Folklore medicinal uses of Hagenia abyssinica (Bruce) J.F. Gmel to treat human ailments by Guji Oromo tribes in Abaya District, Borana Zone, Oromia Regional State Ethiopia

Study of folklore uses of medicinal plants were carried out to collect information on the medicinal uses of Hagenia abyssinica (Bruce) J.F. Gmel. of family Rosaceae The study was conducted among the communities of Abaya district of Borana zone, Oromia, Ethiopia. This study provides insight into the medicinal importance of H. abyssinica as well as the degree of threat on its population. The study was conducted using group discussions, interviews, observation, questionnaire and a local market survey. A total of 48 people were interviewed among whom elderly and traditional healers were the key informants. Communities in the study sites still depend on H. abyssinica for medicine. All plant parts are used to treat different aliments. Informants in all sites knew H. abyssinica, and identified under the local name ‘Hexxo’. About 42 (87.5%) (34 male and 8 female) of the respondents are able to differentiate between male and female trees. 38 (79.2%) of respondents explained that parts of H. abyssinica collected in the morning time could have strong and effective medicinal properties. Informants stated that October to February as the ‘best time’ for plant parts collection. This particular study confirms that parts of H. abyssinica are used against 14 human ailments among the communities of Abaya district. In spite of its significance, interest in utilizing flowers of H. abyssinica as an anthelmintic seems to be diminishing, notably among young people. This is partly because the medicine can be harmful when it is taken in large quantities. Nowadays, this medicinal tree species is endangered primarily due to various anthropogenic impacts. This in turn may become a threat for the associated knowledge. It is recommended to assist communities in documenting their traditional knowledge. Measures for conserving species are urgently needed.