A REVIEW OF DASISPERMUM SUFFRUTICOSUM (APIACEAE): TRADITIONAL USES, PHYTOCHEMICAL POTENTIAL, AND PROSPECTS FOR FOOD SECURITY IN THE EASTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA

Dasispermum suffruticosum is a unique coastal wild species indigenous to South Africa, and belongs to the Apiaceae family. Recently, wild herbs and underutilized crops have gained interest in addressing global challenges, such as food security, nutrition, and sustainability. Food security and climate change cause constraints on developing countries, especially in Africa, where the growing population depends on agriculture for survival. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the plant’s ethnobotanical significance, highlighting its various applications in indigenous medicine, and culinary practices. In addition, the potential role of this plant in enhancing food security is examined, with an emphasis on its adaptability to local climates, potential for sustainable cultivation, and nutritional benefits. The literature search on existing information on traditional uses, botanical, and distribution properties of D. suffruticosum was conducted using online databases, such as Google, Google Scholar, PubMed, and ScienceDirect, as well as numerous books and unpublished data. Contributeso emphasizes how important it is to conduct additional research into the plant’s pharmacological properties, its integration into modern agricultural practices, and its potential to contribute to the broader goals of biodiversity conservation in the Eastern Cape and unlock its full potential.