Ethnobotanical Uses, Perceived Availability and Implications for the Conservation of Pavetta crassipes K. Schum. in Benin

Medicinal plants are central to rural health systems and livelihoods in sub-Saharan Africa, yet increasing exploitation threatens their persistence. Pavetta crassipes K. Schum., a shrub widely used in West African savannas, provides remedies for numerous ailments but remains poorly documented in Benin. This study aimed to fill that gap by documenting local knowledge, uses, and conservation perspectives of Pavetta crassipes across all twelve departments of Benin. Data were collected through structured interviews with 582 households and 87 herbal tea sellers, focusing on plant parts used, therapeutic applications, availability, and management strategies. Respondents reported its use in the treatment of about 43 diseases, with leaves being the most frequently cited organ (84.2%). Despite its cultural and medicinal importance, respondents reported declining availability due to bushfires (24%) and leaf marketing (20%), followed by climate change (17%), leaf collection (13%), and tree felling (11%). Conservation strategies mentioned by local communities included planting (26%) and restricting destructive harvesting practices (21%). These findings highlight the dual role of Pavetta crassipes as both a critical health resource and a vulnerable species facing anthropogenic pressures. This study establishes a baseline ethnobotanical database and highlights the need to integrate local practices into conservation planning to secure the future of medicinal plant resources.