Abstract

Ficus exasperata Vahl is a tree species that provides economic values, ecological support and it delivers high level ecosystem services to several communities. Africa, Asia, and South America are part of the continents where it is widely distributed. In this study an ethnobotanical survey was conducted to determine the different uses of this species and how the uses might result into decline of its population. Local people were interviewed in Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State Nigeria. Their demographic information and their knowledge of the uses of this species was documented. This study revealed a wide range of local uses of this species which includes uses for timber, medicinal uses, local insecticides etc. But the most mentioned use category was medicinal uses and use for washing pot for households. It is a common plant species within the study area as antimalarial and antihypertensive plant. This study recommend sustainable utilization and regeneration of Ficus exsperata so as to keep the continuity of its uses. It is also recommended that intense study on how to process the plant species into pharmaceutical products for diseases locally treated with the plants should be considered.