Namibia’s Medicinal Plants: Traditional Knowledge, Conservation and World Wildlife Day 2026

Why World Wildlife Day 2026 Focuses on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants

Medicinal and aromatic plants underpin traditional healthcare for billions of people worldwide. The World Health Organisation estimates that in many developing countries, 70 to 95 per cent of the population relies on traditional medicine for primary care. Globally, between 50,000 and 70,000 plant species are harvested for medicinal and aromatic use, and more than one-fifth are listed as threatened. Habitat loss, overharvesting, climate change and unregulated trade are driving their decline, highlighting both widespread dependence and urgent conservation need.

Observed each year on 3 March, World Wildlife Day marks the signing of CITES in 1973 and celebrates wild species and their conservation. The 2026 theme focuses on “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods”. While charismatic mammals and birds frequently dominate conservation narratives, medicinal and aromatic plants underpin primary healthcare systems, cultural practices and local economies worldwide.

What is the theme for World Wildlife Day 2026?

World Wildlife Day 2026 is observed on 3 March and focuses on “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods.” The theme highlights the critical role that medicinal and aromatic pl

Which medicinal plants are found at Okonjima Nature Reserve?

Three key medicinal species are found within the Reserve: camphor bush (Tarchonanthus camphoratus), leadwood (Combretum imberbe) and shepherd’s tree (Boscia albitrunca). Each has a documented history of ethnomedicinal use across southern Africa and performs essential ecological functions within Namibia’s savanna ecosystems.

What is the shepherd's tree and why is it significant?

The shepherd’s tree (Boscia albitrunca) is known as the “Tree of Life” in Namibia. It is drought-resistant, evergreen and has a deep root system that accesses underground water reserves. It provides fodder for wildlife and livestock, edible parts for humans and a variety of traditional remedies, making it one of the most valuable trees in semi-arid southern Africa.

How does conserving medicinal plants support biodiversity?

Medicinal plants are not only valuable to human health — they are integral to the ecosystems they inhabit. Savanna tree species stabilise soils, regulate microclimates and provide habitat and forage for wildlife. Protecting medicinal plants at Okonjima and across Namibia is an investment in both ecological resilience and the long-term sustainability of traditional healthcare.

Medicinal Plants in Namibia’s Savanna

During the COVID pandemic, botanical knowledge became critical for one family. Tate Shuimwefeleni Hituamata, a long-serving Okonjima employee, fell seriously ill at a time when health facilities were under strain. His prognosis appeared uncertain, due to limited hospital capacity, he was sent home. With restricted access to formal medical care, his wife, Meme Wilemina Hituamata, turned to plant-based remedies drawn from decades of lived experience on the land.

Three species were central to her response: camphor bush (Tarchonanthus camphoratus), leadwood (Combretum imberbe) and shepherd’s tree (Boscia albitrunca). All three are found within the Reserve and are not only characteristic components of the savanna ecosystems, but have a documented history of ethnomedicinal use across southern Africa.

Camphor Bush, Leadwood and Shepherd’s Tree

Camphor bush, locally referred to as omùtiatúpà in Otjiherero and Oshiwambo, is an aromatic shrub or small tree occurring in savanna and grassland habitats. Traditionally, leaf infusions and decoctions are used to treat coughs, bronchitis, abdominal pain and toothache. Inhalation of smoke from burning leaves is also employed to relieve headaches and sinus congestion. The species is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, reflecting its broad distribution and relative abundance.

The leadwood tree, known as omumboronbonga in Otjiherero and omukuku in Oshiwambo, is a slow-growing savanna species that can live for up to 1,000 years. It is valued for its dense timber and broad canopy, which provides shade and nesting habitat for numerous animal species. It is used in treating gastrointestinal and respiratory ailments. Although assessed as Least Concern, its slow growth rate makes it vulnerable to unsustainable harvesting in some regions.

The shepherd’s tree, omutendereti in Otjiherero and omunkunzi in Oshiwambo, is particularly significant in Namibia. It is often termed the “Tree of Life” because it is drought-resistant and evergreen, with a deep root system that enables access to groundwater reserves. The trees frequently occur in association with termite mounds, where elevated nutrient availability enhances growth. The species provides fodder for livestock and wildlife, edible roots and buds for humans and a range of traditional remedies. It is also listed as Least Concern owing to its broad distribution.

In caring for her husband, Meme Wilemina prepared two treatments. Leaves from a camphor bush and leadwood were crushed together and boiled in water for up to an hour. After cooling, the decoction was administered at a dosage of two tablespoons three times daily. In addition, shepherd’s tree leaves were finely crushed and placed in a cloth bag, through which Tate Shuimwefeleni inhaled and exhaled for several minutes at a time. According to the family, these treatments supported his recovery, and he was able to regain his health.

“I have lived in this land for over 50 years, and I know the trees and plants. The remedies we use have been part of our lives for generations, and they have always helped us in times of need.” – Tate Shuimwefeleni Hituamata

Traditional Knowledge and Scientific Evidence

From a medical standpoint, an individual’s recovery cannot be interpreted as proof of efficacy and would require rigorous clinical evaluation. Promisingly, though several studies have corroborated the bioactive properties in the plant species Tate Shuimwefeleni and his wife used. For example, studies of shepherd’s tree and camphor bush have investigated their use in treating respiratory conditions, while leadwood trees have been associated with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatoryproperties. The integration of Indigenous and local knowledge with formal scientific research remains an important area for both healthcare and conservation science.

Conservation of Medicinal Plants and Ecological Resilience

Beyond their direct use in traditional medicine, these species perform essential ecological functions within savanna ecosystems. Woody plants stabilise soils, influence microclimates, provide forage and create structural habitat for wildlife. In semi-arid systems such as central Namibia, slow growth rates and variable recruitment make many tree species sensitive to habitat degradation and unsustainable extraction.

The 2026 World Wildlife Day theme highlights that conserving medicinal and aromatic plants is an investment in ecological and human resilience. Protecting these species supports biodiversity, sustains livelihoods and maintains the biological foundations of primary healthcare for millions of people. It also requires responsible harvesting practices, habitat conservation and the recognition and preservation of Indigenous and local knowledge.

For educational purposes only. The traditional remedies described are not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional. Harvest responsibly.