Download (MAPs) IN LEBANON

CONSERVATION GUIDELINE FOR MEDICINAL
AND AROMATIC PLANTS (MAPs) IN LEBANON
GEF-UNDP-LARI, 2013. Conservation guideline for medicinal and
aromatic plants (MAPs) in Lebanon. Mainstreaming Biodiversity
Management into Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) Production
Processes in Lebanon Project. Funded by the Global Environment
Facility, implemented by the United Nations Development Program
(UNDP) and Lebanese Agricultural Research Institute (LARI), Beirut.
BACKGROUND
This technical document was produced
with the framework of the project
“Mainstreaming Biodiversity Management
into Medicinal and Aromatic Plants
(MAPs)
Production
Processes
in
Lebanon”, funded by the Global
Environment Facility, and executed by the
Lebanese Agriculture Research Institute
and the UNDP, in coordination and
cooperation with the Lebanese Ministry of
Agriculture. The project objective was to
integrate conservation objectives into
gathering, processing and marketing of
globally significant medicinal and aromatic
plants (MAP).
The project worked on both a macro level
(national scale) and a micro level (pilot
sites scale). On the national front the
project actively sought to develop and
strengthen the enabling environment for
sustainable use of MAPs. The project
identified regulatory gaps and constraints
that had implications for sustainable
utilization and value chain of MAP
resources. Accordingly, several strategic
interventions were implemented on the
institutional framework. On the pilot site
level, the project worked in four sites
(Mejdel-Akkar, Assia-Batroun, HsaratJbiel and Mrusti-Chouf). These four pilot
sites were considered as experimental
sites for developing sustainable harvesting
standards,
for
developing
and
implementing value-added processing and
product improvement, for MAP based
product marketing and sales and for
certification and branding. The pilot sites
informed
the
regulative
framework
(through scientific findings with respect to
sustainable harvest standards), informed
MAP business development at the
national level and they showcased how to
increase the profitability of commercial
MAP products.
The project focused on seven target MAP
species: Salvia fruticosa, Origanum
syriacum, Origanum ehrenbergii, Althaea
damascena, Cyclotrichium origanifolium,
Viola
libanotica
and
Clinopodium
libanoticum. The species were selected
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based on their endemism (regional or
national), estimated volume of commercial
trade (domestic and international), and
perceived
decline
in
wild-collected
populations. Four of these target species
(Origanum
syriacum,
Origanum
ehrenbergii, Althaea damascena, and
Cyclotrichium origanifolium) are regional
or national endemic species that were
selected based on expert opinion that
direct harvest pressure (intentional
collection of the species for existing
markets) is a factor contributing to decline
in resource availability in Lebanon. Two
of these target species (Viola libanotica
and
Clinopodium
libanoticum)
are
endemic to Lebanon and were selected
based on expert opinion that these
species could be endangered by indirect
(unintentional)
collection
of
wild
populations because of their resemblance
to the commercially important congeneric
species V. odorata and M. myrtifolia (syn.
juliana).
The seventh target species
(Salvia fruticosa) is a regional endemic
species selected based on the large
existing commercial wild-collection and
observed negative impacts of wild harvest
of this species on other more vulnerable
species.
Lebanon benefits from a rich biodiversity
of more than 4,500 plant species, 2,863 of
which considered native and an
endemism rate of 12%. Medicinal and
aromatic plants (MAPs) represent an
important part of the natural wealth in
Lebanon. There are more than 300 MAP
species found and utilized in Lebanon
tens of which are endemic. MAPs provide
additional sources of income for rural
communities across the country as there
is a long tradition of using MAPs as raw
material for traditional remedies, recipes,
handcrafts, essential oil and distilled
water.
The MAP sector in Lebanon suffers from
three different challenges but equally
damaging. The first two challenges are
directly linked with the wild MAPs which
currently supply the majority of the MAP
market. First, the heightened demand for
some MAP species has been met by
unsustainable harvesting which has and
will continue to have significant impact on
the long term survival of these species.
Second, habitat loss, damage and
fragmentation as well as fires and climate
change have and will continue to place
significant threat and pressure on the wild
MAP resource. The third challenge is the
lack of management knowledge for many
species because despite the immense
value of MAP for Lebanon, only few
species have been properly investigated
and studies from an ecological, social and
economic dimensions and also very few
have been valorized and integrated into
full market chains. Lebanon requires an
effective strategy for medicinal and
aromatic
plants
which
directs
management actions on a species by
species level in one or several directions
including wild harvesting, cultivation, and
conservation.
2|Page
The
GEF-UNDP-LARI
project
“Mainstreaming Biodiversity Management
into Medicinal and Aromatic Plants
(MAPs)
Production
Processes
in
Lebanon”
has
developed
and
implemented a step by step approach for
conserving and managing seven targeted
medicinal and aromatic plants.
The
project’s experience and tools developed
can serve a piloted guideline to be
expanded and adopted to all MAPs in
Lebanon.
This document provides a
schematic
representation
of
the
recommended approach for managing
MAPs in Lebanon with tools developed
and implemented by the project that
provide technical support for each step
outlines.
The last section of this
document
includes
a
detailed
conservation guideline for the seven
project target MAP species.
SCHEMATIC REPRESENTATION OF THE RECOMMENDED
APPROACH FOR MANAGING MAPS IN LEBANON
Identified Wild plant
Step 1: Assess and identify Potential Use
Determine the plants use and parts used through: (i) literature review, (ii) enthnobotanical assessments and (ii) lab
analysis (chemical, morphological, anatomical)
Yes
No
Step 2: Assess Market Potential
No
Identify the most commercially important MAPs for both domestic and international
markets based on studies and market investigations
Yes
Step 3: Assess Suitability for sustainable wild harvesting
Further investigation for
conservation and
management upon
availability of resources
Assess if wild harvesting of the plant does jeopardizing its existence in the wild
Yes
Wild harvesting
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No
Cultivation
1.
Conserve wild gene
bank
2.
Capacity building for
cultivation
3.
Business development
and impletion
RECOMMENDED PROJECT REFERENCE FOR EACH STEP OF THE PROPOSED APPROACH FOR
MANAGING MAPS IN LEBANON
STEP
Potential Use
Assessment
Market Potential
Assessment
Suitability for
sustainable wild
harvesting
Assessment
POTENTIAL CONCERNED/
INTERESTED ENTITY
• Government
• MAP based product
companies
• Research institutions
• Cooperatives
• CBE’s
•
•
•
•
Government
Companies
Cooperatives
CBE’s
• Government
• NGO
• Research institutions
REFERENCE PROJECT OUTPUT
1. Categorized list of the most important wild medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) in
Lebanon
1. Categorized list of the most important wild Lebanese medicinal and aromatic plants
(MAPs)
2. International market study for selected medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) in Lebanon
(Alcea sps, Micromeria sps, Origanum sps, Satureia sps, Thymus sps, Viola sps, Thymbra
spicata, Salvia fruticosa, Cyclotrichium origanifolium)
3. Assessment of suitability for sustainable wild harvesting for selected medicinal and
aromatic plants (MAPs) in Lebanon (Salvia fruticosa, Origanum syriacum, Althaea
damascena, Cyclotrichium origanifolium, Origanum ehrenbergii, Viola libanotica,
Clinopodium libanoticum)
4. National distribution surveys, mapping and population assessments for selected
medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) in Lebanon (Salvia fruticosa, Origanum syriacum,
Althaea damascena, Cyclotrichium origanifolium, Origanum ehrenbergii, Viola libanotica,
Clinopodium libanoticum, Thymbra spicata, Satureja thymbra)
Assessment and
Monitoring
• Government
• NGO
• Research institutions
5. Monographs for selected medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) in Lebanon (Salvia
fruticosa, Origanum syriacum, Althaea damascena, Cyclotrichium origanifolium, Origanum
ehrenbergii, Viola libanotica, Clinopodium libanoticum)
6. Salvia fruticosa “sage” population and species characteristics under wild conditions in
Lebanon
4|Page
STEP
POTENTIAL CONCERNED/
INTERESTED ENTITY
REFERENCE PROJECT OUTPUT
7. Origanum syriacum “Oregano” population and species characteristics under wild
conditions in Lebanon
8. Developing sustainable wild harvesting standards for Salvia fruticosa “sage” and
Origanum syriacum “Oregano” in Lebanon
9. Developing sustainable wild harvesting standards for Laurus nobilis in Lebanon
10. Legal study on the existing institutional and legislative framework that affects the
medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) sector in Lebanon
Conservation and
Management
• Government
• NGO
• Research institutions
11. Establishing national standard for “Zaatar” in Lebanon
12. Draft IUCN Redlist conservation assessment reports for selected medicinal and
aromatic plants (MAPs) in Lebanon (Salvia fruticosa, Origanum syriacum, Althaea
damascena, Cyclotrichium origanifolium, Origanum ehrenbergii, Viola libanotica,
Clinopodium libanoticum)
•
•
•
Capacity Building and
Awareness Raising
5|Page
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Government
NGO
Research institutions
Schools
General public
Companies
Cooperatives
CBE’s
Ministerial decision (179/1, 2012) and permit for the wild harvesting, transport and trade
of sage and oregano in Lebanon
Draft decree for medicinal and aromatic plants conservation and management in
Lebanon
Lebanese national standard (LIBNOR) for Salvia fruticosa
13. Sustainable wild harvesting training material for Salvia fruticosa “sage” and Origanum
syriacum “Oregano” in Lebanon
•
•
•
“To keep on harvesting sage and oregano”: Training documentary on sustainable wild
harvesting in Lebanon
Illustrated guideline for best practices in medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs)
harvesting and post harvesting
Illustrated identification guide for selected medicinal and aromatic (MAPs) plants in
Lebanon
STEP
POTENTIAL CONCERNED/
INTERESTED ENTITY
REFERENCE PROJECT OUTPUT
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Government
NGO
Companies
Cooperatives
CBE’s
14. Management planning for medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) community based
enterprises in Lebanon
15. Management of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) community based enterprises
with special emphasis on marketing and sales
16. Good Hygiene practices (GHP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) training
material for medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs)
Business development
and implementation
17. Cultivation feasibility based on Origanum syriacum “Oregano” cultivation demonstration
plots
•
•
•
•
Monitoring and
adaptive management
6|Page
Selected medicinal and aromatic plants within the Medicinal plants project in Lebanon
brochure
Origanum syriacum “Oregano” brochure
• Government
• NGO
• Research institutions
Enterprise/cooperative management plans for the four project pilot sites (Mejdel, Assia,
Hsarat, Mrusti)
Business plan for Origanum syriacum “Oregano” community based enterprises
Business plan for Salvia fruticosa “Sage” community based enterprises
Business plans for the four project pilot sites (Mejdel, Assia, Hsarat, Mrusti)
18. Guideline for developing national management and monitoring plans for medicinal and
aromatic plant in Lebanon: Case studies: Salvia fruticosa “sage” and Origanum syriacum
“Oregano”
CONSERVATION GUIDELINES Origanum syriacum
Origanum syriacum
Latin name
Synonyms
Lebanese
vernacular
name
Other species
included in the
vernacular
name
Common
name(s)
Origanum syriacum L
Majorana syriaca (L.) Rafin, Origanum maru auct.
Zūbā'; Za'atar
‫ﻣﻧﺎﻗﻳﺵ ﺍﻭ ﺯﻭﺑﺎﻉ ﺯﻋﺗﺭ‬
What is collectively known as Za’atar in Lebanon refers to
several species from the genus Origanum, Thymus, Satureja
and Thymbra.
Eng. Wild Marjoram, Biblical Hyssop, Lebanese Oregano, Syrian
Oregano
Fr. Hyssop of the Bible
Germ. Echter Staudenmajoram, Syrischer Ysop
Plant
Description
(type and size
of the plant)
and photo of
the target plant
Identification
problems
Potential use
assessment
7|Page
Use (scale and
trend)
•
•
•
•
Type: Perennial, dense, woody base sub shrub
Flowering: Mainly May-July but could extend until December
Height: average 80 cm
Scent: Highly Odoriferous phenolic “Zaatar” smell (mainly
Thymol/carvacrol)
• Stem: Grayish, hairy and erect
• Leaves: Grayish, ovate, thick, hairy
• Inflorescence: Terminal dense oblong spike
• Flower: White
• Additional Info: Entomophilous & Melliferous
• Hybrids: three hybrids: O. barbaræ = O. syriacum x O.
ehrenbergii, O. symeonis = O.syriacum x O. laevigatum and
O. adonidis = O. syriacum x O. libanoticum
In the field, it can be confused with Origanum ehrenbergii, an
endemic species primarily found on sandy soils under pine
forest. Hybrids of O syriacum and O ehrenbergii can also create
some confusion in the field.
Leaves and flowers of O. syriacum are used widely as a food,
flavour, and seasoning ingredient in the traditional cuisine in
Lebanon and throughout the Eastern Mediterranean. Dried, they
are a principal ingredient of Za'atar, used in Lebanon and
exported globally as a topping for breads (Mankousheh). Fresh
shoots are used in salads (Fattouch) or as a fresh topping on
baked breads (Ftyreh). Extracts, essential oils, and volatile oils
from leaves and flowers are used as food flavourings, in clinically
Origanum syriacum
Plant part(s)
collected
Plant part(s)
used / Potential
end products
supported treatments for respiratory and bronchial problems,
and as disinfectants in oral pharmaceuticals. In infusions Za’atar
is used traditionally to stimulate memory, as an analgesic and
sedative, as a remedy for cold, flu and cough, respiratory
problems, hypotension, and to treat a wide range of stomach
and intestinal problems. Za’atar is also used externally in
emollients and antiseptic ointments.
Entire shoot (leaves & flowers)
Leaves and flowers
• Dried pure
• Seasoning
• Dried zaatar mix which includes sesame, sumac, salt
etc.
• Infusion
• Distilled water
• Essential oil
Tender shoots
• Salads and baked local pies
Phenological stage
Pre-flowering
Full bloom
Seed set
Post seed
National Date range
January-April
May-July
August – September
October-December
Average Yield %
1.95%
3.4%
2.2%
1.8%
The following 18 compounds constitute 90% of the
essential oil. Additional 16 unidentified compounds
constitute the remaining 10% of the oil.
8|Page
Leaves &
flowers
Leaves
Post
seed set
Leaves &
flowers
Seed set
Leaves
Plant part distilled
Flowerin
g
Plant stage
Alpha phellanderene
Limoneme
Eucalyptol
Alpha caryophyllene
Caryophyllene oxide
Beta.-phellandrene
Beta.-pinene
Camphene
Preflowering
Essential oil
yield and
profile
Thymol
Carvacrol
Gamma terpinene
Alpha terpinene
Cymene
Beta myrcene
Caryophyllene
Thujone
Alpha thujene
Alpha pinene
Thymol
30.58
19.50
29.68
14.60
Carvacrol
33.31
55.61
41.67
36.40
Cymene
13.08
7.63
13.28
31.49
Origanum syriacum
Use potential
Alpha terpineme
1.87
1.43
1.62
0.53
Gamma terpinene
11.29
5.72
5.73
4.28
Caryophyllene
2.60
2.32
2.79
1.34
Beta myrcene
1.10
1.10
1.03
0.75
Thymol +
carvacrol
63.38
75.11
71.36
51.00
High
The production of O. syriacum is mainly consumed nationally
both as dry pure material and as a zaatar mix. Bakeries that
produce the traditional Mankoushy is considered the biggest
consumer of O. syriacum.
In 2008 the Lebanese export trade value for dried oregano
herbs, zaatar mix, and oregano infusion herbs was
approximately USD 1.9 million. In 2011 the size of this market
was USD 2.4 million (20% increase in 3 years)
Pure oregano
Lebanese production of wild harvested O. syriacum varies
annually between 700 Tons and 800 Tons of dried material
Import/export
The pure Oregano exports represent approximately 25% of the
herbal exprts ( HS 091099)
Trade (scale
and trend)
Mixed Zaatar
Lebanon mainly exports Zaatar Mix to KSA, USA, Canada and
Australia in the decresing order. Lebanon mainly imports Zaatar
Mix from Syria (more than 70%) and Jordan (20%).
In 2011, Lebanon exported USD 1,285,934 (561 Tons) of Zaatar
Mix, representing an annual average increase of 9% in terms of
value and an annual average decrease of 2% in terms of volume
since 2008. Lebanese Zaatar Mix imports rose by more than
14.4% since 2008, reaching 171 Tons in 2011.
Market potential
assessment
Oregano infusions
Lebanese herbal Infusion producers, exported volumes of
Oregano infusions reached 7 Tons in 2011 representing only
0.74% of the exported aromatic plants detailed under HS 121190
while the local consumption is estimated at only 0.5 Ton.
Oregano essential oil & distilled water
Lebanese exports of Oregano Oil represents less than 1% of the
total essential oil exports. Lebanese production of Oregano
distilled water is estimated to be 5,000 liters per year
There is both incentive and commercial potential to formalize
and expand production.
Market
potential /
value added
If significantly higher amounts of this species could be
sustainably harvested from the wild or cultivated, new innovative
products for the regional markets as well as for export promotion
could be envisaged.
A really interesting product concept could be a Lebanese brand
9|Page
Origanum syriacum
National quality
and trade
standard
International
quality and
trade standard
Regulatory
framework,
market access
and
requirements
for export
Market potential
Suitability for
sustainable wild
harvesting
Assessment
No known quality standards or trade specification in:
• Australia
• Canada (Origanum spp. & O. vulgare)
• EU
• India
• Switzerland
• USA (Origanum oil, Spanish oil from Thymus capitatus &
various Organum spp) & Oleoresin origanum
Does not expressly appear on any national positive lists of any of
the selected counties. Some lists, however, non-specifically
allow Origanum spp. which would indicate the allowance to
import and use this species as generic “oregano” in food
products. This is indeed the case for Canada and the United
States, both of which permit any species of Origanum to be used
under the common name “oregano.
• Australia (O. majorana & O. vulgare)
• Canada (Origanum spp. & O. vulagare)
• EU (Origanum cretium, Origanum heracleoticum, Origanum
majorana, Origanum vulgare)
• India (O. majorana)
• South Africa
• Switzerland (O. majorana & O. vulagare)
• USA (Origanum majorana, Origanum vulgare L. ssp. hirtum;
syn.: Origanum heracleoticum auct. non. L.)
High
Low risk (based on 2010 version)
Low risk (based on 2011 Version and new IUCN redlist status)
Recommended
production method
Wild harvesting and cultivation
Geographic
distribution
Habitat and
Ecology under wild
conditions
of the Za'atar mix using Origanum syriacum, among other local
herbs special to Lebanon (e.g. Satureja thymbra or Thymbra
spicata), with sesame seeds and Mediterranean sea salt. If the
condiment mix carried Organic Wild and FairTrade or FairWild
logo designations along with a Lebanese geo-authentic
branding, this could be very interesting for the natural, organic
and ethical trade markets of Europe and North America.
Draft standard NL 677 currently being updated (LIBNOR)
National
distribution
Common in the Levantine region (Southern Turkey, Syria,
Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine) and less common in Cyprus and
Egypt (Sinai).
In Lebanon, it has a continuous north-south distribution between
200 and 1600 m asl on west-facing slopes of the Mount Lebanon
mountain chain where it is widely spread. Its distribution
becomes more scarce in the eastern slopes of Mount Lebanon
and becomes really rare in the internal parts of the country to
being completely absent in the Bekaa agricultural plain
2
Habitat
Description
10 | P a g e
Estimated to occupy approximately 880 km from the estimated
2
suitable habitat range of 2,800 km
Widely spread across different habitats between 200 and 1600
m asl on west facing slopes of the Mount Lebanon chain
Origanum syriacum
(Type,
specificity)
Development
stages
Wooded land (clear wooded land, scrubland, and burnt wooded
land), grassland (dense grassland, clear grassland), and
unproductive areas (bare soils) in Thermomediterranean,
Eumediterranean, Supramediterranean and Mountainous
Mediterranean vegetation levels
The plant is suffrutescent with an annual seasonal cycle. It starts
vegetative annual growth from the woody base parts during early
spring with the development of the tender shoots. Flowering is
initiated during April. Full blooming occurs between May and
July. Later the species shifts to slow growth with secondary
blooming appearing under Mediterranean climate until the first
significant rains of the autumn. This seasonality is allowing one
main harvest during summer. The plant experiences a main
blooming phase followed by the emergence of late blooming of
lateral stems thereafter
Phenological stage
National Date range
Pre-flowering
January-April
Full bloom
May-July
Seed set
August – September
Post seed set
October-December
Estimated population size: 100,000,000 individuals
Average national plant density: 0.22 plants/m
2
Average national plant density for harvestable sites: 0.44
2
plants/m
Plant size class is based on the number of shoots
National
population
characteristics
(Estimated
size, density,
size or ageclass structure)
Percent contribution of different plant size class based on
number of shoots/plant
Size class 0 (herbaceous): 0.00 %
Size class 1 (1-15 shoots): 44.42 %
Size class 2 (16-30 shoots): 31.57 %
Size class 3 (16-30 shoots): 14 %
Size class 4 (46-60 shoots): 7.91 %
Size class 5 (61-75 shoots): 1.72 %
Size class 6 (76-90 shoots): 0.23 %
Size class 7 (91-105 shoots): 0.03 %
Size class 8 (106-120 shoots): 0.10 %
Seed production
• Average 12,855 seeds/plant
• Average 51,292,000 seeds/ha
• Average 4 kg of seeds/ha
Percent weight contribution of different plant parts
Stem
s
37%
Fresh
Leave
Inflorescen
s
ce
33%
30%
Stem
s
39%
Dry
Leave
Inflorescen
s
ce
29%
32%
Average % Net dry weight of leaves and flowers from fresh
weight of whole shoot
11 | P a g e
Origanum syriacum
•
•
Outside harvesting window (February-May): 20%
Within harvesting window (June-October): 30%
Average fresh whole shoot biomass (stems + leaves +
2
Inflorescence) from harvestable sites: 26 g/m
Average dry marketable biomass (leaves and flowers) from
2
harvestable sites: 7 g/m
Reproduction
(vegetative or
by seeds, type
of pollination)
Population
Regeneration
Threats
(causes and
impact)
Conservation and
Management
Conservation
status
Conservation
Actions InPlace
•
•
•
•
Bisexual flowers
Mainly insect pollinated
Population regenerates only through seeds
Seed dispersal occurs at the onset of the first rains in
Autumn
• Estimated germination rate: 0.08%
• Estimated survival rate (1 summer age): 14%
• Estimated survival rate (1 year age): 9.5%
• Estimated survival rate (2 summers age): 9.5%
Early and overharvesting: This species is the most heavily
harvested and traded wild plant in Lebanon. Collectors and
traders report increasing competition for this resource resulting
in increasing harvest intensity and less sustainable practices,
including early and repeated cutting of all new shoots (before
seed set and dispersal). These practices likely reduce population
regeneration potential.
Habitat loss and damage: The stony, calcareous grassland and
degraded forest habitat of this species is declining in area under
expansion of industry (e.g., quarries and mines), urban growth,
and agricultural intensification (e.g, orchards, terrace field crops,
nomadic grazing). Invasive and problematic species also reduce
the habitat suitability. Fire intensity and frequency is increasing
in these habitats.
Climate change: Vulnerability to climate change may be a
concern as well especially due to drought and increased
frequency of fires.
IUCN Red List Assessment:
Near threatened (NT), (IUCN version 3.1)
Wild collection and export of O. syriacum from Lebanon are
regulated by the Ministry of Agriculture (Ministerial Decision
179/1, March 2012). Time and method of harvest are controlled
through a collection approval and permit system implemented by
the Directorate of Rural Development and Natural Resources,
Ministry of Agriculture.
The species distribution appears to overlap with several
protected areas (Bentael Nature Reserve, Jabal Moussa
UNESCO-MAB Biosphere Reserve, and Jabal al Rihane
UNESCO-MAB Biosphere Reserve.
Several sites identified by Radford et al. (2011) as potential
Important Plant Areas in Lebanon (but not yet designated as
such) are likely to include sub-populations of O. syriacum.
Contribution of these sites to conservation of O. syriacum
depends on better information about presence of this species in
these sites and adequate protection of viable subpopulations
within existing or new protected areas.
12 | P a g e
Origanum syriacum
Ex situ accessions of this species are reported in botanic garden
and seed bank collections (Plant Search 2013, Royal Botanic
Gardens Kew Seed Information Database 2008). Cultivation of
this species on a commercial scale in Lebanon may rely heavily
on transplanting wild-sourced young individuals. However, a
seed system is developed and many nurseries are producing
seedling upon demand for cultivation.
Resource & habitat protection: Inclusion of viable
subpopulations in protected areas; protection of wild collection
sites from habitat conversion and degradation
Site/area Management: Implementation of management plans
in areas important for wild collection
Harvest management: Implementation of good collection
practice guidelines
Trade management: Reinforcement of area and resource
management through the national trade permit system
Ex-situ conservation: Development of viable seed and nursery
stock to support a commercial scale of cultivation
Ex-situ Conservation: Ex-situ conservation of in-situ genetic
diversity
Conservation
Actions
Needed
Awareness &Communications: Capacity building for local
collectors, cooperatives, resource managers and consumers
National level legislation: Implementation of the permit system
(Ministerial Decision 179/1, March 2012)
Policies and regulations: Implementation of permit system
(Ministerial Decision 179/1, March 2012)
Private sector standards & codes: Implementation
sustainable wild collection standard through certification
of
National level Compliance and enforcement: Enforcement of
national permit system (Ministerial Decision 179/1, March 2012)
Livelihood, economic & other incentives: Promotion of
increased local benefits for collectors and cooperatives from
implementation of good collection practice guidelines and
management plans
Research /
Monitoring
Needed
13 | P a g e
Research:
• Population size, distribution, trends and regeneration
characteristics: Confirm and expand baseline established
by UNDP-GEF-LARI MAP project
• Harvest, use & livelihoods: Contribution of wild harvest of
this species to local and national economy
• Threats: Confirmation / review of main threats identified
• Area-based Management Plan: Presence of this species
in protected areas; review and adjustment of management
plans in pilot sites; expansion to new sites
Origanum syriacum
•
•
•
National
Management
plan or
strategy in
place
Monitoring
• Population trends: Trends in population structure and
density
• Harvest level trends: Trend in harvest volume as an
indicator of sustainable levels of wild harvest
• Trade trends: Volumes of wild vs cultivated material in
trade; domestic vs international trade as indicators of wild
resource management
• Habitat trends: Rate of habitat conversion, decline
throughout species range in Lebanon
Promotion of domestication and regulation of wild harvesting
•
•
•
Recommended
National
Management
objectives
Recommended
National
Monitoring
Indicators
Recommended
practice for
sustainable
wild collection
14 | P a g e
Harvest &Trade Management Plan: Review whether a
national permit system is effective as a harvest and trade
management tool for wild collection of this species
Yield and profile variability of the essential oil:
according to season, geographic variation, wild and
cultivation
Variety selection: Focus on specific chemotype for
targeted industry and use
•
Maintain or increase productivity of wild-harvested
populations
Maintain or increase the quality of harvested material
Replace destructive harvest practices with sustainable
harvest practices
Increase income generation for local communities from
value-added locally produced MAP products
•
Increase quality controlled, sustainably harvested
MAP products that are certified and branded
•
Reduce conflicts (between collectors, between
communities) resource access and benefits
•
Increase community-based management of wildcollected resources
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Changes in market supply (national, international)
Changes in market demand (national, international)
Harvested biomass and quality (national monitoring sites)
Change in national distribution
Implementation of good collection practice
A harvesting permit is required from Ministry of Agriculture
Allowed harvesting time Beginning of June-End of October
Leave 1/3 of main flowering stems of each harvested plant to
guarantee sufficient seed amount for plant regeneration in
the site situ
Harvested once per season
Cut between 10-15 cm above ground
No uprooting
Use sharp cutting equipment to avoid uprooting
Avoid cutting in very hot and windy conditions
15 | P a g e
CONSERVATION GUIDELINES Salvia fruticosa
Salvia fruticosa
Latin name
Synonyms
Lebanese
vernacular
name(s)
Other species
included in the
vernacular
name
Common
name(s)
Salvia fruticosa Mill.
Salvia triloba L. fil.,
Salvia libanotica Boiss. Et gaill.
Kassiin, Maryamiyeh, Kouwaysseh, Ayzakan
None
Eng. Sage, Three-lobed Sage, Greek or Turkish Sage, Trifoliated
sage
Fr. Sauge trilobee;
Germ. Griechischer Salbei,
Greek Phaskos, Alyphaskia
Turkish Adacayi, adacay of Izmir, elma yagi
Spain “Salvia real” ou “sabia real”
Plant
Description
(type and size
of the plant)
and photo of
the target plant
Identification
problems
Potential use
assessment
16 | P a g e
Use (scale and
trend)
•
•
•
•
•
•
Type: Perennial, large sub-shrub with multiple woody stems
Flowering: February-June
Height: 0.5 - 1m
Scent: Highly Odoriferous
Stem: Thick, canescent, woolly
Leaves: Velvety gray-green three-lobed leaves, tomentous
on both sides
• Inflorescence: Short-branched panicle, erect, viscid, 15 cm.
whorls 4-6 flowered
• Flower: Violet pale (or pink), Calyx hispid, viscous, 0.8 cm,
Corolla, 2-3 times longer than calyx
• An entomophile and honey plant
• In literature and in the market, can be confused with Salvia
officinalis
• In the field can be confused with Phlomis fruticosa
Use of S. fruticosa as a medicine in the Mediterranean region
likely predates 1400 B.C. (Rivera et al. 1994). This species is
not now widely used in Lebanon, where dried leaves are
traditionally used on a small scale in infusions and distilled water
as traditional treatments for stomach problems. In Southern
Lebanon, branches of wild sage are burned at gravesites, having
an association with death and loss that may explain why its
medicinal and culinary uses are limited in that country.
Salvia fruticosa
Numerous medicinal uses are reported in pharmacopoeias and
traditional systems of medicine. Taken as an infusion or
otherwise orally, S. fruticosa is considered to have many
medicinal properties, including hemostatic, antiseptic, sedative,
stomachic and carminative (to treat intestinal disorders),
antitussive, antispasmodic (to relax muscular spasms and
cramps), hypoglycaemic, antirheumatic and lithocarpic (to
remove kidney stones), antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, and
antiseptic. Extractions are used as a gargle for mouth diseases,
and in ointments to heal wounds and skin infections, and to treat
neurological disorders, rheumatism and arthritis. Dried leaves
and essential oil of this species are widely used in the food
industry as seasonings, flavourings, and antioxidants.
Plant part(s)
collected
Plant part(s)
used / Potential
end products
Entire shoot with or without flowers
Leaves
• Dried
• Seasoning
• Infusion
• Distilled water
• Essential oil
Phenological
stage
Pre-flowering
Date range
January-February
Average Yield
%
0.70 %
Flowering
Seed set
Post seed set
Post seed set
March-April
May-June
July-September
October-December
0.60%
1.0%
2.0%
1.5%
The following 19 compounds constitute 85% of the
essential oil. Additional 14 unidentified compounds
constitute the remaining 15% of the oil.
Post seed
set
Post seed
set
•
Alpha terpineol
Thujone
1,8-cineole
(eucalyptol)
Caryophyllene
Beta pinene
Alpha pinene
Alpha
caryophyllene
Caryophyllene
oxide
Seed Set
•
•
•
•
Flowering
Plant stage
17 | P a g e
•
•
•
Alpha thujene
Camphene
Beta phellandrene
Beta myrcene
Alpha terpinene
Cymene
Limonene
Gamma terpinene
Alpha phellandrene
Thymol
Carvacrol
Preflowering
Essential oil
yield and
profile
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Salvia fruticosa
Use potential
Leaves
Leaves
Leaves
Leaves
1,8- cineole
(eucalyptol)
Caryophyllene
41.31
37.75
45.97
51.83
31.71
15.03
20.45
21.58
11.51
3.42
Beta pinene
8.97
7.58
8.53
7.89
17.24
Alpha pinene
5.53
5.23
4.71
5.66
12.09
Alpha
caryophyllene
Caryophyllene
oxide
% contribution
of thujone to
total oil
4.60
2.99
3.54
3.60
2.93
2.20
3.27
1.43
1.18
0.20
1.16
1.65
1.32
1.73
1.29
High
Lebanese production of wild harvested Sage varies annually
between 600 Tons and 800 Tons of dried material.
Trade (scale
and trend)
Lebanon exports approximately all the produced dried sage (600
to 800 Tons per year). This figure contradicts the average 450
Tons documented by Lebanese exports. Therefore, the majority of
the sage exports is done without passing by the customs to
Jordan and Palestine via Syria. Pure sage is also exported to the
Gulf countries
The Lebanese Exports of Sage Oil represents less than 1% of the
total essential oil exports. According to data gathered from local
cooperatives, Lebanese production of Sage distilled water is
estimated to be 12,500 liters per year.
There is both incentive and commercial potential to formalize and
expand production. The ability of Lebanon to reach new markets
beyond its current main customers of Jordan, Saudi Arabia,
Kuwait, Yemen and Turkey, could be possible but dependant on a
range of factors.
Market potential
assessment
Market
potential /
value added
18 | P a g e
Leaves
Plant part
extracted
Processed Botanical Raw Materials
• Food grade dried leaf, whole, cut & sifted, ground, teabag-cut or powdered; conventional or with certifications
(e.g. certified organic wild and/or FairWild certified).
• Pharmacopoeial grade dried leaf (e.g. Salviae trilobae
folium PhEur); whole or cut; conventional or with
certifications (e.g. certified organic wild and/or FairWild
certified).
Extracts and Oils
• “Salvia Triloba Leaf Extract” marketed for use in cosmetic
products for antimicrobial, astringent and oral care
functions.
• “Sage Triloba CO2 Extract” marketed for use in cosmetics
and in perfumery, i.e. mouth water, tooth paste,
shampoos, soaps etc., as well as potential uses in food
and pharmaceutical products.
• Sage essential oil.
• Sage distilled water.
Finished Products in Retail Packs
Salvia fruticosa
•
National
quality and
trade standard
A Lebanese brand of the Unani Medicine herbal tea
formulation “Zahraa” that is presently available in Syria.
This formulation contains some of the prioritized
Lebanese species including three-lobed sage leaf.
• A Lebanese brand of a three-lobed sage leaf single herb
tea infusion product packed in filter teabags in cartons.
• A Lebanese brand of Spice Seasoning Mix that contains
three-lobed sage leaf.
• A Lebanese brand of three-lobed sage leaf as a singleherb spice.
LIBNOR standard for Salvia fruticosa ssp. libanotica” issued in
2012 (Reference Number 542).
•
•
International
quality and
trade standard
Regulatory
framework,
market access
and
requirements
for export
Market potential
Suitability for
sustainable wild
harvesting
Assessment
Recommended
production method
Australia (Salvia fruticosa)
Canada (Salvia officinalis L., Salvia triloba L. or Salvia
lavandulaefolia)
• EU Pharmacopoeial quality standard (Salvia fructicosa,
Three-Lobed Sage Leaf)
• India (no standards for any spp.)
• Switzerland (no standards for any spp.)
• USA (Salvia sclarea Salvia officinalis Salvia lavandulaefolia
Salvia hispanorium
Salvia fruticosa appears on many national positive lists of the
selected counties.
• Australia (Salvia fruticosa, Salvia chinensis, Salvia hispanica,
Salvia hispanorium, Salvia lavandulaefolia, Salvia miltiorrhiza,
Salvia officinalis, and Salvia sclarea)
• Canada (Salvia hispanica Salvia lavandulaefolia Salvia
sclarea Salvia officinalis Salvia triloba Salvia lavandulaefolia)
• EU (Salvia triloba Salvia divinorum Salvia lavendulifolia Salvia
officinalis Salvia sclarea)
• India (Salvia aegyptiaca Salvia haematodes Salvia plebeia
Salvia sclarea Salvia moorcroftiana)
• South Africa (other species of Salvia)
• Switzerland (Salvia triloba, Salviae trilobae folium)
• USA (Salvia triloba, Salvia fruticosa)
High
Low risk (based on 2010 version)
Medium risk (based on 2011 Version and new IUCN redlist status)
Wild harvesting and cultivation
Geographic
distribution
Habitat and
Ecology under wild
conditions
National
distribution
Habitat Description
(Type, specificity)
19 | P a g e
East Mediterranean region (Italy, Cyprus, Albania, Turkey,
Greece, Palestine, Syria, Libya) but seems to reach the
highest distribution abundance and density in Lebanon
Western slopes of the mount Lebanon chain distributed from
sea level up to 800m a.s.l. Estimated to occupy between 802
230 km from the estimated suitable habitat range of 1400
2
km
Wooded land (clear wooded land, scrubland, and burnt
wooded land), grassland (dense grassland, clear grassland),
and unproductive areas (bare soils) in Thermomediterranean
and Eumediterranean vegetation levels at elevations 0–800
m asl in Lebanon. Mainly found in Mediterranean open
woodland maquis/garrigue, on different stony slopes mainly
limestone and marl. Found in habitats of varying degree of
Salvia fruticosa
Development
stages
degradation of the Mediterranean climax vegetation.
The plant is suffrutescent with an annual seasonal cycle
which begins with at the woody base parts during early
spring with the development of the tender shoots. Flowering
is initiated during March-April. After which the plant shifts to
slow growth without a secondary blooming wave under
Mediterranean climate until the first significant rains of the
autumn where the vegetative growth reaccelerate again. This
seasonality allows for one main harvest.
Phenological stage
Pre-flowering
National Date range
January-February
Flowering
March-April
Seed set
May-June
Post seed set
July-September
Estimated population size: 126,000,000
Average national plant density for harvestable sites: 1.8
2
plants/m
Plant size class is based on the number of shoots
Percent contribution of different plant size class based
on number of shoots/plant
Size class 0 (herbaceous): 8.13 %
Size class 1 (1-15 shoots): 60.16 %
Size class 2 (16-30 shoots): 19.05 %
Size class 3 (31-45 shoots): 8.92 %
Size class 4 (46-60 shoots): 3.36 %
Size class 5 (60-80 shoots): 0.38 %
Seed production
• Average 193 seeds/plant
• Average 4,00,000 seeds/ha
• Average 27 kg of seeds/ha
Leaves
Inflorescence
Stems
Leaves
Inflorescence
Percent weight contribution of different plant parts
Fresh
Dry
Stems
National
population
characteristics
(Estimated size,
density, size or
age-class
structure)
19%
73%
8%
20%
71%
9%
% Net dry weight of leaves from fresh weight of whole
shoot
• February-May: 27%
• June-October: 36%
2
Reproduction
(vegetative or by
seeds, type of
pollination)
20 | P a g e
Average fresh whole shoot biomass: 19 g/m
2
Average dry leaves biomass: 6 g/m
• Bisexual flowers
• Mainly insect pollinated
• Population regenerates only through seeds
Salvia fruticosa
Population
Regeneration
Threats (causes
and impact)
Conservation
status
Conservation and
Management
Conservation
Actions In-Place
• Estimated germination rate: : 0.27%
• Estimated survival rate (1 summer age): 35%
• Estimated survival rate (1 year age): 18%
• Estimated survival rate (2 summers age): 16.7%
Early and overharvesting: This species has been wildharvested throughout its eastern Mediterranean range for
centuries for its medicinal and culinary uses. In recent years
in Lebanon, export demand for the aromatic leaves has
increased substantially, as has competition amongst
commercial collectors of this resource, resulting in increasing
harvest intensity and less sustainable practices, including
early cutting of all new shoots (before flowering, seed set
and dispersal).
Habitat loss and damage: The stony, calcareous grassland
and degraded forest habitat of this species is declining in
area under expansion of agriculture (e.g, orchards and
terrace field crops); industry (e.g., quarries and mines), and
urban growth. Invasive and problematic species also reduce
the habitat suitability.
Fire intensity and frequency is
increasing in these habitats.
Climate change: Vulnerability to climate change may be a
concern as well especially due to drought and increased
frequency of fires.
IUCN Red List Assessment:
Near threatened (NT), (IUCN version 3.1)
Wild collection and export of S. fruticosa from Lebanon are
regulated by the Ministry of Agriculture (Ministerial Decision
179/1, March 2012). Time and method of harvest are
controlled through a collection approval and permit system
implemented by the Directorate of Rural Development and
Natural Resources, Ministry of Agriculture.
The species distribution appears to overlap with several
protected areas (Bentael Nature Reserve, Jabal Moussa
UNESCO-MAB Biosphere Reserve,and Jabal al Rihane
UNESCO-MAB Biosphere Reserv Reserve, Jabal Moussa
UNESCO-MAB Biosphere Reserve, Shouf UNESCO-MAB
Biosphere Reserve, and Jabal al Rihane UNESCOMAB
Biosphere Reserve.
Several sites identified by Radford et al. (2011) as potential
Important Plant Areas in Lebanon (but not yet designated as
such) are likely to include sub-populations of S. fruticosa.
Contribution of these sites to conservation of S. fruticosa
depends on better information about presence of this species
in these sites and adequate protection of viable
subpopulations within existing or new protected areas.
Ex situ accessions of this species are reported in botanic
garden and seed bank collections (Plant Search 2013, Royal
Botanic Gardens Kew Seed Information Database 2008).
•
Conservation
Actions Needed
•
21 | P a g e
Resource &habitat protection: Inclusion of viable
subpopulations in protected areas; protection of wildcollection sites from habitat conversion and degradation
Site/area management: Implementation of
Salvia fruticosa
management plans areas important for wild collection
Harvest management: Implementation of good
collection practice guidelines
• Trade management: Reinforcement of area and
resource management through national trade permit
system
• Awareness &communications: Capacity building for
local collectors, cooperatives, resource management,
consumers
• National Legislation: Implementation of permit system
(Ministerial Decision 179/1, March 2012)
• Law & policy Compliance and enforcement:
Enforcement of national permit system (Ministerial
Decision 179/1, March 2012)
• Livelihood, economic & other incentives: Promotion
of increased local benefits for collectors & cooperatives
from implementation of good collection practice
guidelines and management plans
Research:
• Population size, distribution, trends and
regeneration characteristics: Confirm and expand
baseline established by UNDP-GEF-LARI MAP project
• Harvest, use & livelihoods: Contribution of wild
harvest of this species to local and national economy
• Threats: Confirmation / review of main threats identified
• Area-based Management Plan: Presence of this
species in protected areas; review and adjustment of
management plans in pilot sites; expansion to new sites
• Harvest &Trade Management Plan: Review whether a
national permit system is effective as a harvest and
trade management tool for wild collection of this species
• Yield and profile variability of the essential oil:
according to season, geographic variation, wild and
cultivation
Monitoring
• Population trends: Trends in population structure and
density
• Harvest level trends: Trend in harvest volume as an
indicator of sustainable levels of wild harvest
• Trade trends: Volumes of wild vs cultivated material in
trade; domestic vs international trade as indicators of
wild resource management
• Habitat trends: Rate of habitat conversion, decline
throughout species range in Lebanon
• Regulation of wild harvesting
• National standard for sage
•
Research
/monitoring
Needed
National
Management plan
or strategy in place
•
Recommended
National
Management
objectives
•
•
•
•
•
22 | P a g e
Maintain or increase productivity of wild-harvested
populations
Maintain or increase the quality of harvested material
Replace destructive harvest practices with sustainable
harvest practices
Increase income generation for local communities from
value-added locally produced MAP products
Reduce conflicts (between collectors, between
communities) resource access and benefits
Development of cultivation protocols
Salvia fruticosa
Recommended
National
Monitoring
Indicators
Recommended
practice for
sustainable wild
collection
23 | P a g e
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Changes in market supply (national, international)
Changes in market demand (national, international)
Harvested biomass and quality (national monitoring
sites)
Change in national distribution
Implementation of good collection practice
A harvesting permit is required from Ministry of
Agriculture
Allowed harvesting time Mid June-End of October
Harvested once per season
Harvest all stems and all plants
Cut between 10-15 cm above ground
No uprooting
Use sharp cutting equipment to avoid uprooting
Avoid cutting in very hot and windy conditions
CONSERVATION GUIDELINES Origanum ehrenbergii
Origanum ehrenbergii
Latin name
Synonyms
Lebanese
vernacular name
(s)
Other species
included in this
Lebanese
vernacular name
Common
name(s)
Origanum ehrenbergii Boiss.
None
Al Zouwayba'a, Za'atar jordi, Za'atar-al-snawbar, Za'aytri
What is collectively known as Za’atar in Lebanon refers to
several species from the genus Origanum, Thymus, Satureja
and Thymbra.
Eng. Ehrenberg's Marjoram
Fr. Origan d’Ehrenberger
Germ. Ehrenbergerischer Majoram
Plant
Description (type
and size of the
plant) and photo
of the target
plant
Identification
problems
Potential use
assessment
24 | P a g e
Use (scale and
trend)
•
Type: Perennial chamaephyte (subshrub) (less dense
plants than O. syriacum)
• Flowering: May-October
• Height: up to 80 cm
• Scent: zaatar acute thymol/carvacrol aromatic scent
• Stem: Green Erected, wandlike, with longer internods,
Sparingly hairy below
• Leaves: Bright green, ovate, obtuse, 1-2cm, Glandular
dotted
• Inflorescence: less dense, less hairiness and more
extended than O. syriacum
• Flower: White, calyx of regular 5 teeth, non bilabiated,
shorter than the bracts, Bracts ovate to oblong-spatulate,
glandular dotted, Corolla tube 3 times longer than calyx
Origanum syriacum
Dried and ground leaves and flowers of O. ehrenbergii are
locally added to or substituted for O. syriacum as a principal
ingredient of Za'atar, a topping for traditional breads
(Mankousheh). Fresh shoots are used in salads (Fattouch) or
as a fresh topping on baked breads (Ftyreh). It is also used as
a seasoning in traditional cuisine and in household remedies in
Lebanon.
In traditional medicine this species is not
differentiated from co-occurring species of Origanum,
Thymbra, and Thymus, known collectively as Za’atar in
Lebanon. These species are traditionally used to stimulate
memory, as analgesics and sedatives, and as remedies for
cold, flu and cough, respiratory problems, hypotension, and a
wide range of stomach and intestinal problems. These species
are also used externally as emollients and antiseptic
ointments.
Origanum ehrenbergii
Plant part(s)
collected
Plant part(s)
used / Potential
end products
Entire shoot
Dried leaves and flowering shoots
• Mixed with Origanum syriacum in the traditional zaatar
mix which includes sesame, sumac and salt etc.
• Infusion
• Distilled water
• Essential oil
Tender shoots
• Salads and baked local pies
Yield:
Whole leaves and flowers: 3.7%
Ground leaves and flowers: 1%
Profile
8 identified compounds constitute 90% of the oil while 6
additional compounds constitute the remaining 10%
Essential oil
yield and profile
Use potential
Market potential /
value added
National quality
and trade
standard
International
quality and trade
standard
25 | P a g e
%
Alfa tujene
0.75
Alfa pinene
0.93
Camphene
0.07
Beta myrcene
1.73
Cymene
14.83
Gamma terpinene
8.95
Thymol
50.07
Carvacrol
15.40
Caryophyllene
0.34
Limited
Trade (scale and
trend)
Market potential
assessment
Identified compound
Trade is limited to local markets were the species occurs in the
wild, wider use and trade has not been documented.
If significantly higher amounts of this species could be
sustainably harvested from the wild or produced through
cultivation, then it could make sense to consider the
development of innovative value-added products for export
promotion with a Lebanon geographical brand.
This would require a significant scale-up due to the high
quantities of fresh aerial parts that would be necessary for a
commercial oil distillation operation for export promotion.
None
No known quality standards or trade specification in:
• Australia
• Canada (Origanum spp. & O. vulagare)
• EU
• India
• Switzerland
• USA (Origanum oil, Spanish oil from Thymus capitatus &
various Origanum spp) & Oleoresin origanum)
Origanum ehrenbergii
Does not appear on any national positive lists of any of the
selected counties, although some lists non-specifically allow
Origanum spp. which would indicate allowance to import and
use in products.
Regulatory
framework,
market access
and
requirements for
export
Market potential
Suitability for
sustainable wild
harvesting
Assessment
Recommended
production method
Habitat and Ecology
under wild
conditions
26 | P a g e
Almost no evidence was found to demonstrate that any
ingredients made from Origanum ehrenbergii are commercially
traded or actively used outside of its limited range of Lebanon.
• Australia (O. majorana & O. vulgare)
• Canada (Origanum spp. & O. vulagare)
• EU (Origanum cretium, Origanum heracleoticum,
Origanum majorana, Origanum vulgare)
• India (O. majorana)
• South Africa
• Switzerland (O. majorana & O. vulagare)
• USA (Origanum majorana, Origanum vulgare L. ssp.
hirtum; syn.: Origanum heracleoticum auct. non. L.)
Limited
Medium risk (based on 2010 version)
Medium risk (based on 2011 Version and new IUCN redlist status)
Cultivation is the recommended option but wild harvesting can be permitted
under very strict sustainability standards within a regulatory permit system
with rigorous monitoring
Geographic
Endemic to Lebanon
distribution
Mainly restricted to pine forest on sandy soils from the coast to
2000 m asl on the western slopes of Mount Lebanon and
National
South Lebanon Governorates in Lebanon.
distribution
2
Estimated to occupy between 40-130 km from the estimated
2
suitable habitat range of 150 km
Dense pine, clear pine, and grassland land cover on sand and
Habitat
calcareous soils, dolomitic sand, and sandy soils in
Description
Thermomediterranean, Eumediterranean, Supramediterranean
(Type,
and Mountainous Mediterranean vegetation levels between 0
specificity)
and 2000 m asl.
The plant is suffrutescent with an annual easonal cycle which
starts at the woody base parts during early spring with the
development of the tender shoots. Flowering is initiated during
Development
April-May. The harvest is done in June. Later the species is
stages
shifts to slow growth with secondary blooming appearing under
Mediterranean climate until the first significant rains of the
autumn. This seasonality is allowing one main harvest during
late spring early summer.
National
Estimated density: 0.065 plants/m2
population
characteristics
Estimated population size: 2,600,000
(Estimated size,
density, size or
age-class
structure)
Reproduction
• Bisexual flowers
(vegetative or by • Mainly insect pollinated
seeds, type of
• Population regenerates only through seeds
pollination)
Origanum ehrenbergii
Population
Regeneration
No data available
Habitat loss: Existing scattered subpopulations of this plant
species are likely declining in size, area, extent, and number of
locations primarily due to conversion of limited suitable habitat
for development of sand quarries and expansion of agricultural,
industrial,
commercial,
and
residential
development,
particularly near the coast.
Habitat degradation: Forest, scrubland, and grassland
habitats are subject to ongoing degradation from uncontrolled
grazing of goats and increasing incidence and intensity of fire,
particularly in pine forest vegetation.
Threats (causes
and impact)
Conservation
status
Conservation and
Management
Conservation
Actions In-Place
Conservation
Actions Needed
27 | P a g e
Unsustainable wild harvesting: There is direct pressure on
this species from wild harvest of shoots and flowers for local
use in traditional foods and medicines.
Climate change: The eastern Mediterranean is considered to
be a region with high exposure to the effects of climate
change. O. ehrenbergii has some traits (rarity and habitat
specificity) that contribute to high sensitivity to climate change
impacts, although its adaptability to several vegetation types
and the buffering effects of forest may reduce its vulnerability
to climate change impacts (increasing periods of drought,
elevated temperatures, and extreme weather events).
IUCN Red List Assessment:
VU - Vulnerable, B1ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v)+2ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v)
(IUCN version 3.1)
Its observed and predicted distribution may overlap with
several protected areas in Lebanon (Jabel el Qariqif Forest
Reserve, Shouf UNESCO-MAB Biosphere Reserve and Jabal
Al Rihane UNESCO-MAB Biosphere Reserve.
It may be present in at least three proposed Important Plant
Areas in Lebanon (Tannourine, Keserwan, Rihane, but less
likely in a fourth, Mount Hermel) described by Radford et al.
(2011).
No ex-situ collections are documented in botanic gardens or
seed/gene banks (BGCI 2013, Biodiversity International 2013).
• Site/area protection: Identification of existing or
designation of new protected areas in which this species
occurs.
• Resource & habitat protection: Identification or
designation of new protected areas that include sandy soil
substrates under pine forest
• Site/area management: Control of goat grazing to
balance reduction of direct impacts of grazing with
improved fire management in pine forests
• Harvest management: Encouragement of local
management of O. ehrenbergii harvest timing and
intensity to promote pollination and seed dispersal.
• Ex-situ conservation: Establishment of ex situ
collections based on intraspecific genetic diversity in situ.
• Awareness & communications: Promote awareness of
conservation and management actions required by
protected areas, forest, and community resource
Origanum ehrenbergii
managers
National level Law & policy: Development and
enforcement of local, forest, and protected areas
management plans that include this species
Research:
• Population size, distribution, trends and regeneration
characteristics: Confirm and expand baseline
established by UNDP-GEF-LARI MAP project
• Harvest, use & livelihoods: Confirmation that use is
primarily local, small-scale
• Threats: Particular focus on monitoring effects of grazing
and fire
• Actions: Presence of this species in existing and
proposed protected areas.
• Plant biochemical composition: Better knowledge of
species biochemical composition
• Plant Biology: Plants, seeds and populations biology,
cycles phonological stages, etc.
• Area-based Management Plan: Inclusion of
subpopulations of this species and predicted habitat in
protected and other managed natural areas
Monitoring:
• Population trends: Trends in population structure and
density
• Harvest level trends: Establishment of practical
indicators of change in harvest intensity
• Habitat trends: Continued monitoring of habitat
conversion and degradation near the Lebanon coast, and
expansion of such monitoring to other areas of Lebanon
None
•
Research
/monitoring
Needed
National
Management
plan or strategy
in place
•
Recommended
National
Management
objectives
Recommended
National
Monitoring
Indicators
Recommended
practice for
sustainable wild
collection
28 | P a g e
Maintain or increase productivity of wild-harvested
populations
• Ex situ conservation to maintain a healthy and viable gene
bank
• Replace destructive harvest practices with sustainable
harvest practices
• Development of cultivation protocols
• Change in national distribution
• Harvested biomass and quality (national monitoring sites)
• Changes in market supply (national, international)
• Changes in market demand (national, international)
To be developed based on rigorous assessments, investigation
and surveys of the species
CONSERVATION GUIDELINES Althaea damascena
Althaea damascena
Latin name
Synonyms
Lebanese
vernacular
name(s)
Other species
included in
Lebanese
vernacular name
Common
name(s)
Althaea damascena - Mouterd
Alcea damascena
Khetmiyeh Dimachq, ‫ﺧﺎﺗﻣﻳﺔ ﺩﻣﺷﻘﻲ‬
Khetmiyeh group (Alcea setosa, Alcea pallida)
Eng. Damascus Hollyhock; Fr. Guimauve de damas; Germ.
Stockrose
Plant
Description (type
and size of the
plant) and photo
of the target
plant
Identification
problems
Use (scale and
trend)
Potential use
assessment
Plant part(s)
collected
Essential oil
yield and profile
29 | P a g e
Type: Perennial, tall herb
Flowering: May-September
Height: up to more than 1m
Scent: Non-odiferous
Stem: Grayish, simple, tomentous
Leaves: Large, segmented, canescent, dense hairiness
Inflorescence: fleshy spike
Flower: White, carpels pubescent, smooth seeds,
calycle less than 1/3 of the calyx
Alcea pallida
Dried flowers of A. damascena are mainly admixed with
dried leaves and flowers of other plant species taken as an
infusion known in Lebanon as Zhourat. Dried flowers are
used similarly in Unani medicine, in particular as a
component of herbal tea known as Zahraa, popular in Syria
as a digestive and to promote good health (Carmona et al.
2005).
Flowers
•
Plant part(s)
used / Potential
end products
Use Potential
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Flowers: they are dried and used to prepare tisane
mixtures in Syria and Lebanon.
• Tisane: the infusions of the dried flowers material is
used alone or in mixtures for medicinal purposes.
• Petals: are used to make a refreshing herbal tea as well
as a part of tisane mixtures.
Not available
Limited
Althaea damascena
Trade (scale and
trend)
Market potential /
value added
National quality and
trade standard
Market potential
assessment
International quality
and trade standard
Regulatory
framework, market
access and
requirements for
export
Market potential
Suitability for
sustainable wild
harvesting
Recommended
production method
Habitat and
Ecology under wild
conditions
Trade levels and values are difficult to confirm because
this species is known to be used interchangeably with
other related species native to Lebanon (including
Alcea digitata and A. setosa ) as well as cultivated A.
rosea, which share the common name Khatmieh.
If production levels are significantly increased, new
innovative products for the local market as well as for
export promotion to neighboring countries could be
envisaged. In that scenario, it could be interesting to
develop and brand finished herbal tea products that
contain Alcea damascena as a component of identified
folk- or traditional (Unani) medicinal herbal teas, but
with a Lebanese geographic origin designation.
None
Only one species of Alcea (Alcea rosea; syn.: Althaea
rosea) has existing standards in selected countries
• Australia (Alcea rosea)
• EU (Alcea rosea)
• India
• Switzerland (Alcea rosea)
• USA
Only one species of Alcea (Alcea rosea; syn.: Althaea
rosea) is expressly listed or approved for certain uses,
and only in some countries.
• Australia (Alcea rosea)
• Canada
• EU (Alcea rosea)
• India
• Pakistan (Alcea rosea)
• South Africa (Alcea rosea & Alcea officinalis)
• Switzerland
• Syria (Alcea damascene used in Zahraa)
• USA (Alcea rosea)
Limited
Medium risk (based on 2010 version)
Medium risk (based on 2011 Version and new IUCN redlist status)
Cultivation is the recommended option but cultivation can be permitted
under very strict sustainability standards within a regulatory permit system
with rigorous monitoring
Geographic
Lebanon
distribution
Syrian Arab Republic
Abandoned agricultural land, near roadsides and
villages, in dry, marginal areas with Presteppic
Mediterranean vegetation below 1500 m asl in the
northern Bekaa valley in Lebanon and adjacent areas
in Syria, In dryland areas mainly concentrated between
Baalbak and Hermel (no plants were found south of
National distribution
Baalbak). Found along the anti mountain Lebanon
chain but more concentrated on the eastern side of the
mount Lebanon chain.
2
Habitat Description
(Type, specificity)
30 | P a g e
Estimated to occupy between 5-300 km from the
2
estimated suitable habitat range of 67 km
Bare rock, bare soil and grassland land cover,
Presteppic supramediterranean and Mediterranean
Althaea damascena
Development stages
National population
characteristics
(Estimated size,
density, size or ageclass structure)
Reproduction
(vegetative or by
seeds, type of
pollination)
Population
Regeneration
presteppic vegetation levels at elevations below 1500
m asl in Lebanon.
The plant is a cryptophyte, during winter an
underground part remains while the aerial part dries
completely. In early spring the vegetative cycle starts
with basal wide leaves development as a stemless
plant that prepares the nutritional stock for blooming
later in late spring. Then the plant develops flowering
stems but with reduced size leaves due to water
stress. After seed set, this aerial part dries.
2
Average density of 0.07 plants/m
Estimated population size: 371,000
• Bisexual flowers
• Mainly insect pollinated
• Population regenerates only through seeds
• Average Reproductive Age: 2 years
No data available
Flowers are collected for medicinal use, but there is
currently no indication that the volume, time, or manner
of harvest threatens the survival of this species.
Although the natural Presteppic Mediterranean habitat
is under pressure of conversion to agriculture, this
species appears to establish successfully in
abandoned fields and margins
Threats (causes and
impact)
Conservation and
Management
Conservation status
Conservation Actions
In-Place
Conservation Actions
Needed
31 | P a g e
Habitat degradation: Intensification of agriculture and
grazing may reduce the suitable habitat for this species
over time.
Climate change: Although this species may not be
particularly sensitive to climate change effects the
increasing incidence and intensity of drought in the
eastern Mediterranean region may reduce habitat
suitability and reproductive success over the long term.
IUCN Red List Assessment:
LC - Least Concern, (IUCN version 3.1)
The species distribution appears with the Yammouneh
Nature Reserve.
It may be present in two proposed Important Plant
Areas in Lebanon (Mount Hermel and Aarsal; Radford
et al. 2011).
It is not reported in botanic garden or other ex situ
collections (BGCI 2013, Bioversity International 2013).
• Captive breeding/artificial propagation:
Promotion of local domestication.
• Ex-situ conservation: Collection and ex situ
management of intraspecific genetic diversity in
Lebanon and Syria
• Linked enterprises & livelihood alternatives:
Promote local monitoring of resource abundance
and availability in relation to market trends
Althaea damascena
Research /monitoring
Needed
National Management
plan or strategy in
place
Research:
• Population size, distribution, trends and
regeneration characteristics: Confirm and
expand baseline established by UNDP-GEF-LARI
MAP project
• Harvest, use & livelihoods: trends in market
demand, local benefits, resource availability
• Plant biochemical composition: Better
knowledge of species biochemical composition
• Plant Biology: Plants, seeds and populations
biology, cycles phonological stages, etc.
Monitoring:
• Population trends: Trends in population structure
and density
• Harvest level trends: Monitor to detect large
increased in commercial demand for products that
include flowers of this species
None
•
Recommended
National Management
objectives
Recommended
National Monitoring
Indicators
Recommended
practice for
sustainable wild
collection
32 | P a g e
Maintain or increase productivity of wild-harvested
populations
• Ex situ conservation to maintain a healthy and
viable gene bank
• Replace destructive harvest practices with
sustainable harvest practices
• Development of cultivation protocols
• Change in national distribution
• Harvested biomass and quality (national
monitoring sites)
• Changes in market supply (national, international)
• Changes in market demand (national,
international)
To be developed based on rigorous assessments,
investigation and surveys of the species
CONSERVATION GUIDELINES Cyclotrichium origanifolium
Cyclotrichium origanifolium
Latin name
Synonyms
Lebanese vernacular
name(s)
Other species included in
Lebanese vernacular name
Common name(s)
Cyclotrichium origanifolium - (Labill.) Manden. &
Scheng.
Calamintha origanifolia (Labill.) Boiss., Clinopodium
origanifolium Labill.
Hashishet El-Basha, Hashishet El-Jabal, Hashishet ElBahsa, Na'ana'iyyé, Hashishat-al-daght, Ishbet
sannine, Ishbet mar Simaan.
None
Eng. Marjoram-leaved calamint;
Fr. calamenthe a feuilles d’origan; erm Bergminze
Plant
Description (type and size
of the plant) and photo of
the target plant
Identification problems
Use (scale and trend)
Plant part(s) collected
Potential use
assessment
Plant part(s) used /
Potential end products
•
Type: small shrub (chamaephyte), Woody thick
rootstock and trunk, highly ramified
• Flowering: June-September
• Height: 20-40 cm
• Scent: Highly Odoriferous “minty” smell
• Stem: Grayish, slender, erect, flexuous, glabrous
or appressed velvety
• Leaves: Light Green, hairy, suborbicular to ovate,
6-10 mm
• Inflorescence: whorls spaced, multiflore, short
peduncled
• Flower: corolla pink, tube scarcely exerted, bracts
acuminate, as long as calyx, calyx 5 mm with
uneven teeth
Confusion with other species of Lamiaceae family
(clinopodium, Micromeria, etc.). But at that altitude of
its distribution these species are absent. So confusion
may occur if people think that it can be present at
lower elevations.
Use of this species is primarily limited to local,
traditional use in Lebanon
Entire shoot
Infusions and liquors prepared from leaves and flowers
of related members of this genus the mint family are
considered to have diaphoretic, expectorant,
hypotensive,
antihelmintic,
antispasmodic
and
carminative properties.
Essential oil is used as an ointment to treat anxiety,
bruises, muscle pain, headache, and stomachache
33 | P a g e
Cyclotrichium origanifolium
•
Essential oil yield and
profile
Use potential
Trade (scale and trend)
Market potential / value
added
Market potential
assessment
National quality and trade
standard
International quality and
trade standard
Regulatory framework,
market access and
requirements for export
34 | P a g e
Essential oil: essential oil water is extracted from
the aerial part and used locally.
• Liquor: liquor is prepared from aerial parts.
According to the surveys it needs considerable
amounts of plant material.
• Tisane: it is prepared from aerial flowering parts
and used mainly on household level.
• Flavoring agent: the species is used with C.
niveum as flavoring agent in soups and salads in
Turkey.
D-Menthone (34.33%), 3-Pinanone (21.20%), Menthol
isomer (11.94%), Pulegone (14.16%) (GEF-UNDPLARI 2013)
Pulegone 22.5%, isomenthone 12.2%, isopulegone
5.8%, piperitenon 9.6%, piperitone 6.9%, cardinal
4.0% as main constituents (Formisano et al., 2007).
Limited
Trade in local markets has been observed, but wider
use and trade has not been documented
Outside of micro- or small enterprises, there would
hardly be an economy of scale to justify new product
development at this annual level of raw material
availability.
If sustainable scaling up is deemed possible, new
innovative products for the local market as well as for
export promotion could be envisaged. In that scenario,
it could be interesting to develop and brand finished
herbal tea products as well as essential oils for
aromatherapy with a Lebanese geographic origin
designation innovative value-added products, including
the essential oil for food uses (e.g. flavor component in
liqueurs) and/or medicinal uses (e.g. for aromatherapy
inhalant use or topical application in creams or
ointments).
None
No known quality standards or trade specification in:
• Australia
• EU
• India
• Switzerland
• USA
Does not appear on any national positive lists of any of
the selected counties.
Almost no evidence was found to demonstrate that any
ingredients made from Cyclotrichium origanifolium are
commercially traded or actively used outside of its
limited range of Lebanon and Turkey
• Australia
• Canada
• EU
• India
• South Africa (Calamintha nepeta & Calamintha
officinalis & Calamintha sylvatica)
• Switzerland
• USA
Cyclotrichium origanifolium
Use potential
Suitability for
sustainable wild
harvesting
Assessment
Recommended
production
method
Limited
High risk (based on 2010 version)
High risk (based on 2011 Version and new IUCN redlist status)
Cultivation
Not recommended for wild harvesting due to high risk of unsustainable wild
harvesting
Geographic
Lebanon
distribution
Turkey
Occurs on stony slopes in rocky habitats at elevations
between 1900 and 2600 m asl along the eastern
boundaries of Mount Lebanon and North Lebanon
National distribution
2
Habitat Description
(Type, specificity)
Habitat and
Ecology under
wild conditions
Development stages
National population
characteristics
(Estimated size,
density, size or ageclass structure)
Reproduction
(vegetative or by
seeds, type of
pollination)
Population
Regeneration
Conservation
and
Management
Threats (causes and
impact)
Estimated to occupy between 6-70 km from the estimated
2
suitable habitat range of 70 km
Occupies areas of bare rock, bare soil and grassland land
cover in the Oromediterranean vegetation level at 19002600 m asl, on flat, S, SW, W, NW, and N slopes, and on
the following soil types: gravel and massive landslide,
stones and bare rocks, yellowish mountain soil, and white
greyish soil. Grows in eroded gravel and gullies on open
slopes where there is little other vegetation. The distribution
of this taxon in isolated patches on high, bare, rocky terrain
suggests it is a member of a relict boreal flora.
As a small shrub (chamaephyte), the woody thick rootstock
develops highly ramified aerial green part after snow melt
(April-May). Then flowers emerge in June until September.
Then after seed set the plant endures again another cold
winter thereby loosing the viability of its annual aerial parts
while keeping its woody basis to survive the cold winter.
• Estimated density: 0.5 plants/m2
• Estimated population size: 2,750,000 plants
•
•
•
Bisexual flowers
Mainly insect pollinated
Population regenerates only through seeds
Project germination test showed an average germination
rate of 0.19% using top soils from the plants natural
habitats and 0% germination with using normal soil.
Climate change: C. origanifoium has several traits that
indicate high sensitivity and low adaptability to climate
change impacts: specialised habitat requirements, narrow
environmental tolerance, rarity, and barriers to dispersal
that include limited suitable habitat and limited dispersal of
pollen and seed. Bare rocky slopes at high elevations are
particularly exposed to drought and elevated temperatures,
and the Eastern Mediterranean is considered to have
particularly high exposure to the effects of climate change.
Habitat degradation: Disturbance of limited habitat and
grazing effects by nomadic goat herds on habitat quality
may have a direct impact on viability of subpopulations of
this species, as there is little alternative fodder at high
35 | P a g e
Cyclotrichium origanifolium
elevations.
Habitat loss: Tourism infrastructure (primarily for alpine
skiing) has been developed in at least one location where a
subpopulation of this species occurs.
Unsustainable wild harvesting;
Wild collection of
flowering shoots for local medicinal use may depress
regeneration of subpopulations, but likely only in sites
accessible by road or near settlements.
IUCN Red List Assessment:
Conservation status
Conservation Actions
In-Place
EN - Endangered, B1ab(i,ii,iii)+2ab(i,ii,iii)
(IUCN version 3.1)
The species distribution appears to occur Horsh Ehden
Nature Reserve, the Arz Bcharreh Protection / Protected
Zone, and the Foret des Cedres de Dieu Forest Reserve
where these include suitable habitat.
It may be present in two proposed Important Plant Areas in
Lebanon (Mount Makmel and Sannine-Knaisseh; Radford
et al. 2011).
Accessions from Lebanon are held ex situ by the
Millennium Seed Bank (Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew 2008),
and are reported in one botanic garden (BGCI 2013).
•
Conservation Actions
Needed
Research /Monitoring
Needed
36 | P a g e
Site/area protection: Identification of existing or
designation of new protected areas in which this
species naturally occurs.
• Resource & habitat Protection: Control impacts of
grazing in this habitat and on this species
• Harvest management: Monitor trends and impacts of
wild collection on wild subpopulations
• Trade management: Monitor trends in use and trade.
• Ex-situ conservation: Collection and ex situ
management of intraspecific genetic diversity of this
species.
• Awareness &Communications: Key species for
national public education and awareness of climate
change impacts.
• National level Legislation: Development of national
threatened species list and legislation to protect these
species and their habitats
Research:
• Population size, distribution & trends: Confirm
baseline data established by GEF-UNDP-LARI (2013)
• Threats: Confirm and monitor, with a particular focus
on monitoring effects of climate change
• Area-based Management Plan: Impacts of nomadic
goat grazing and development of recreational
infrastructure on species in this habitat
• Plant biochemical composition: Better knowledge
of species biochemical composition
• Plant Biology: Plants, seeds and populations biology,
cycles phonological stages, etc.
Cyclotrichium origanifolium
National Management
plan or strategy in
place
Monitoring:
• Population trends: Trends in population structure
and density
• Habitat trends: Confirm and monitor impacts of
grazing and recreational infrastructure
None
•
Recommended
National Management
objectives
Recommended
National Monitoring
Indicators
Recommended
practice for
sustainable wild
collection
37 | P a g e
Maintain or increase productivity of wild-harvested
populations
• Ex situ conservation to maintain a healthy and viable
gene bank
• Replace destructive harvest practices with sustainable
harvest practices
• Development of cultivation protocols
• Change in national distribution
• Harvested biomass and quality (national monitoring
sites)
• Changes in market supply (national, international)
• Changes in market demand (national, international)
Not recommended for wild harvesting
CONSERVATION GUIDELINES Clinopodium libanoticum - (Boiss.)
Kuntze
Clinopodium libanoticum - (Boiss.) Kuntze
Latin name
Synonyms
Lebanese vernacular
name(s)
Other species
included in the
Lebanese vernacular
name
Common name(s)
Clinopodium libanoticum - (Boiss.) Kuntze
Micromeria libanotica
Zoufa lubnan; Shummaysah lubnāniyyah ,‫ﺯﻭﻓﻰ ﻟﺑﻧﺎﻧﻳﺔ‬
Zoufa group (Micromeria myrtifolia, Micromeria greaga,
Micromeria juliana)
Eng. Lebanon Savory; Fr. Micromerie libanaise; Germ.
Lebanischer Ysop
Plant
Description (type
and size of the plant)
and photo of the
target plant
Identification
problems
Use (scale and
trend)
Potential use
assessment
Plant part(s)
collected
Plant part(s) used /
Potential end
products
38 | P a g e
•
•
•
•
•
•
Type: Low herb (hemicryptophyte) Woody rootstock
Flowering: June-September
Height: 5-20 cm
Scent: Slightly odoferous
Stem: filiform, brittle, erect, canescent color, woolly
Leaves: Light Green, hairy, sessile, orbicular to
ovate, obtuse 0.5-1.2 cm
• Inflorescence: whorls short peduncled, loosely
racemed
• Flower: Pink,tubular, Calyx non feathery purpurish,
Calyx ¼ -1/5 the tube. Corolla 0.45 cm. 1.5 longer
than calyx
None
Investigation of the commercial potential of this species
is based on the commercial value of related species in
the genus Micromeria (e.g. M. myrtifolia and M. barbata)
used in traditional medicine in Lebanon and the
possibility of confusion with these more common
species. However, there is little likelihood that this
species is currently in use and trade on its own merits or
as a substitute for related medicinally-used species.
The restricted and relatively inaccessible distribution,
small biomass and short flowering season in the high
mountains of Lebanon do not support popular use
None
None
Clinopodium libanoticum - (Boiss.) Kuntze
Yield: traces
Essential oil yield
and profile
Use potential
Market potential
assessment
Trade (scale and
trend)
Market potential /
value added
National quality and
trade standard
International quality
and trade standard
Regulatory
framework, market
access and
requirements for
export
Main components:
Limoneme (55%) and Bicyclogermacrene (28%) (GEFUNDP-LARI 2013)
Monoterpene ketones isomenthone (44.5%), pulegone
(13.5%) and isopulegone (6.5%) (Diab et al., 2005).
No use reported / identified
There is little likelihood that this species is currently in
use and trade on its own merits or as a substitute for
related medicinally-used species. The restricted and
relatively inaccessible distribution, small biomass and
short flowering season in the high mountains of Lebanon
do not support popular use.
None
None
No known quality standards or trade specification in:
• Australia
• EU
• India
• Switzerland
• USA
Does not appear on any national positive lists of any of
the selected counties. Almost no evidence was found to
demonstrate that any ingredients made from Micromeria
libanotica are commercially traded or actively used in the
following countries
• Australia
• Canada
• EU (Micromeria chamissonis)
• India
• South Africa
• Switzerland
• Syria (Micromeria myrtifolia used in Zahraa)
• USA
Market potential
No market reported / identified
Suitability for
sustainable wild
harvesting
Assessment
Recommended
production method
Habitat and
Ecology under wild
conditions
39 | P a g e
High risk (based on 2010 version)
High risk (based on 2011 Version and new IUCN Redlist status)
Not recommended for wild harvesting due to high risk of unsustainable wild
harvesting
Not recommended for cultivation due to market/use limitation
Endemic to Lebanon
Geographic
distribution
Occurs infrequently along the rocky summit ridge of the
Mount Lebanon mountains along the eastern boundaries
of Mount Lebanon and North Lebanon Governorates
National distribution from one side, and western boundary of Bekaa
Governorate from the other side at elevations between
2200 and 2800 m asl.
Clinopodium libanoticum - (Boiss.) Kuntze
2
Estimated to occupy between 1-35 km from the
2
estimated suitable habitat range of 150 km
Clear grassland and bare rock land cover in
Oromediterranean and Presteppic Oromediterranean
vegetation levels on east-facing slopes with yellowish
mountain soils at 2200-2800 m asl. Grows in shallow
Habitat Description
substrates in rock fissures (cenomanian porous rocks),
(Type, specificity)
preferring sunny exposures on east-facing slopes. The
distribution of this taxon in small, isolated patches on
high, bare, east-facing rocks suggests it is a member of
a relict boreal flora.
Development stages Project observations showed an annual development of
a shallow green biomass of less than 20 cm emerging
from a basic relatively thick woody stump. The woody
base survives the cold winters at such altitude while the
annual green biomass is renewed yearly on a seasonal
basis.
2
Estimated density: 0.44 plants/ m
Estimated population size: 440,000 individuals
Size class
National population
characteristics
(Estimated size,
density, size or ageclass structure)
Reproduction
(vegetative or by
seeds, type of
pollination)
Population
Regeneration
Size Class A
Size Class B
Size Class C
Size Class D
Size Class E
Size Class F
Size Class G
Size Class H
Size Class I
Size Class J
•
•
•
Tuft diameter
0-10 stems / plant
11-20 stems/plant
21-30 stems/plant
31-40 stems/plant
41-50 stems/plant
51-60 stems/plant
61-70 stems/plant
71-80 stems/plant
81-90 stems/plant
91-100 stems/plant
%
contribution
62.90
21.43
8.75
2.99
2.41
0.36
0.29
0.44
0.22
62.90
Bisexual flowers
Mainly insect pollinated
Population regenerates only through seeds
Not known
There does not appear to be significant targeted
pressure from wild collection: it is unlikely that the
leaves are substituted for more common, medicinallyused related species (e.g., Micromeria spp.) because of
the inaccessibility of the habitat, small biomass, and
short flowering period.
Conservation and
Management
Threats (causes and
impact)
Climate change: C. libanoticum has several traits that
likely contribute to high sensitivity and low adaptability to
climate change impacts: specialized microhabitat
requirements, rarity, and barriers to dispersal that
include limited suitable habitat and limited dispersal of
pollen and seed
Habitat loss & degradation: The natural habitat of this
species (i.e. dry, rocky outcrops on East-facing mountain
40 | P a g e
Clinopodium libanoticum - (Boiss.) Kuntze
Conservation status
Conservation
Actions In-Place
tops in Lebanon) is subject to pressure from nomadic
grazing of goats and increasing exposure to the effects
of climate change, including drought, elevated
temperatures, and extreme weather.
IUCN Red List Assessment:
EN - Endangered, B1ab(i,ii,iii)+2ab(i,ii,iii) (IUCN version
3.1)
The species distribution appears to overlap with Horsh
Ehden Nature Reserve and in the Arz Bcharreh
Protection / Protected Zone and the Foret des Cedres
de Dieu Forest Reserve
May be present in at least three proposed Important
Plant Areas in Lebanon (Mount Makmel, SannineKnaisseh, and Aarsal; Radford et al. 2011)
Conservation
Actions Needed
Does not appear to be included in ex situ collections
(BGCI 2013, Biodiversity International 2013).
Site/area protection: Identification of existing or
designation of new protected areas in which this species
naturally occurs.
Resource & habitat Protection: Control impacts of
grazing in this habitat and on this species
Site/area management: Management of grazing;
management of protected areas in which this species
naturally occurs.
Ex-situ conservation: Collection and ex situ
management of intraspecific genetic diversity of this
species.
Awareness &Communications: Awareness and public
education of climate change impacts.
Research /
monitoring Needed
41 | P a g e
National level Legislation: Development of national
threatened species list and legislation to protect these
species and their habitats
Research
• Population size, distribution, trends and
regeneration characteristics: Confirm and expand
baseline established by UNDP-GEF-LARI MAP
project
• Threats: Particular focus on monitoring the effects
of climate change
• Area-based Management Plan: Management of
nomadic goat grazing in this habitat
• Plant biochemical composition: Better knowledge
of species biochemical composition
• Plant Biology: Plants, seeds and populations
biology, cycles phonological stages, etc.
Monitoring
• Population trends: Trends in population structure
and density
• Habitat trends: Particular focus on monitoring the
effects of climate change on microhabitat of this
species
Clinopodium libanoticum - (Boiss.) Kuntze
National
Management plan or
strategy in place
Recommended
National
Management
objectives
Recommended
National Monitoring
Indicators
Recommended
practice for
sustainable wild
collection
42 | P a g e
None
In-situ and ex-situ conservation of the species to
maintain a healthy and viable gene bank that can be
utilized if use and market assessment showed higher
potential in the future
• Changes in national distribution
• Change density (national monitoring sites)
• Changes in market demand (national, international)
Not recommended for wild harvesting
CONSERVATION GUIDELINES Viola libanotica
Viola libanotica
Latin name
Viola libanotica
None
Synonyms
Lebanese
Banafsaj lubnānī, Banafsaj
vernacular name(s)
Other species
Banafsaj groups; Viola odorata
included in the
vernacular name
Eng. Lebanon Violet, Sweet violet; Fr. Violette du liban ;
Common name(s)
Germ. Lebanische Veilchen
Plant
Description (type
and size of the
plant) and photo of
the target plant
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Identification
problems
Use (scale and
trend)
Potential use
assessment
identified
43 | P a g e
Plant part(s)
collected
Plant part(s) used /
Potential end
products
Type: Low stemless chamaephyte (subshrub),
Woody, thick root, Cespitous tufted plant, in
numerous woody stumps
Flowering: May-July
Height: 5-10 cm
Scent: Slightly odoriferous
Stem: Green, not ramified, upper part of the stem
with few leaves
Leaves: Green, 1-2 cm, Limb rhomboid or ovate
(kidney like shape), Stipules ovate-lanceolate, short
fringed. long very thin petiole, Glabrous, coriace, not
cordate basis, coarse toothed to crenelate
Inflorescence: Inflorescence in 1-2 scapes.
Bracteoles setaceous distant from flowers
Flower: Pale violet or white flowers, Capsule wooly
or smooth and globular, Spur longer than sepal
appendages
May be confused with the more common Viola odorata
There is little likelihood that this species is currently in
use and trade on its own merits or as a substitute for
related medicinally-used species native to Lebanon.
The restricted and relatively inaccessible distribution,
small biomass, and short flowering season in the
mountains of Lebanon do not support popular use
None
None
Viola libanotica
Yield: Traces (GEF-UNDP-LARI 2013)
Essential oil yield
and profile
Use potential
Trade (scale and
trend)
National quality and
trade standard
National quality and
trade standard
International quality
and trade standard
Market potential
assessment
Regulatory
framework, market
access and
requirements for
export
Market potential
Suitability for
sustainable wild
harvesting
Assessment
Recommended
production method
Habitat and
Ecology under wild
conditions
Main components: Carvone (87%) & Pulegone (13%)
(GEF-UNDP-LARI 2013)
No use reported / identified
There is little likelihood that this species is currently in
use and trade on its own merits or as a substitute for
related medicinally-used species native to Lebanon. The
restricted and relatively inaccessible distribution, small
biomass, and short flowering season in the mountains of
Lebanon do not support popular use.
None
None
No known quality standards or trade specification in:
• Australia (other viola sps.)
• EU (Viola tricolor, Viola arvensis & other viola sps.)
• India
• Switzerland (other viola sps.)
• USA
Does not appear on any national positive lists of any of
the selected counties, although some lists allow other
species of Viola. Almost no evidence was found to
demonstrate that any ingredients made from Viola
libanotica are commercially traded or actively used.
• Australia(Viola odorata, Viola tricolor, Viola
yedoensis)
• Canada (Viola sps., Viola odorata, Viola tricolor)
• EU (Viola odorata, Viola tricolor, Viola yedoensis,
Viola arvensis)
• India (Viola canescens, Viola cinerea, Viola odorata,
Viola pilosa)
• South Africa (Viola odorata)
• Switzerland (Viola tricolor, Viola odorata)
• USA (Viola cuculiata, Viola odorata, Viola sororia,
Viola tricolor, Viola yedoensis, Viola calcarata)
No market reported / identified
High risk (based on 2010 version)
High risk (based on 2011 Version and new IUCN redlist status)
Not recommended for wild harvesting due to high risk of unsustainable wild
harvesting
Not recommended for cultivation due to market/use limitation
Geographic
Endemic to Lebanon
distribution
Occurring in rocky Mediterranean shrubland habitats at
elevations between 1900 and 2400 m asl across the
western slopes of Mount Lebanon and North Lebanon.
National distribution
The observed restricted distribution of this taxon in high,
rocky microhabitats suggests a relict Mediterranean
boreal flora
Estimated to occupy between 12-45 km
2
estimated suitable habitat range of 120 km
44 | P a g e
2
from the
Viola libanotica
Clear grassland land cover and Mountainous
Mediterranean and Oromediterranean vegetation levels
on west-facing slopes at 1900-2400 m asl with yellowish
Habitat Description mountain, greyey, and white greyish soils.
(Type, specificity)
Tufts comprising several individual plants grow in shady
patches of organic material and moisture in the dry,
rocky terrain.
The plant has a short cycle, it develops seasonal green
biomass emerging from the basal woody stump after
snow melt (April-May). The flowering phase is relatively
Development stages
short and later the plants endured summer water stress.
Several months during winter plants are covered by
snow
Estimated density: 0.026 tuft/m2
2
Average 2,750 stems/m of tufts
Average 300 stems/tuft
National population
characteristics
(Estimated size,
density, size or ageclass structure)
Reproduction
(vegetative or by
seeds, type of
pollination)
Population
Regeneration
Estimated population size: 312,000
Size class
Tuft diameter % contribution
Size Class A 0-0.2 m2
96.73
Size Class B 0.2-0.4 m2
2.30
Size Class C 0.4-0.6 m2
0.48
Size Class D 0.6-0.8 m2
0.24
Size Class E 0.8-1 m2
0.12
Size Class F 1-1.2 m2
0.12
• Bisexual flowers
• Mainly regenerates vegetatively but possible through
seeds
Not known
Recent field surveys indicate that there is not significant
targeted pressure from wild collection: it is unlikely that
the flowers are substituted for the more widely
distributed, commercially important species V. odorata
because of the inaccessibility of the habitat, small
available biomass, and short flowering period (UNDPLARI 2013).
Conservation and
Management
Threats (causes and
impact)
Climate change: V. libanotica has several traits that
likely contribute to high sensitivity and low adaptability to
climate change impacts: specialized microhabitat
requirements, rarity, and barriers to dispersal that
include limited suitable habitat and limited dispersal of
pollen and seed.
Habitat loss & degradation: The natural habitat of this
species (i.e. dry, rocky outcrops on West-facing
mountain tops in Lebanon) is subject to pressure from
nomadic grazing of goats and increasing exposure to the
effects of climate change, including drought, elevated
temperatures, and extreme weather events.
Conservation status
45 | P a g e
IUCN Red List Assessment:
EN - Endangered, B1ab(i,ii,iii)+2ab(i,ii,iii) (IUCN version
3.1)
Viola libanotica
The species distribution appears Horsh Ehden Nature
Reserve, the Arz Bcharreh Protection/Protected Zone,
and the Foret des Cedres de Dieu Forest Reserve
Conservation
Actions In-Place
It may be present in at least two proposed Important
Plant Areas in Lebanon (Mount Makmel and SannineKnaisseh; Radford et al. 2011)
Does not appear to be included in ex situ collections
(BGCI 2013, Biodiversity International 2013).
Site/area protection: Identification of existing or
designation of new protected areas in which this species
naturally occurs.
Resource & habitat Protection: Control impacts of
grazing in this habitat and on this species
Conservation
Actions Needed
Site/area management: Management of grazing;
management of protected areas in which this species
naturally occurs.
Ex-situ conservation: Collection and ex situ
management of intraspecific genetic diversity of this
species.
Awareness &Communications: Awareness and public
education of climate change impacts.
Research /
Monitoring Needed
National
Management plan or
strategy in place
Recommended
National
Management
objectives
46 | P a g e
National level Legislation: Development of national
threatened species list and legislation to protect these
species and their habitats
Research
• Population size, distribution, trends and
regeneration characteristics: Confirm and expand
baseline established by UNDP-GEF-LARI MAP
project
• Threat: Particular focus on monitoring exposure and
effects of climate change on microhabitat required
by this species
• Area-based Management Plan: Management of
nomadic goat grazing in this habitat
• Plant Biology: Plants, seeds and populations
biology, cycles phonological stages, etc.
Monitoring
• Population trends: Trends in population structure
and density
• Habitat trends: Particular focus on monitoring the
exposure and effects of climate change on
microhabitat of this species
None
In situ and ex situ conservation of the species to
maintain a healthy and viable gene bank that can be
utilized if use and market assessment showed higher
potential in the future
Viola libanotica
• Changes in national distribution
Recommended
National Monitoring • Change density (national monitoring sites)
Indicators
• Changes in market demand (national, international
Recommended
Not recommended for wild harvesting
practice for
sustainable wild
collection
47 | P a g e
Market
potential
Use potential
Species
Suitability for
wild harvesting
SUMMARY OF CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PROJECT TARGET
SPECIES
Origanum
syriacum
Recommended
Production method
Wild harvesting and
cultivation
Recommended National
Management objectives
•
•
•
Low risk
High
High
•
•
•
•
48 | P a g e
Maintain or increase
productivity of wildharvested populations
Maintain or increase the
quality of harvested
material
Replace destructive
harvest practices with
sustainable harvest
practices
Increase income
generation for local
communities from valueadded locally produced
MAP products
Increase quality
controlled, sustainably
harvested MAP products
that are certified and
branded
Reduce conflicts
(between collectors,
between communities)
resource access and
benefits
Increase communitybased management of
wild-collected resources
Recommended National
Monitoring Indicators
Recommended
practice for
sustainable wild
collection
•
Sustainable wild
harvesting criteria
stipulated in
Ministerial decision
1/179 (2012)
Changes in market
supply (national,
international)
• Changes in market
demand (national,
international)
• Harvested biomass and
quality (national
monitoring sites)
• Change in national
distribution
• Implementation of good
collection practice
Suitability for
wild harvesting
Market
potential
Use potential
Species
Salvia
fruiticosa
Recommended
Production method
Wild harvesting and
cultivation
Recommended National
Management objectives
•
•
Low Risk
High
High
•
•
•
•
49 | P a g e
Maintain or increase
productivity of wildharvested populations
Maintain or increase the
quality of harvested
material
Replace destructive
harvest practices with
sustainable harvest
practices
Increase income
generation for local
communities from valueadded locally produced
MAP products
Reduce conflicts
(between collectors,
between communities)
resource access and
benefits
Development of
cultivation protocols
Recommended National
Monitoring Indicators
•
•
•
•
•
Changes in market
supply (national,
international)
Changes in market
demand (national,
international)
Harvested biomass and
quality (national
monitoring sites)
Change in national
distribution
Implementation of good
collection practice
Recommended
practice for
sustainable wild
collection
Sustainable wild
harvesting criteria
stipulated in
Ministerial decision
1/179 (2012)
Suitability for
wild harvesting
Market
potential
Use potential
Species
Medium Risk
Limited
Limited
Origanum
ehrenbergii
Recommended
Production method
Cultivation is the
recommended option but
wild harvesting can be
permitted under very strict
sustainability standards
within a regulatory permit
system with rigorous
monitoring
Recommended National
Management objectives
•
•
•
•
Medium Risk
Limited
Limited
Althaea
damascena
Cultivation is the
recommended option but
cultivation can be permitted
under very strict
sustainability standards
within a regulatory permit
system with rigorous
monitoring
•
•
•
•
50 | P a g e
Maintain or increase
productivity of wildharvested populations
Ex situ conservation to
maintain a healthy and
viable gene bank
Replace destructive
harvest practices with
sustainable harvest
practices
Development of
cultivation protocols
Maintain or increase
productivity of wildharvested populations
Ex situ conservation to
maintain a healthy and
viable gene bank
Replace destructive
harvest practices with
sustainable harvest
practices
Development of
cultivation protocols
Recommended National
Monitoring Indicators
•
Recommended
practice for
sustainable wild
collection
Change in national
distribution
• Harvested biomass and
quality (national
monitoring sites)
• Changes in market
supply (national,
international)
• Changes in market
demand (national,
international)
To be developed
based on rigorous
assessments,
investigation and
surveys of the
species
•
To be developed
based on rigorous
assessments,
investigation and
surveys of the
species
•
•
•
Change in national
distribution
Harvested biomass and
quality (national
monitoring sites)
Changes in market
supply (national,
international)
Changes in market
demand (national,
international)
Suitability for
wild harvesting
Market
potential
Use potential
Species
Cyclotrichium
origanifolium
Viola
libanotica
51 | P a g e
High Risk
Limited
Not recommended for wild
harvesting due to high risk
of unsustainable wild
harvesting
No use
reported /
identified
No market
reported /
identified
High Risk
Limited
Cultivation
Not recommended for wild
harvesting due to high risk
of unsustainable wild
harvesting
Not recommended for
cultivation due to
market/use limitation
No use
reported /
identified
No market
reported /
identified
High Risk
Clinopodium
libanoticum
Recommended
Production method
Not recommended for wild
harvesting due to high risk
of unsustainable wild
harvesting
Not recommended for
cultivation due to
market/use limitation
Recommended National
Management objectives
•
Maintain or increase
productivity of wildharvested populations
• Ex situ conservation to
maintain a healthy and
viable gene bank
• Replace destructive
harvest practices with
sustainable harvest
practices
• Development of
cultivation protocols
In-situ and ex-situ
conservation of the species to
maintain a healthy and viable
gene bank that can be utilized
if use and market assessment
showed higher potential in the
future
In situ and ex situ conservation
of the species to maintain a
healthy and viable gene bank
that can be utilized if use and
market assessment showed
higher potential in the future
Recommended National
Monitoring Indicators
•
Recommended
practice for
sustainable wild
collection
Change in national
distribution
• Harvested biomass and
quality (national
monitoring sites)
• Changes in market
supply (national,
international)
• Changes in market
demand (national,
international)
Not recommended
for wild harvesting
•
Not recommended
for wild harvesting
•
•
•
•
•
Changes in national
distribution
Change density (national
monitoring sites)
Changes in market
demand (national,
international)
Changes in national
distribution
Change density (national
monitoring sites)
Changes in market
demand (national,
international
Not recommended
for wild harvesting