Two biotypes of the invasive species, Chromolaena odorata are known to be present in Africa, viz. the Asian/West African biotype (AWAB) and the southern African biotype (SAB). Although the phytochemistry, ethnomedicinal and ethnopharmacological relevance of the AWAB has been elucidated, the SAB plants have received little or no attention.
Salacia reticulata Thw. (Celastraceae) is widely used in traditional systems of medicine for the natural control of diabetics. However, S. reticulate is obtained from the wild and hence its popular use creates a huge pressure on its limited supply.