ISHS Acta Horticulturae 572: XX International Eucarpia Symposium, Section Ornamentals, Strategies for New Ornamentals - Part II
THE GENUS SANSEVIERIA (FAMILY DRACAENACEAE) IN ZIMBABWE |
| Authors: | R. Takawira, I. Nordal |
| Keywords: | foliage ornamental, fibre, medicine, morphological variation, phenology, isoenzyme analysis |
| Abstract:
A study of the genus Sansevieria based on gross morphological variation and enzyme electrophoresis was carried out to delimit the Sansevieria taxa that occur in Zimbabwe and to elucidate evolutionary relationships that exist in the genus. The study was based on living specimens from the wild and those in cultivation at the National Botanic Garden (Harare). Eight species S. aethiopica, S. hallii, S. hyacinthoides, S. kirkii, S. pearsonii, S. singularis, S. stuckyi including one new species Sansevieria sp. A were delimited. Isoenzyme data showed that in spite of the great variation observed in the genus, a close relationship existed between the Sansevieria species, suggesting high reticulate crossings among the ancestral groups. The study highlighted the importance of rescuing members of the genus growing in the wild from over exploitation by local communities, that has resulted in certain species like S. stuckyi and Sansevieria sp. A becoming locally extinct. By highlighting the diversity in species and habitat preferences in the wild, this study contributes to the field of horticulture an avenue through which wild Sansevieria species can be introduced into cultivation as ornamentals, thereby ensuring their sustenance. | |
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