Taxonomic diversity and uses of the flora of Kitui county, Kenya

• In total, 101 informants were interviewed, reporting the uses of 232 plants. • There were significant differences in botanical knowledge between individuals with different education levels ( p = 0.0008). • The botanical knowledge and the age of the informants were negatively correlated (−0.1004), and had no significant difference ( p = 0.318). Although plants are important resources for many communities, they have poorly been documented in many countries such as Kenya. A study was conducted in Kitui county, between December 2023 and June 2024, with the objective of documenting the ethnobotanical flora. A total of 101 informants aged 32–96 years comprising 30 females and 71 males were interviewed, reporting the uses of 232 plants from 1783 citations. There were significant differences in botanical knowledge among individuals from different education levels ( p = 0.0008). The botanical knowledge and the age of the informants were negatively correlated (-0.1004), but with no significant difference ( p = 0.318). Fabaceae (30) and Euphorbiaceae (15) were the most speciose among the 67 families documented. Trees (31%) were the best represented growth habits. Medicinal uses were the best represented in terms of citations (57 %), followed by food uses (16 %) and technological uses (13 %). Cassia abbreviata (URs = 80, RFCs = 0.69, FCs = 69, CVe = 0.173), Vachellia nilotica (67, 0.583, 60, 0.211), and Albizia anthelmintica (41, 0.388, 40, 0.052) were the most cited among all the species. Barks/leaves (26 %) were the most reported medicinal parts, while fruits (58 %) were the best represented edible parts. Among the 17 disease categories documented, infections/infestations (28 %) had the majority of the URs, followed by gastrointestinal conditions (19 %). In terms of ethnobotanical indices, Cassia abbreviata was the best represented species (FCs = 32, URs = 38, RFCs = 0.582), followed by Vachellia nilotica (28, 30, 0.509). Ethnoveterinary (0.83) uses had the best ICF followed by infections/infestations (0.68). The best medicinal FLs were recovered for Azadirachta indica (100) and Entada leptostachya (100), applied against infections/infestations and sensory disorders, respectively. This study contributes towards conservation of biodiversity and cultural heritage in Kitui county.