The Kingdom of Swaziland is endowed with a great variety of plant species which may be attributed to the different geo-climatic features of the country. Swaziland is one of the countries in Africa where the overall plant diversity is said to be at the highest level. Swaziland’s biodiversity presently provides substantial benefits for it’s people
The conservation of biodiversity is recognized as a global issue, requiring global attention and appropriate action. Countries are dependant upon each other’s biodiversity and the loss of biodiversity anywhere in the world, represents a loss to all mankind.
Each year, thousands of indigenous plants are gathered from Bushveld, grasslands and forests, putting severe pressure on the species collected. In addition, the habitat in which these species occur is shrinking as more and more natural vegetation is destroyed, for agriculture, fuel, timber, industry and human settlements.
Many of the plants collected in Swaziland are used for medicinal purpose. Research has shown that the massive demand for bark, roots and whole plants from wild populations is causing a critical decline in population numbers of some species and may lead to numerous extinctions.
It is estimated that about 80% of the Swazi population resort to traditional medicine for their health care needs. Traditional medicine is embraced by many people because it is accessible, affordable and it is interwoven with the culture of the people. These medicinal plants are usually collected from the “wild” without any consideration for conservation and many, therefore, are threatened with extinction.

Objectives of Summerfield Botanical Garden