet und auf Studienreisen erforsdit. Die Erntemethoden der Holzrosen sind lebenserhaltend. Die Mistel-Wirtszweige werden vom wirtsbaum abgeschnitten und somit bleibt der wirtsbaum erhalten. Mehr als die Hälfte der befragten Sammler gaben an lebende sowohl auch tote Misteln zu ernten; während 20% der Sammler nur tote Misteln auswählten. Das durch die Holzrosen erwirtschaftete monatliche Einkommen wird auf zwischen US $38 und US $90 geschätzt. Für 11% der befragten Sammler sind Holzrosen die einzigste Einnahmequelle. Die Vermarktang der Holzrosen findet inoffiziell am Strassenrand statt oder wird bei gelegentlichem besuch der sammler an Eizelhändler von kunswerken verkauft. Der Markt für Holzrosen kann erweitert werden und es besteht die Möglidikeit die stetige verschaffung der Holzrosen der marktnachfrage anzupassen.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Botany Department, University of the Witwatersrand, P O Wits, 2050, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

    C. M. Dzerefos & E. T. F. Witkowski

  2. Wits Rural Facility, P.Bag X420, 1360, Acoenhoek, South Africa

    C. M. Shackleton

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  1. C. M. Dzerefos
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  2. C. M. Shackleton
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  3. E. T. F. Witkowski
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Dzerefos, C.M., Shackleton, C.M. & Witkowski, E.T.F. Sustainable utilization of woodrose-producing mistletoes (Loranthaceae) in South Africa. Econ Bot 53, 439–447 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02866724

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