Knowledge Gaps in Taxonomy, Ecology, Population Distribution Drivers and Genetic Diversity of African Sandalwood (Osyris lanceolata Hochst. & Steud.): A Scoping Review for Conservation
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Date
2021
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
plants
Abstract
The increasing demand for ornamental, cosmetic and pharmaceutical products is driving
exploitation of plant species globally. Sub-Saharan Africa harbours unique and valuable plant
resources and is now a target of plant resource depletion. African Sandalwood (Osyris lanceolata),
a multi-purpose and drought-tolerant species, has seen increased exploitation for the last thirty
years and is now declared endangered. Initiatives to conserve O. lanceolata are not yet successful
in Africa due to poor understanding of the species. This review surveys relevant research on the
ecology, taxonomy, population dynamics, genetic diversity and ethnobotany of O. lanceolata, and
highlights gaps in the literature for further research. A scoping review of grey literature, scholarly
papers and reports was applied with pre-determined criteria to screen relevant information. Review
findings indicate O. lanceolata is a globally distributed species with no identified center of origin. In
Africa, it ranges from Algeria to Ethiopia and south to South Africa; in Europe it occurs in the Iberian
Peninsula and Balearic Islands; in Asia from India to China, and also on Socotra. The species has a
confusing taxonomy, with unresolved issues in nomenclature, country range distribution, extensive
synonymisation and variation in growth form (shrub or tree). The species population is reported to
be declining in Africa, but information on population dynamics across its entire range of distribution
is anecdotal. Additionally, ecological factors influencing spatial distribution and survival of the
species remain unknown. A variety of uses are reported for O. lanceolata globally, including: cultural;
medicinal and food; dye; perfumery; timber; ethnoveterinary and phytoremediation. Key research
areas and implications for conservation of O. lanceolata in Sub-Saharan Africa are proposed.
Description
Keywords
Hemiparasites, Molecular ecology, Population genetics, Conservation strategies
Citation
Mugula, B.B.; Kiboi, S.K.; Kanya, J.I.; Egeru, A.; Okullo, P.; Curto, M.; Meimberg, H. Knowledge Gaps in Taxonomy, Ecology, Population Distribution Drivers and Genetic Diversity of African Sandalwood (Osyris lanceolata Hochst. & Steud.): A Scoping Review for Conservation. Plants 2021, 10, 1780. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants 10091780