Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the role of homegardens for in situ conservation of plant biodiversity in Holeta Town. In the garden data collection 75 homegardens were randomly selected. Ethnobotanical data were collected using homegarden observation, semi-structured interviews and market survey. Data were analyzed using preference ranking, direct matrix ranking, and descriptive statistics. A total of 112 plant species belonging to 93 genera and 43 families were identified which were classified to 14 functional groups. Out of which, 49 species (43%) were herbs, 32 species (29 %) were trees, 28 species (25 %) were shrubs, and (3%) species were climbers. Further analysis of the results showed that 70 species were cultivated, 35 were wild while 7 species were Ethiopia domesticated. Of the cultivated species, 41.07% were food crops and 58.93% were non-food crops. Family Fabaceae consisted of the highest number of species (11 species), whereas Ensete ventricosum was the most frequently occurring species (93.75%) in the homegardens of the area. Garden was managed by males (47.93%) and females (38.41%). Of the total plant species, 13% were medicinal plants, out of which 33.33% were nutraceutical plants. Direct matrix analysis showed that Juniperus procera was the most important versatile species followed by Cordia africana. These results indicate that homegardens studied play a crucial role in food security of the households and conservation in situ of these plant resources. However, insufficient agricultural support, small- sized gardens and the shifting of polycultural farming to few income generating food crops affect the diversity of species.

Key words: plant biodiversity, homegarden, hotspot, In situ conservation, indigenous knowledge.