Abstract:
Prunus africana is an important medicinal plant and its population is declining in most of its
natural range because of over-exploitation. Its bark is processed by pharmaceutical companies
in Europe to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). Little is known about the status of
Prunus africana in Malawi. Therefore, the research was conducted to investigate the
population structure, soil preference, and phytochemicals of Prunus africana in Nyika National
Park, Malawi and Nyika National Park, Zambia. The data was collected using belt transects.
Data on species name, height (m), dbh (cm), canopy cover, soil and tree bark samples were
collected at random. The data was analysed using GenStat, past 4.03, Mintab and PC-ORD
statistical software. The study recorded 5 trees/ha in both study sites. Juniper Forest had the
highest mean density (14 trees/ha) while Manyenjere Forest recorded a density of (4 trees/ha).
There were more mature trees than saplings and seedlings across the study area, and
Manyenjere had no seedlings at all. This was attributed to the thick canopy cover in
Manyenjere, as the species is a light demander. Soil analysis revealed that all essential elements
(Ca, N, Mg, pH, and C) were the same in both sites except phosphorus which varied
significantly (p<0.05) between the Juniper Forest (9.01±4.7 mg/kg) and Manyenjere Forest
(3.83 ±3.4 mg/kg). Most phytochemical compounds known to treat BPH such as β-sitostenone,
γ-Sitosterol, ursolic acid, and Apigenin 6-c--glucoside were detected. It was concluded that both
sites are dominated by mature trees with very little or no recruitment at all which is due to
limited disturbances (Geldenhuys and Venter 2002). It was, therefore, recommended that
pruning in thick forest be promoted to allow light into the forest floor to trigger regeneration.
Further research to assess the impacts of pests on the regeneration of Prunus africana is
needed
