- INTRODUCTION
1.1. Background
Two days botanical survey was conducted at Kahama -Buswelu, Mwanza area focusing on scientific identification of the names of common trees and shrubs. The Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences (CUHAS) initiated a botanical garden project to support research, conservation, and education in medicinal and indigenous plant species. As part of this effort, a team conducted a field survey in the Buswelu area on March 24 and 25, 2025, to collect voucher plant specimens. This report provides details on the species collected, the methodologies employed, and preliminary observations.
1.2. Description of the study area
Kahama -Buswelu, Mwanza is an administrative ward in Ilemela district Mwanza region, where the Catholic university of health and allied sciences botanical garden project is expected to be established. Large part of the natural vegetation has been cleared being replaced with buildings and other infrastructures with introduced alien tree species. However, the few patches of natural vegetation surrounding the area left adjacent to the botanical garden supports a diverse of indigenous plant species especially trees and shrubs.
1.3. Survey objectives
The objectives of the survey were
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To collect and document plant specimens for the CUHAS botanical garden.
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To establish a reference herbarium collection for future botanical research.
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To assess the diversity of medicinal and indigenous plant species in the Buswelu area.
- METHODOLOGY
The survey was conducted by systematically walking through the entire surroundings of the university’s suggested area for a botanical garden and recording observations, which included the collecting and identification of plant species for permanent records. Inside the area, trees, shrubs, and herbs were assessed.
The plant was identified directly in the field using various taxonomic books such as the Flora of Tropical East Africa series (FTEA), checklists, and online plant databases. For those plants that were unable to be identified directly in the field, herbarium specimens were collected and pressed in a plant press, dried, and carried to the herbarium of the Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences for further identification and documentation for future reference.
During the survey, the photographs of each identified tree or shrub were taken, and the GPS locations of each identified plant were recorded for tracking back during labeling and other references.
3. SURVEY FINDINGS
3.1 . Flora.
The survey managed to identify a total number of 75 species, 65 genera, and 29 families from 8 growth forms. The growth form or habit represented with many species is tree (26 species) and shrubs or small trees (26 species). Other growth forms or habits, such as shrub 6, herb 5, small tree 5, climber 3, subshrub or shrub 2, and herb or subshrub 2, are represented in figure 1:1 below.
Fig.1:1
3.2 The families represented with many species include Fabaceae 17, Lamiaceae 7, Anacardiaceae 5, Combretaceae 4, Myrtaceae 4, Phyllanthaceae 4, Asteraceae 3, Apocynaceae 3, Bignoniaceae 3, Malvaceae 3, and Ebenaceae 2, Meliaceae 2, Verbenaceae 2 each. The remaining 16 families are represented with 1 species, as shown in Fig. 1:2.
Fig. 1:2
3.3 Out of the above species identified, 11 species are exotic or introduced to Tanzania, and the rest, 64, are indigenous or native to Tanzania.
3.4 Preservation
150 plant specimens were pressed, dried, and preserved following standard botanical protocols for later identification, classification, and reference. Each specimen was tagged with an identification number and common name and recorded with habit details and medicinal uses.
4.RESULTS
A total of 75 plant species were collected and documented. Some key species include:
Collection number
Scientific name
Common name
family
Habit
Medicinal uses/traditional uses
CUHAS001
Albizia glaberrima
Mkenge maji (SW)
Fabaceae (Mimosaceae)
tree
Root extract used to treat Schistosomiasis and bilharzia, bark extract inflammation, pain management and fever
CUHAS002
Euclea divinorum
Magic guarri (EN) Mdaa (sw)
Ebenaceae
Shrub or Small tree
Source for dye, tooth brush and preservative for milk
CUHAS003
Vitex mombassae
Mfudu maji, mfudu (sw) smelly berry vitex (EN)
Verbenaceae
Shrub or Small tree
Root decoction used for diabetes, infertility and antiemetic
CUHAS004
Euclea natalensis
Large leaved guarri (EN) Mdaa (SW)
Ebenaceae
Shrubs or Small tree
abdominal pains, antidote for snake bites, diabetes, diarrhoea, malaria, roundworms, stomach problems, toothache, venereal diseases and wounds.
CUHAS005
Crotalaria pallida
“rattle” or "rattlesnake”, Smooth crotalaria (EN)
Fabaceae (papilionaceae)
herbs
treat swelling of joints, urinary problems, fever, and as a vermifuge (to expel intestinal worms), with poultices of the roots used for joint swelling and extracts of the leaves for intestinal worms.
CUHAS006
Strychnos madagascariensis
Black monkey orange (EN)
Loganiaceae
Shrubs or Small tree
Bark, leaf and root decoction for Gastrointestinal problem, fruit and seed decoction for Hypertension, Leaf and twigs decoction for epilepsy, root powder applied topically for swollen testicles
CUHAS007
Cedrela odorata
Spanish cedar (EN)
Meliaceae
tree
The root and trunk bark is used to reduce fever and pain, The bark is used to treat sores. A decoction of the bark and leaves is used as a wash to treat headaches. A decoction of the leaves is used as a wash to treat fevers.
CUHAS008
Trichilia emetica
Natal mahogany
Meliaceae
tree
Root decoctions are used for the treatment of fever and purgative. Leaf or fruit poultices are used to treat skin diseases, such as eczema. Oil can be extracted from the seeds and is used to moisturise the skin and also to manufacture soap.
CUHAS009
Calotropis procera
Apple of Sodom, roostertree (EN) Mpamba mwitu (SW)
Apocynaceae
Shrubs or small tree
powdered leaves are used to promote faster wound healing, as a laxative, and for the treatment of indigestion. decoction of the aerial parts used to treat constipation, joint pain, fever, and muscular pain. The leaves used as antidote for snake bite, sinus fistula, rheumatism, mumps, burn injuries, and body pain.
CUHAS010
Terminalia sericea
Clusterleaf, siliver cluster leaf (EN) mpululu (gogo)
Combretaceae
tree
Leaves and root decoction for coughs, diarrhoea and stomach ache
CUHAS011
Mangifera indica
Mango (EN), Mwembe (SW)
Anacardiaceae
tree
Leaf tea for burn fat and detox the body, kernel decoction and extracts of unripe fruits, bark and leaves for diarrhea and dysentery.
CUHAS012
Grewia micrantha
Donkey Berry (EN)
Malvaceae (Tiliaceae)
Shrubs or small tree
infusion or decoction of the plant used as remedy for diarrhoea and dysentery. externally it is applied to wounds, cuts, ulcers, irritations
CUHAS013
Commiphora africana
Mturituri (SW)
Burseraceae
Small tree
The resin and bark are used to cover and disinfect wounds, and as an antiseptic for skin infections. Fruits are used for typhoid fever and stomach problems. The bark is used to treat malaria. Decoctions of the roots and bark are used to treat fevers and colds.
CUHAS014
Senna spectabilis
Golden wonder tree (EN) Mhomba (SW)
Fabaceae
tree
Leaves used to inhibit oedema, and for the treatment of constipation, poisoning and protozoic infections of the gut protozoic infections of the gut
CUHAS015
Acacia brevispica (Senegalia brevispica)
Prickly thorn (EN)
Fabaceae
Shrubs or small tree
Bark used for diarrhea and dysentery. used for treating itchy skin rashes and removing ganglions.
CUHAS016
Harrisonia abyssinica
Chidori (digo), Msamburini, mkidori (SW)
Rutaceae
Shrubs or small tree
The leaves, roots and stem bark are used in the form of decoction, powder and infusion to treat fever, malaria, diarrhea, diabetes, urinary problems, general body pain, intestinal worms and as a wash to disinfect wounds and abscesses
CUHAS017
Casuarina equisetifolia
Coastal she-oak, ironwood (EN)
Casuarinaceae
Tree
The root extracts of the plant are used for dysentery, diarrhoea and stomach pain. Twigs decoction is used against swelling
CUHAS018
Combretum collinum
Bush-willow (EN)
Combretaceae
Shrubs or small tree
Roots and leaves are used in powdered or decoction form for Stomach Pains, Diarrhea, Coughs, and Colds. leaves used for the treatment of inflammatory conditions, wound healing and bacterial infections
CUHAS019
Tecoma stans
Yellow trumpetbush, yellow bells (EN)
Bignoniaceae
shrubs
Used for diabetes mellitus, digestive problems, stomach pain, intestinal worms, and snake bite
CUHAS020
Abrus precatorius
Jequirity bean or Rosary pea (EN)
Fabaceae
herbs
Dried leaves and root powder is given orally in case of eye complaint; decoction of young leaves is given orally for cough
CUHAS021
Commicarpus plumbagineus
Plumbago stars, tattoo plant (EN)
Nyctaginaceae
Subshrubs or herbs
Used for urinary tract infections, prevention of miscarriages, purification and improvement of blood texture, fibroids, dysmenorrhoea, hypermenorrhoea and coagulation of blood
CUHAS022
Chromolaena odorata
Siam weed, devil weed
Asteraceae
herbs
Crushed leaves are used to treat wounds, burns, and skin infections.
CUHAS023
Lannea fulva
Anacardiaceae
Shrubs or small tree
Root soaked in water and the liquid drunk to treat stomach ache and chest pain
CUHAS024
Hoslundia opposita
Orange bird berry or bird gooseberry
Lamiaceae
Shrubs
The decoction of roots is used for aphrodisiac, for cold and coughs and to relieve after birth pains. The pounded leaves are used as a poultice for wound
CUHAS025
Mundulea sericea
cork bush, silver bush, Rhodesian silver-leaf (Eng.)
Fabaceae
shrub or small tree
The bark is traditionally used as an emetic to induce vomiting, which helps to expel poisons from the body. Crushed leaves are used to bleach hair. The bark, leaves, and seeds contain rotenoids, which are used to poison fish.
CUHAS026
Eucalyptus camaldulensis
Red River Gum
Myrtaceae
Tree
The essential oil found in the leaves is a powerful antiseptic used for relieving coughs and colds, sore throats and other infections
CUHAS027
Eucalyptus globulus
blue gum
Myrtaceae
Tree
Used to heal wounds, cure fungal infections and as a fever reducer. Essential oil used cough and cold medications, sore throat spray
CUHAS028
Landolphia kirkii
rubber vine (EN) Mabungo, Mpira (SW)
Apocynaceae
climbing shrub
The latex is also used as chewing gum, to make elastic bands, to plaster drums and as lime to catch birds.
CUHAS029
Jasminum Fluminense
River Jasmine
Oleaceae
climber
Oil of the plant used for skin care and hair care
CUHAS030
Markhamia obtusifolia
Golden Bean Tree, Golden Bell-bean (EN) Mtarawanda (SW)
Bignoniaceae
shrub to a small tree
A decoction of the roots is used against scrofula, hookworm; as a cough remedy and for treatment of snake bites
CUHAS031
Vitex doniana
Black plum (EN)
Lamiaceae
Tree
Stem bark extracts can inhibit the growth of clinical isolates of Salmonella typhi, Shigella dysenteriae and Escherichia coli root decoction is used to treat gonorrhoea, gastro-intestinal disorders and jaundice, treat backaches to woman
CUHAS032
Dichrostachys cinerea
Sicklebush(EN) mvunja shoka (SW)
Fabaceae
Tree
roots are used as a diuretic, febrifuge, antivenom, and antirheumatic and against leprosy. stem bark is used as taeniafuge, antivenom, and anti-dysentery, and used to treat tooth decay and leprosy. leaves are used to treat eczema, abscesses, measles, and rheumatism
CUHAS033
Lantana camara
Mshomoro/Mushomoro (SW) antana," “tickberry,” or "wild sage (EN)
Verbenaceae
shrub
essential oil used for the treatment of skin itches, as an antiseptic for wounds, and externally for leprosy and scabies. Root decoction is used to treat influenza, cough, mumps, incessant high fever, malaria, cervical lymph node tuberculosis, asthma, toothache, headache, inflammation, gonorrhoea and leucorrhoea.
CUHAS034
Senna siamea
Mjohoro Kamba, Mukengele/Mukengeeta (SW), Kassod tree (EN)
Fabaceae
Tree
treat dandruff, wounds, common warts, pyoderma, gonorrhea, anthrax, and snake bites. Infusion of the pods to heal fever and as a laxative for pregnant women. Decoction of the pods against breathing difficulties and to treat intestinal worms. infusion of extracts from the leaves is drunk to cure nosebleeds, convulsions, and flatulence. used for the treatment of jaundice, abdominal pain, menstrual pain, typhoid fever, and ease of sugar levels in the blood
CUHAS035
Albizia petersiana
Fabaceae
Tree
Used as a laxative, to treat mental disorders, high blood sugar, lung diseases, and as an antidote against snake venom and bee stings.
CUHAS036
Flacourtia indica
Indian plum
Salicaceae
Shrub or tree
Root decoction used as diuretic, for diarrhea, indigestion, gonorrhea, snakebite, infertility, and stomach pain.
CUHAS037
Ozoroa insignis
mwalika, mzabibu mwitu (SW)
Anacardiaceae
shrub or small tree
root decoction is used to treat kidney and liver complaints; ulcers and hernias; throat infections; chest pain; diarrhoea; schistosomiasis
CUHAS038
Hymenocardia acida
West African rubber tree, African corkwood (EN)
Phyllanthaceae
Small tree
The leaves and leafy shoots are used as an infusion for treating chest-complaints, fevers and small-pox. The leaf powder is taken as snuff for treating headaches or is applied topically for rheumatic pains and toothache. The leaf sap is used as ear drops to treat otitis. A root decoction, together with the leaf sap, is taken to prevent miscarriage
CUHAS039
Tylosema fassoglense
Mchoro (SW), Creeping bauhinia
Fabaceae
climbing
used for the management of postpartum uterine healing, impotence, and hypertensive diseases. the roots and leaves are used to treat acne, wounds, and sexually-transmitted diseases such as syphilis
CUHAS040
Dalbergia melanoxylon
African blackwood (EN) Mpingo (SW)
Fabaceae
Small tree
roots used for anthelmintic and aphrodisiac and A decoction is used to prevent miscarriage, to treat abdominal pain, diarrhoea, gonorrhoea and syphilis. The wood smoke is inhaled to treat headaches, colds and bronchitis
CUHAS041
Grewia bicolor
white raisin (EN)
Malvaceae
shrub or small tree
The bark is used as a vermifuge, diuretic and laxative, and to treat boils and sores, intestinal inflammation and syphilis. in Sudan to treat diseases of the nervous system such as anxiety and epilepsy.
CUHAS042
Vachellia tortilis
umbrella thorn (EN)
Fabaceae
tree
The dried, powdered bark is used as a disinfectant in healing wounds and an anthelmintic
CUHAS043
Antidesma venosum
Tassel berry (EN)
Phyllanthaceae
Small tree
leaves and roots are used for treating snakebite, poisoning, abdominal pains and hookworm. The seeds are steeped in water and drunk to treat liver complaints
CUHAS044
Searsia natalensis
Dune karee (EN)
Anacardiaceae
Shrubs or small tree
root decoction is drunk to treat various ailments, such as venereal diseases (e.g. gonorrhoea), asthma, heartburn, abdominal pains, colds, coughs and diarrhoea
CUHAS045
Psidium guajava
Guava (EN), Mpera (SW)
Myrtaceae
Shrubs or small tree
leaf for stomach and intestinal conditions, pain, diabetes, and wound healing. The fruit is used for high blood pressure.
CUHAS046
Albizia versicolor
Large leaved albizia (EN)
Fabaceae
Tree
root bark is used as an enema and purgative. leaves and bark are used to soothe headaches. An infusion from the bark is used as a wash for sore eyes and to treat skin diseases
CUHAS047
Leonotis nepetifolia
Christmas candlestick
Lamiaceae
Herb
Used as a treatment for fevers, headaches, malaria, dysentery and snakebite. The decoction of the leaves is used to treat coughs, burns and skin ailments. The whole plant is used for menstrual pain.
CUHAS048
Trema orientalis
Charcoal tree
Cannabaceae
Tree
Both bark and leaf decoctions are used for coughs, sore throat, asthma, bronchitis, gonorrhoea, yellow fever, toothache. The leaves antidote to poison, bark infusion is drunk to control dysentery.
CUHAS049
Zanha africana
Mkalya or mkwanga (SW) velvet fruited zanha (EN)
Sapindaceae
Shrub or small tree
The bark is used in the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases, hernia, convulsion, abdominal pain, headache, colds and fever. powdered roots are put in cold water and drunk to prevent miscarriage, and to treat typhoid and fever.
CUHAS050
Vitex ferruginea
Plum fingerleaf (EN)
Lamiaceae
Shrubs or small tree
treating digestive problems, skin diseases, and fever. It is also used as a natural insect repellent
CUHAS051
Vangueria infausta
African medlar (EN)
Rubiaceae
Tree
roots are used to treat snake-bite, malaria, pneumonia, heart ailments and coughs, while the leaves are used for swellings on the legs, inflammation of the navel in children; abdominal pain; and for the relief of dental pain.
CUHAS052
Terminalia mantaly
Umbrella tree (EN)
Combretaceae
Tree
its barks and leaves are used for the treatment of dysentery, oral and digestive candidiasis, and postpartum care.
CUHAS053
Syzygium cumini
Malabar plum, Java plum (EN)
Myrtaceae
Tree
he leaves are used in dermopathies, gastropathies, constipation, leucorrhea, and diabetes. The ripe fruit is astringent and is used as an effective treatment for diabetes.
CUHAS054
Ficus thonningii
Moraceae
Tree
bark it is used in treating colds, sore throat, dysentery, wounds, constipation, nosebleed and to stimulate lactation. Latex is used for wound fever, while an infusion of the root and fibre is taken orally to help prevent abortion.
CUHAS055
Ochna afzelii
Ochnaceae
Shrubs or small tree
uses include treatment of jaundice, toothache, female sterility, menstrual complaints, lumbago and dysentery.
CUHAS056
Rotheca myricoides
Lamiaceae
Shrubs
The bark of the plant is used for abdominal pains, malaria and against snake bites. The root extract serves for indigestion, sore throat, syphilis, tonsillitis, malaria and rheumatism, for gonorrhea, and as purgative.
CUHAS057
Cytisus proliferus (Chamaecytisus proliferus)
tagasaste or tree lucerne
Fabaceae
tree
Used as a fodder shrub and has sometimes also been used in land rehabilitation
CUHAS058
Solanum elaeagnifolium
Solanaceae
subshrub or shrub
The crushed, dried fruits are used as a treatment for colds. The fruit is chewed over an aching tooth. An infusion of the plant is taken by nursing mothers in order to sustain the milk flow.
CUHAS059
Piliostigma thonningii
camel’s foot tree (EN)
Fabaceae
Tree
Roots and twigs are used in the treatment of dysentery, fever, wound infections, cough, and skin diseases
CUHAS060
Pluchea indica
Indian camphorweed, Indian fleabane
Asteraceae
shrubs
the leaves are considered to be antitussive, diaphoretic, febrifuge, galactagogue and stomachic. A decoction of the roots or leaves is recommended for treating fever, headache, rheumatism, sprains, dysentery and dyspepsia.
CUHAS061
Anacardium occidentale
Mkorosho (SW)
Anacardiaceae
Tree
the leaves are used as treatment for reducing fever, malaria, toothache, and gum problems. The bark used to reduce blood sugar level.
CUHAS062
Kigelia africana
sausage tree
Bignoniaceae
Tree
CUHAS063
Bridelia micrantha
coast goldleaf
Euphorbiaceae
Tree
A bark decoction used for stomach-ache, diarrhoea in children and tapeworm. A decoction of roots is drunk to cure aching joints, severe epigastric pain, as a purgative, an anthelmintic or an antidote for poison
CUHAS064
Sida cordifolia
country mallow or heart-leaf sida (EN)
Malvaceae
subshrub or shrub
used to treat bronchial asthma, cold and flu, chills, lack of perspiration, head ache, nasal congestion, aching joints and bones, cough and wheezing, and edema. The root infusion is given in nervous and urinary diseases and also in disorders of the blood and bile.
CUHAS065
Hyptis suaveolens
American mint, bush mint (EN)
Lamiaceae
herb or subshrub.
The leaf paste is applied on sores and fungal skin infections. A poultice of the pounded fresh material is applied as a poultice on snake bites.
CUHAS066
Ocimum gratissimum
Wild basil, African basil (EN)
Lamiaceae
Herb
The leaves and stems are used in the treatment of colds and influenza, especially chest colds; fevers, sunstroke, headaches, impotence, flatulence, diarrhoea, dysentery, post-partum problems, and worms in children
CUHAS067
Combretum glutinosum
Combretaceae
Shrub or tree
stem barks are used to treat burns and wounds.
CUHAS068
Thevetia peruviana (cascabela thevetia)
Yellow oleander
Apocynaceae
Shrub or small tree
used in the treatment of external wounds, infected area, ring worms, tumours, anti-cancer and fertility.
CUHAS069
Annona senegalensis
African custard apple
Annonaceae
Shrub or small tree
root is used traditionally to treat viral infections, gastritis, male sexual impotence, erectile dysfunction, dizziness and snake bites. The roots are used in the treatment of stomach-ache, venereal diseases, chest colds and dizziness
CUHAS070
Flueggea virosa
White berry bush
Phyllanthaceae
Shrub or small tree
leaf decoction to cure lactation problems and sick babies at birth and as a root decoction to cure abdominal pain. The leaves are considered aphrodisiac and laxative and used to treat fevers, venereal disease and constipation.
CUHAS071
Vernonia colorata
bitterleaf
Asteraceae
Shrub or small tree
decoction of stem, root and trunk barks are used in the treatment of schistosomiasis, sterility and frigidity. leaves or roots are macerated for 48 hours for all stomach-complaints, A decoction is used as a mouth-wash for tonsillitis.
CUHAS072
Psorospermum febrifugum
Hypericaceae
Shrubs or small tree
the bark decoction is used in the treatment of various skin problems including scabies, eczema and insect bites as well as a parasitic disease. The root is also used as a mouthwash and gargle to treat tongue diseases and tonsillitis. powdered root is used topically on parasitic skin-diseases
CUHAS073
Phyllanthus casticum
Phyllanthaceae
Shrubs or small tree
A leaf decoction is drunk to treat asthma and malaria. The crushed leaves are applied topically to eczema and wounds. stem bark or powdered wood decoction is considered astringent and taken to treat severe diarrhoea, dysentery, amoebic dysentery, colic, ulcers, jaundice and infections of the urogenital tract
CUHAS074
Ormocarpum trichocarpum
Fabaceae
Shrubs or small tree
The roots are used to treat rheumatism and stomach problems. The crushed leaves are rubbed on to the forehead to treat headache.
CUHAS075
Albizia amara
Fabaceae
Tree
The leaves and flowers are used for treatment of boils and ulcers. · Paste of leaf and rootbark is used to cure both skin diseases and poisonous bites.
5. DISCUSSION
5.1 The diversity of species collected indicates a rich ecological setting with significant medicinal value, but due to the historical background of the area, which was previously a settlement area, the vegetation of the area is in patches; some of the areas are bare land efforts needed to increase the number of the vegetation.
5.2 Most of the plants that were observed and collected during the survey have medicinal value and are used by local communities to treat various ailments, such as diarrhea, stomach pain, jaundice, abdominal pain, menstrual pain, typhoid fever, chest pain, and other diseases. Those medicinal plants will be useful for teaching and research purposes, even to provide education to the local communities on conservation of the medicinal plants.
6. CHALLENGES AND RECOMMENDATIONS
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Challenges: The general challenge was a shortage of time for plant collection and doing analysis of the data.
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Recommendations: It is required to undertake a survey to collect seeds and seedlings of native or indigenous plants, whether ornamental or medicinal plants, in order to revegetate the bare ground and increase the amount of vegetation in the botanical garden area.
7.CONCLUSION
The plant list and voucher plant specimen collection from Buswelu provide a strong foundation for CUHAS’s botanical garden and herbarium. Further studies and periodic field surveys will enhance conservation and research efforts.
8.ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
We acknowledge the support of CUHAS administration, local guides, and community members who contributed valuable knowledge and assistance in the collection process.
Prepared by:
Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences
March 27, 2025