Traditional knowledge ofDypsis Fibrosa (Arecaceae) in Eastern Madagascar

Abstract

Dypsis fibrosa is widespread in eastern Madagascar and local people regard it as one of the most important palms due to its use as thatch. In an interview survey 12 different uses of this palm were reported. Most informants knew only one or two uses, but variance was large. How many uses people know and what they use different palm parts for is correlated to socioeconomic factors such as personal wealth and home village. Comparison of data obtained from interviews and observations showed that there is not always a strict correlation between ethnobotanical data elicited in surveys, actual extent of use, and importance accorded to different plant resources. Informants were generally aware of an human-caused decline inD. fibrosa abundance, but viewed it as inevitable and suggested to replaceD. fibrosa products by other materials. Although local people viewD. fibrosa as very important, motivation for its conservation and sustainable use seems to be low.