Original Research
A preliminary survey of primitive crops cultivated in the northern Transvaal of South Africa
Submitted: 03 November 1983 | Published: 06 November 1983
About the author(s)
T. H. Arnold, Botanical Research Institute, Department of Agriculture, South AfricaK. J. Musil, Botanical Research Institute, Department of Agriculture, South Africa
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The different tribal economies of South Africa rely extensively on a number of primitive crop taxa which are cultivated as a primary food source. The most important of these include Sorghum bicolor, Pennisetum americanum, Citrullus lanatus, Lagenaria siceraria, Vigna unguiculata, Voandzeia subterranea and Hibiscus esculentus.
Morphological variation within these and a number of less important crops is discussed. The frequency with which each crop is grown and preference ratings allotted to them by individual tribal families are compared between the three major ethnic regions of the northern Transvaal. Factors which determine preferences are also discussed and suggestions made relating to germ plasm conservation.
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Crossref Citations
1. A review of ethnobotanical research in southern Africa
B.-E. van Wyk, J. van Staden
South African Journal of Botany vol: 68 issue: 1 first page: 1 year: 2002
doi: 10.1016/S0254-6299(15)30433-6