An Exploratory Study on Contributing Factors to the Extinction of Indigenous Plants in South Africa

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the contributing factors to the extinction of indigenous plants in South Africa. This was due to the evident depletion and loss of indigenous plants in most rural areas in South Africa. This study adopted qualitative research approach with exploratory design. Seminal studies on this subject were purposely collected using keywords extracted from the research topic. Again, Textual Content Analysis was used to analyse the collected data. The results of this study, confirms that indigenous plants are threatened by the human-induced and natural factors. The most notable human factors are the methods of procuring the plant materials, whereas the natural factors are mainly erratic rainfall and rising temperature patterns This study recommends urgent conservation measures such as proper harvesting methods and documentation of indigenous knowledge to mention the least, should be introduced and those that already exist should be properly used in order to prevent the loss of indigenous plants. Advance initiatives are needed to inform policy on adaptation and coping with the factors that contribute to the extinction of indigenous plants.