2019, Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part C

author(s)
Zeleke Assefa Getaneh

abstract
An Ethnobotanical study of traditional medicinal plant species was carried out in Gamo zone, Arba Minch Zuriya Wereda, SNNPR between June 2016 to October, 2016. The aim of the study was to identify and document traditional medical plants and practices of using them to treat various ailments. Ethnobotanical data were collected using, semi-structured interview, group discussion, field observation and market survey. The data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics, preference ranking and paired comparison and direct matrix ranking method. A total of 52 medicinal plant species (43 genera, 35 families) were documented in the study area. Most (53%) were collected from wild followed by (41%) cultivated and 3(6%) from both wild and home garden. 36 medicinal plant species (31 families) were used to treat human aliments. Six medicinal plant species were used to treat livestock and nine were used both human and livestock. The most frequently used plant part was leaf (35.3%) followed by root, 11(21.6%), and the widely used method of preparation was crushing. Deforestation, agricultural activities, firewood and charcoal are major threats to medicinal plants in the study area.