An Ethnobotanical Study of Swamp Wetland Vegetation in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya

Abstract

Ethnobotanical knowledge associated with wetland plants in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya, was assessed and docu- mented. Data on the uses of plants, their local names, and parts used were collected through semi-structured inter- views. Fifty wild plant species distributed across 45 gen- era and 23 families were cited as having traditional uses in the area. Of these, 26 were used as fodder, 14 as medi- cine, 12 as firewood, 9 as food, and 11 for construction. Some, like Cyperus papyrus L. and Acacia seyal Delile, had multiple uses. Thirty-one plants (62%) of the total re- corded were herbs, 13 (26%) shrubs, 3 (6%) trees, and 3 (6%) climbers. Various plant parts were used for different purposes. Medicinal plants were useful in treating a total of 19 ailments and had various methods of preparation.