DOCSLIB.ORG

Aloe Ferox Leaf Gel ⁎ C

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Aloe Ferox Leaf Gel ⁎ C Available online at www.sciencedirect.com South African Journal of Botany 77 (2011) 988–995 www.elsevier.com/locate/sajb Physical and chemical characteristics of Aloe ferox leaf gel ⁎ C. O'Brien, B.-E. Van Wyk , F.R. Van Heerden 1 Department of Botany and Plant Biotechnology, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland Park 2006, Johannesburg, South Africa Abstract Aloe ferox leaf gel differs substantially from that of Aloe vera but almost no commercially relevant data is available this species. Leaf dimen- sions, gel yields and gel compositions were studied, based on samples from several natural populations. Glucose is the only free sugar in aloe gel (0.1 to 0.4 mg ml− 1 in A. ferox). Monosaccharides released after hydrolysis show potential for gel fingerprinting and allow for a distinction be- tween A. ferox and A. vera. The former yields various combinations of glucose and galactose as main monosaccharides, while the latter yields only mannose. Further variation studies are recommended because A. ferox appears to have three different gel chemotypes. Conductivity shows species- specific ranges — in A. ferox below 3000 μScm− 1 in fresh gel and above 3100 μScm−1 in aged gel (corresponding values for A. vera were 1670 and 1990 μScm− 1). The level of phenolic (bitter) compounds in A. ferox gel can be reduced by treatment with activated charcoal, resulting in a small loss of total dissolved solids. Alcohol precipitable solids and insolubility are useful variables for quality control of gel powder. The methods and data presented are the first steps towards developing quality criteria for A. ferox leaf gel. © 2011 SAAB. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Keywords: Free sugars; Gel composition; Gel conductivity; Gel yield; Hydrolyzed sugars; Organic acids; Quality control 1. Introduction or “Kidachi aloe”) is another possible alternative source of gel products (Van Wyk et al., 2009). Aloe ferox Mill. (=Aloe candelabrum A.Berger), commonly A. ferox has been used since ancient times as traditional med- known as the bitter aloe or Cape aloe (also khala, umhlaba, bit- icine — a San rock painting depicts the plant (Reynolds, 1950) teraalwyn) is a polymorphic species indigenous to the Cape and it has a well-documented history of use as medicine (see coastal region, from Swellendam in the west to the southern Grace, 2011). However, the use of the inner, non-bitter gel as a parts of KwaZulu-Natal in the east (Reynolds, 1950; Van food supplement is a recent development — no documentation Wyk and Smith, 1996; Glen and Hardy, 2000). It is a single- of a food use is found in the literature except the production of stemmed aloe with erect racemes of red, orange, yellow or rare- jam (preserve) by Cape farmers (Palmer and Pitman, 1972; ly white flowers and spreading or gracefully curved thorny Fox and Norwood Young, 1982; Palmer, 1985; Rood, 1994). leaves. Northern forms of the species, previously known as A. The gel of Aloe maculata All. and Aloe zebrina Baker, however, candelabrum, are morphologically, genetically and chemically is used as famine food in case of an emergency, and the flowers within the range of variation of A. ferox (Viljoen et al., 1996). of several species, including A. ferox, contain nectar which is Aloe marlothii A.Berger is a possible alternative source of eaten by children (Fox and Norwood Young, 1982). gel products. This species formed the basis of a pharmaceutical Aloe vera L. is undoubtedly one of the most important me- product known as “Natal aloes” that was discontinued in the dicinal plants of the world. The plant provides the raw materials late 19th century. Aloe arborescens Mill., currently under com- for a well-researched, well-established, multi-billion dollar in- mercial development in Japan and Italy (known as “Japan aloe” dustry with an estimated annual turnover exceeding 110 billion US dollars (International Aloe Science Council, 2004). The gel ⁎ from this species is used mainly in cosmetics and as a tonic Corresponding author. drink but there are numerous other uses in the food industry E-mail address: [email protected] (B.-E. Van Wyk). 1 Current address: School of Chemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal Pieter- (Grindley and Reynolds, 1986; Reynolds and Dweck, 1999; maritzburg, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa. World Health Organization, 1999; Waller et al., 2004); see 0254-6299/$ - see front matter © 2011 SAAB. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. doi:10.1016/j.sajb.2011.08.004 C. O'Brien et al. / South African Journal Of Botany 77 (2011) 988–995 989 also Reynolds (2004), Park and Lee (2006), Du Preez (2008), with A. vera releasing mannose (Choi and Chung, 2003) after Grace et al. (2008, 2009) and Grace (2011). a hydrolysis treatment and A. ferox releasing mainly glucose In South Africa, the A. ferox gel industry has gained momen- and galactose (Mabusela et al., 1990). tum since 1994 when the first gel was produced through a patent- Since almost all published information is only applicable to ed process in a factory at Albertinia (Botha, 1994; Newton and A. vera gel, this study was conducted to explore some chemical Vaughan, 1996). Despite the increasing commercial importance and physical characteristics of the leaf parenchyma gel of A. of A. ferox gel, only one scientific study of the gel components ferox. Leaf dimensions, gel fillet yields and gel powder yields has been published (Mabusela et al., 1990). In view of the large were studied in detail. Other parameters investigated included number of Aloe species, it is surprising that no research has total dissolved solids, free and hydrolysed sugars, conductivity, been done to investigate the commercial potential of other spe- alcohol precipitable solids and solubility. The expectation was cies. In 2007, Standards South Africa (a division of the South Af- that such data can provide a better understanding of the basic rican Bureau of Standards) published a South African National principles underlying gel variability, with possible applications Standard for Aloe raw materials (Standards South Africa, 2007). in chemotaxonomy and especially in developing commercial The scope of the standard is to specify the “requirements and quality control procedures for A. ferox gel. test methods for A. ferox raw material intended for use in consum- er products including health, cosmetic, health food, medicinal, 2. Materials and methods veterinary and industrial products”. Gel composition at a species level differs substantially. 2.1. Materials Available published information shows that the gel composi- tion of A. vera (Choi and Chung, 2003; Waller et al., 2004) dif- Mature leaves were harvested from various individual plants fers from that of A. ferox (Mabusela et al., 1990), and A. at several different localities throughout most of the natural dis- arborescens (Yagi et al., 1985). These species differ in their tribution area of A. ferox (with permission from the land acetylated polysaccharides. Nuclear magnetic resonance spec- owners). Locality details and voucher specimens are listed troscopy (NMR) is used as a quality control method for A. with the results in Tables 1 to 4. vera gel but the absence of acetylated compounds in A. ferox complicates the application of NMR methods in this species. 2.2. Leaf dimensions and gel firmness Thus, quality control methods that are applied to A. vera gel cannot be applied with the same success to A. ferox gel. The Leaf width and leaf thickness measurements were taken at gel polysaccharides are different within these two species, the base of the leaf. A penetrometer was used to determine Table 1 Leaf dimensions and gel firmness in eight populations of Aloe ferox (six leaves from three individual plants were sampled). The values given are averages for six leaves per plant. Locality and voucher specimens (all in JRAU) Plants Leaf weight Leaf length Leaf width Leaf thickness Gel firmness (g) (mm) (mm) (mm) (kg pressure) 1. Albertinia (S 34° 05.532′; E 21° 38.528′) O'Brien 60 1 726.0 471.7 101.7 19.5 10.5 2 532.7 437.2 106.0 16.2 10.0 3 628.6 462.7 107.8 17.2 7.1 2. Albertinia (S 34° 08.689′; E 21° 39.309′) O'Brien 61 1 523.0 401.7 132.8 10.8 9.6 2 334.4 323.3 96.8 14.3 6.4 3 305.0 336.7 88.3 13.5 8.1 3. Seweweekspoort (S 33° 27.480′; E 21° 25.485′) O'Brien 62 1 917.7 597.7 119.7 18.7 8.0 2 950.7 596.7 127.5 22.2 6.9 3 994.7 534.2 136.3 20.2 6.2 4. Uniondale (S 33° 47.003′; E 23° 29.115′) O'Brien 63 1 612.0 480.5 101.5 11.8 8.8 2 868.2 554.3 100.3 18.3 8.1 3 469.3 472.5 94.2 11.8 9.3 5. Uniondale (S 33° 34.582′; E 23° 10.390′) O'Brien 64 1 1028.2 619.5 109.8 18.7 7.4 2 800.5 493.7 106.3 18.2 12.0 3 773.7 519.0 104.2 17.5 11.1 6. Fort Beaufort (S 32° 55.119′; E 26° 28.647′) O'Brien 65 1 474.0 449.7 104.0 14.5 7.9 2 480.8 425.3 90.0 17.0 9.3 3 569.8 460.4 98.5 14.1 8.4 7. Balfour (S 32° 32.318′; E 26° 41.414′) O'Brien 66 1 224.1 406.7 83.7 08.3 5.7 2 753.9 528.0 132.4 18.4 6.3 3 333.0 384.8 89.8 11.2 9.4 8.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Reproductive Biology of Aloe Peglerae
    THE REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY AND HABITAT REQUIREMENTS OF ALOE PEGLERAE, A MONTANE ENDEMIC ALOE OF THE MAGALIESBERG MOUNTAIN RANGE, SOUTH AFRICA Gina Arena 0606757V A Dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science Johannesburg, South Africa June 2013 DECLARATION I declare that this Dissertation is my own, unaided work. It is being submitted for the Degree of Master of Science at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. It has not been submitted before for any degree or examination at any other University. Gina Arena 21 day of June 2013 Supervisors Prof. C.T. Symes Prof. E.T.F. Witkowski i ABSTRACT In this study I investigated the reproductive biology and pollination ecology of Aloe peglerae, an endangered endemic succulent species of the Magaliesberg Mountain Range in South Africa. The aim was to determine the pollination system of A. peglerae, the effects of flowering plant density on plant reproduction and the suitable microhabitat conditions for this species. Aloe peglerae possesses floral traits that typically conform to the bird-pollination syndrome. Pollinator exclusion experiments showed that reproduction is enhanced by opportunistic avian nectar-feeders, mainly the Cape Rock-Thrush (Monticola rupestris) and the Dark- capped Bulbul (Pycnonotus tricolor). Insect pollinators did not contribute significantly to reproductive output. Small-mammals were observed visiting flowers at night, however, the importance of these visitors as pollinators was not quantified in this study. Interannual variation in flowering patterns dictated annual flowering plant densities in the population. The first flowering season represented a typical mass flowering event resulting in high seed production, followed by a second low flowering year of low seed production.
    [Show full text]
  • Chemistry, Biological and Pharmacological Properties of African Medicinal Plants
    International Organization for Chemical Sciences in Development IOCD Working Group on Plant Chemistry CHEMISTRY, BIOLOGICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF AFRICAN MEDICINAL PLANTS Proceedings of the first International IOCD-Symposium Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, February 25-28, 1996 Edited by K. HOSTETTMANN, F. CHEVYANGANYA, M. MAIL LARD and J.-L. WOLFENDER UNIVERSITY OF ZIMBABWE PUBLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR CHEMICAL SCIENCES IN DEVELOPMENT WORKING GROUP ON PLANT CHEMISTRY CHEMISTRY, BIOLOGICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF AFRICAN MEDICINAL PLANTS Proceedings of the First International IOCD-Symposium Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, February 25-28, 1996 Edited by K. HOSTETTMANN, F. CHINYANGANYA, M. MAILLARD and J.-L. WOLFENDER Inslitut de Pharmacoynosie et Phytochimie. Universite de Umsanne. PEP. Cli-1015 Lausanne. Switzerland and Department of Pharmacy. University of Zimbabwe. P.O. BoxM.P. 167. Harare. Zim babw e UNIVERSITY OF ZIMBABWE PUBLICATIONS 1996 First published in 1996 by University of Zimbabwe Publications P.O. Box MP 203 Mount Pleasant Harare Zimbabwe Cover photos. African traditional healer and Harpagophytum procumbens (Pedaliaceae) © K. Hostettmann Printed by Mazongororo Paper Converters Pvt. Ltd., Harare Contents List of contributors xiii 1. African plants as sources of pharmacologically exciting biaryl and quaternary! alkaloids 1 G. Bringnumn 2. Strategy in the search for bioactive plant constituents 21 K. Hostettmann, J.-L. Wolfender S. Rodrigue:, and A. Marston 3. International collaboration in drug discovery and development. The United States National Cancer Institute experience 43 (i.M. Cragg. M.R. Boyd. M.A. Christini, ID Maws, K.l). Mazan and B.A. Sausville 4. Tin: search for. and discovery of. two new antitumor drugs. Navelbinc and Taxotere. modified natural products 69 !' I'diee.
    [Show full text]
  • National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (10/2004): Non-Detriment Findings 43971
    STAATSKOERANT, 7 DESEMBER 2020 No. 43971 3 GOVERNMENT NOTICES • GOEWERMENTSKENNISGEWINGS Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, Department of/ Omgewingsake, Bosbou en Visserye, Departement van DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES NO. 1295 07 DECEMBER 2020 1295 National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (10/2004): Non-detriment findings 43971 Barbara Dallas Creecy, Minister of Forestry,Fisheries and the detriment finding for Aloe Environment, hereby publishthe non- ferox ( Biffer aloe) madeby the Scientific Authority National Environmental in terms of section 62of the Management: BiodiversityAct, 2004 (Act No. 10 The detailed of 2004) forimplementation. non -detriment finding iscontained in the Government Gazette, whichcan be accessed on MS S D CREECY, MP MINISTER OF FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND THEENVIRONMENT This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 4 No. 43971 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 7 DECEMBER 2020 Non- detriment finding assessment for Aloe ferox (bitteraloe) Aloe ferox (bitter aloe) is includedin Appendix of the Convention on InternationalTrade Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora(CITES). In terms of Article IV of the Convention, an export permit shallonly be granted for an Appendix IIspecies when a Scientific Authority of the State of export has advisedthat such an export will not be detrimental tothe survival of that species the wild. This document detailsthe undertaking of a Non -Detriment Finding (NDF) assessment (Figure for A. ferox and is basedon the best available information, currentas of September 2018. Aloe ferox is a long -lived, single- stemmed succulent plantthat can grow to heights ofup to 6 m. The species is adapted to withstanda wide range of climatic conditions and can be found growing on rocky hill slopesand in flat open areasacross a range of habitat types including fynbos, grassland, Karoo vegetationand valley bushveld.
    [Show full text]
  • Seed Dispersal and Seed Banks in Aloe Marlothii (Asphodelaceae) ⁎ C.T
    Available online at www.sciencedirect.com South African Journal of Botany 78 (2012) 276–280 www.elsevier.com/locate/sajb Short communication Seed dispersal and seed banks in Aloe marlothii (Asphodelaceae) ⁎ C.T. Symes School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, WITS 2050, South Africa Received 5 January 2011; received in revised form 1 June 2011; accepted 20 June 2011 Abstract Aloe marlothii flowers during dry winter months (July–September) and produces large numbers of wind dispersed seeds. Fire disturbance in a population of several thousand A. marlothii plants at Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve, Gauteng, permitted a series of seed dispersal experiments to be conducted. Germination trials indicated that seedling emergence decreased with increased distance from a well defined aloe stand and burn area margin, with seeds dispersed up to 25 m. Flowering frequency and total seed production were positively correlated with plant height, with seed production estimated to range from 26,000 to 375,000 seeds/plant. Although a large number of seeds are produced by flowering plants the survival rate of seeds did not extend beyond the following flowering season. © 2011 SAAB. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Keywords: Mega-herbivore; Monocotyledon; Succulent; Suikerbosrand; Xanthorrhoeaceae 1. Introduction Pollination is primarily by birds but little is known about the ecology and seed dispersal of this species (Symes et al., 2009). Aloe marlothii A. Berger (Asphodelaceae) is a winter Numerous studies have investigated pollination in other aloes flowering succulent with a widespread distribution in the (Hoffman, 1988; Ratsirarson, 1995; Stokes and Yeaton, 1995; grassland and savanna biomes of South Africa (Reynolds, Pailler et al., 2002; Johnson et al., 2006; Hargreaves et al., 2008; 1969; Glen and Hardy, 2000; Van Wyk and Smith, 2005).
    [Show full text]
  • Aloe Scientific Primer International Aloe Science Council
    The International Aloe Science Council Presents an Aloe Scientific Primer International Aloe Science Council Commonly Traded Aloe Species The plant Aloe spp. has long been utilized in a variety of ways throughout history, which has been well documented elsewhere and need not be recounted in detail here, particularly as the purpose of this document is to discuss current and commonly traded aloe species. Aloe, in its various species, can presently and in the recent past be found in use as a decorative element in homes and gardens, in the creation of pharmaceuticals, in wound care products such as burn ointment, sunburn protectant and similar applications, in cosmetics, and as a food, dietary supplements and other health and nutrition related items. Recently, various species of the plant have even been used to weave into clothing and in mattresses. Those species of Aloe commonly used in commerce today can be divided into three primary categories: those used primarily in the production of crude drugs, those used primarily for decorative purposes, and those used in health, nutritional and related products. For reference purposes, this paper will outline the primary species and their uses, but will focus on the species most widely used in commerce for health, nutritional, cosmetic and supplement products, such as aloe vera. Components of aloe vera currently used in commerce The Aloe plant, and in particular aloe vera, has three distinct raw material components that are processed and found in manufactured goods: leaf juice; inner leaf juice; and aloe latex. A great deal of confusion regarding the terminology of this botanical and its components has been identified, mostly because of a lack of clear definitions, marketing, and other factors.
    [Show full text]
  • Phoenix Active Management Area Low-Water-Use/Drought-Tolerant Plant List
    Arizona Department of Water Resources Phoenix Active Management Area Low-Water-Use/Drought-Tolerant Plant List Official Regulatory List for the Phoenix Active Management Area Fourth Management Plan Arizona Department of Water Resources 1110 West Washington St. Ste. 310 Phoenix, AZ 85007 www.azwater.gov 602-771-8585 Phoenix Active Management Area Low-Water-Use/Drought-Tolerant Plant List Acknowledgements The Phoenix AMA list was prepared in 2004 by the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) in cooperation with the Landscape Technical Advisory Committee of the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association, comprised of experts from the Desert Botanical Garden, the Arizona Department of Transporation and various municipal, nursery and landscape specialists. ADWR extends its gratitude to the following members of the Plant List Advisory Committee for their generous contribution of time and expertise: Rita Jo Anthony, Wild Seed Judy Mielke, Logan Simpson Design John Augustine, Desert Tree Farm Terry Mikel, U of A Cooperative Extension Robyn Baker, City of Scottsdale Jo Miller, City of Glendale Louisa Ballard, ASU Arboritum Ron Moody, Dixileta Gardens Mike Barry, City of Chandler Ed Mulrean, Arid Zone Trees Richard Bond, City of Tempe Kent Newland, City of Phoenix Donna Difrancesco, City of Mesa Steve Priebe, City of Phornix Joe Ewan, Arizona State University Janet Rademacher, Mountain States Nursery Judy Gausman, AZ Landscape Contractors Assn. Rick Templeton, City of Phoenix Glenn Fahringer, Earth Care Cathy Rymer, Town of Gilbert Cheryl Goar, Arizona Nurssery Assn. Jeff Sargent, City of Peoria Mary Irish, Garden writer Mark Schalliol, ADOT Matt Johnson, U of A Desert Legum Christy Ten Eyck, Ten Eyck Landscape Architects Jeff Lee, City of Mesa Gordon Wahl, ADWR Kirti Mathura, Desert Botanical Garden Karen Young, Town of Gilbert Cover Photo: Blooming Teddy bear cholla (Cylindropuntia bigelovii) at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monutment.
    [Show full text]
  • OO Vol 5 49-74 Nectarivory 116.Docx
    Ornithological Observations An electronic journal published by the Animal Demography Unit at the University of Cape Town and the BirdLife South Africa Ornithological Observations accepts papers containing faunistic information about birds. This includes descriptions of distribution, behaviour, breeding, foraging, food, movement, measurements, habitat and plumage. It will also consider for publication a variety of other interesting or relevant ornithological material: reports of projects and conferences, annotated checklists for a site or region, specialist bibliographies, and any other interesting or relevant material. Editor: Arnold van der Westhuizen NECTAR-FEEDING BY SOUTHERN AFRICAN BIRDS, WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE MOUNTAIN ALOE ALOE MARLOTHII Derek Engelbrecht, Joe Grosel and Daniel Engelbrecht Recommended citation format: Engelbrecht D, Grosel J, Engelbrecht D 2014. Nectar-feeding by southern African birds, with special reference to the Mountain Aloe Aloe marlothii. Ornithological Observations, Vol 5: 49-74 URL: http://oo.adu.org.za/content.php?id=116 Published online: 17 March 2014 - ISSN 2219-0341 - Ornithological Observations, Vol 5: 49-74 49 NECTAR-FEEDING BY SOUTHERN AFRICAN BIRDS, Opportunistic nectarivory by species not specifically adapted for this WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE MOUNTAIN diet, i.e. facultative nectarivory, is common and widespread amongst ALOE ALOE MARLOTHII birds although it wasn’t recognised as such in early literature. Perhaps the earliest evidence of facultative nectarivory in southern Derek Engelbrecht1*,
    [Show full text]
  • Evolutionary History and Leaf Succulence As
    Grace et al. BMC Evolutionary Biology (2015) 15:29 DOI 10.1186/s12862-015-0291-7 RESEARCH ARTICLE Open Access Evolutionary history and leaf succulence as explanations for medicinal use in aloes and the global popularity of Aloe vera Olwen M Grace1,2*, Sven Buerki3, Matthew RE Symonds4, Félix Forest1, Abraham E van Wyk5, Gideon F Smith6,7,8, Ronell R Klopper5,6, Charlotte S Bjorå9, Sophie Neale10, Sebsebe Demissew11, Monique SJ Simmonds1 and Nina Rønsted2 Abstract Background: Aloe vera supports a substantial global trade yet its wild origins, and explanations for its popularity over 500 related Aloe species in one of the world’s largest succulent groups, have remained uncertain. We developed an explicit phylogenetic framework to explore links between the rich traditions of medicinal use and leaf succulence in aloes. Results: The phylogenetic hypothesis clarifies the origins of Aloe vera to the Arabian Peninsula at the northernmost limits of the range for aloes. The genus Aloe originated in southern Africa ~16 million years ago and underwent two major radiations driven by different speciation processes, giving rise to the extraordinary diversity known today. Large, succulent leaves typical of medicinal aloes arose during the most recent diversification ~10 million years ago and are strongly correlated to the phylogeny and to the likelihood of a species being used for medicine. A significant, albeit weak, phylogenetic signal is evident in the medicinal uses of aloes, suggesting that the properties for which they are valued do not occur randomly across the branches of the phylogenetic tree. Conclusions: Phylogenetic investigation of plant use and leaf succulence among aloes has yielded new explanations for the extraordinary market dominance of Aloe vera.
    [Show full text]
  • Reproductive Biology of Aloe Peglerae
    THE REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY AND HABITAT REQUIREMENTS OF ALOE PEGLERAE, A MONTANE ENDEMIC ALOE OF THE MAGALIESBERG MOUNTAIN RANGE, SOUTH AFRICA Gina Arena 0606757V A Dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science Johannesburg, South Africa June 2013 DECLARATION I declare that this Dissertation is my own, unaided work. It is being submitted for the Degree of Master of Science at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. It has not been submitted before for any degree or examination at any other University. Gina Arena 21 day of June 2013 Supervisors Prof. C.T. Symes Prof. E.T.F. Witkowski i ABSTRACT In this study I investigated the reproductive biology and pollination ecology of Aloe peglerae, an endangered endemic succulent species of the Magaliesberg Mountain Range in South Africa. The aim was to determine the pollination system of A. peglerae, the effects of flowering plant density on plant reproduction and the suitable microhabitat conditions for this species. Aloe peglerae possesses floral traits that typically conform to the bird-pollination syndrome. Pollinator exclusion experiments showed that reproduction is enhanced by opportunistic avian nectar-feeders, mainly the Cape Rock-Thrush (Monticola rupestris) and the Dark- capped Bulbul (Pycnonotus tricolor). Insect pollinators did not contribute significantly to reproductive output. Small-mammals were observed visiting flowers at night, however, the importance of these visitors as pollinators was not quantified in this study. Interannual variation in flowering patterns dictated annual flowering plant densities in the population. The first flowering season represented a typical mass flowering event resulting in high seed production, followed by a second low flowering year of low seed production.
    [Show full text]
  • Contributions to the Systematics and Biocultural Value of Aloe L
    SUMMARY Contributions to the systematics and biocultural value of Aloe L. (Asphodelaceae) Olwen Megan Grace Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree PHILOSOPHIAE DOCTOR in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (Department of Plant Science) University of Pretoria March 2009 Supervisor: Prof. Dr. A. E. van Wyk Co-Supervisor: Prof. Dr. G. F. Smith This thesis focuses on the biocultural value of Aloe L. (Asphodelaceae), the influence of utility on taxonomic complexity and conservation concern, and the systematics and phylogeny of section Pictae, the spotted or maculate group. The first comprehensive ethnobotanical study of Aloe (excluding the cultivated A. vera) was undertaken using the literature as a surrogate for data gathered by interview methods. Over 1400 use records representing 173 species were gathered, the majority (74%) of which described medicinal uses, including species used for natural products such as A. ferox Mill. and A. perryi Baker. In southern Africa, 53% of approximately 120 Aloe species in the region are used for health and wellbeing. Homogeneity in the literature was quantified using consensus analysis; consensus ratios showed that, overall, uses of Aloe spp. for medicine and invertebrate pest control are of the greatest biocultural importance. The rich ethnobotanical history and contemporary value of Aloe substantiate the need for conservation to mitigate the risks of exploitation and habitat loss. A systematic evaluation of the problematic maculate species complex, section Pictae Salm-Dyck, was undertaken. In a phylogenetic study, new sequences were acquired of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS), chloroplast trnL intron, trnL–F spacer 131 and matK gene in 29 maculate species of Aloe .
    [Show full text]
  • Determination of Sustainability of Aloe Harvesting Empowerment Project in the Emnambithi (Former Ladysmith) Municipality, Kwazulu Natal
    DETERMINATION OF SUSTAINABILITY OF ALOE HARVESTING EMPOWERMENT PROJECT IN THE EMNAMBITHI (FORMER LADYSMITH) MUNICIPALITY, KWAZULU NATAL by DONNETTE ROSS MINI-DISSERTATION Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree MAGISTER SCIENTAE in ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT in the FACULTY OF SCIENCE at the UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG Supervisor: Dr. J.M. Meeuwis December 2005 Page vi TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT ............................................................................................................................................................ i OPSOMMING......................................................................................................................................................... iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .................................................................................................................................... v PART 1: INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................. 1 1.1 BACKGROUND INFORMATION ...................................................................................................... 1 1.1.1 POVERTY IN AFRICA ............................................................................................................................... 1 1.1.2 POVERTY IN SOUTH AFRICA ................................................................................................................... 3 1.1.3 PROPOSED SOLUTION FOR POVERTY RELIEF IN THE EMNAMBITHI - LADYSMITH MUNICIPALITY
    [Show full text]
  • Aloe Names Book
    S T R E L I T Z I A 28 the aloe names book Olwen M. Grace, Ronell R. Klopper, Estrela Figueiredo & Gideon F. Smith SOUTH AFRICAN national biodiversity institute SANBI Pretoria 2011 S T R E L I T Z I A This series has replaced Memoirs of the Botanical Survey of South Africa and Annals of the Kirstenbosch Botanic Gardens which SANBI inherited from its predecessor organisations. The plant genus Strelitzia occurs naturally in the eastern parts of southern Africa. It comprises three arborescent species, known as wild bananas, and two acaulescent species, known as crane flowers or bird-of-paradise flowers. The logo of the South African National Biodiversity Institute is based on the striking inflorescence of Strelitzia reginae, a native of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal that has become a garden favourite worldwide. It symbol- ises the commitment of the Institute to champion the exploration, conservation, sustainable use, appreciation and enjoyment of South Africa’s exceptionally rich biodiversity for all people. TECHNICAL EDITOR: S. Whitehead, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew DESIGN & LAYOUT: E. Fouché, SANBI COVER DESIGN: E. Fouché, SANBI FRONT COVER: Aloe khamiesensis (flower) and A. microstigma (leaf) (Photographer: A.W. Klopper) ENDPAPERS & SPINE: Aloe microstigma (Photographer: A.W. Klopper) Citing this publication GRACE, O.M., KLOPPER, R.R., FIGUEIREDO, E. & SMITH. G.F. 2011. The aloe names book. Strelitzia 28. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Citing a contribution to this publication CROUCH, N.R. 2011. Selected Zulu and other common names of aloes from South Africa and Zimbabwe.
    [Show full text]