Ekundu, located mainly in the Ohangwena, Omusati and Otjozondjupa regions, is disappearing from some of these areas due to overexploitation.
Because of his reputation, some people, mainly in northern Namibia, Otavi migrate seasonally between June and September flower ekundu harvest.
"The flowers are considered a delicacy, while his roots and leaves are used as indigenous medicine for humans and animals," said Nghitoolwa-Ndeunyema.
According Nghitoolwa-Ndeunyema, like other species of Aloe plants, Aloe Zebrina Berker is also known for his duties as a medicine for skin diseases and related injuries.
It said its research shows that local farmers use the leaves ekundu gel for wound care or as a remedy for skin eruptions, similar to the famous Aloe Vera, which is imported into Namibia.
Nghitoolwa-Ndeunyema however added that there is need for an extensive study on ekundu to determine if it has equal value, or the like Aloe Vera, which is found in Namibia.
In addition to its medicinal properties, the flowers are harvested ekundu, cooked and dried before being consumed or stored for future consumption.
Laboratory study conducted on the nutritional value of dried flowers shows ekundu it is rich in protein, fat, vitamin B3 and fiber, among others.
"The values could be more, but the test was performed on dried flowers," she added.
Nghitoolwa-Ndeunyema said ekundu is also of major socio-economic changes, a number of people travel to areas of northern Otavi to gather flowers for the sale.
Re omavanda called molded flowers are mainly sold in Windhoek or in coastal cities.
"For this reason, I realized that people treat the flowers of this plant as a delicacy, people earn their living, but nobody has ever done a study on the plant," she said .
Nghitoolwa-Ndeunyema then said that research, she discovered that Baker Zebrina species disappearing, especially in northern regions.
She said that the main reason for its demise is the fact that farmers collect flowers before they produce seeds. They leave no seeds for future propagation of plants.
For this reason, there is need for farmers in the regions to start reaping the seeds of the plant and preserve them.
Another way that aloe could multiply through the roots, but the planting of seeds is more effective.
Nghitoolwa-Ndeunyema said a number of farmers, particularly in regions Omusati and Ohangwena have expressed their interest in agriculture ekundu.
"Aloe Zebrina Baker is easy to grow. It does not really need much care. All we have to do is to identify community members who are interested so we can provide them with plants," Nghitoolwa-Ndeunyema said.
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