Exploring the Ecological and Ethnobotanical Dimensions of Euphorbia hirta (L): Insights from the Maasai and Meru Ethnic Groups in Tanzania

Euphorbia hirta (E. hirta), commonly known as Asthma weed, is a medicinal plant widely used for its diverse therapeutic properties. Our study addresses gaps in the understanding of its distribution, and ethnobotanical practices of E. hirta in Kisongo and Kikwe wards in the Arusha region of Tanzania, and includes an examination of how land use types and environmental conditions affect its density. Additionally, we explore traditional knowledge and practices related to E. hirta among the Meru and Maasai ethnic groups. We collected data through ecological surveys from 300 plots and ethnobotanical interviews from 154 households. Our results revealed that E. hirta thrives in anthropogenically influenced environments such as settlements and grazing lands. Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests indicate significant differences in E. hirta density among land use types and wards. Generalized Linear Models highlight the impact of environmental factors, with lower elevations, higher precipitation, and temperature positively affecting E. hirta density. Ethnobotanical surveys showed significant differences in the use of E. hirta between the Meru and Maasai ethnic groups, with a high prevalence of use for urinary tract infections and respiratory conditions. We underscore the need for targeted conservation strategies and the integration of traditional knowledge into modern healthcare practices to ensure the sustainable use and conservation of E. hirta, benefiting both biodiversity and community health.