With approximately 27 million South Africans relying on indigenous plants for medicine (Myles, Mander, Lungile), rituals, and daily life, Sappi launched its Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Species Stewardship Programme in 2013 to safeguard medicinal trees from extinction. The programme began with the critically endangered Warburgia salutaris (Pepperbark tree), which was under severe threat from overharvesting. In collaboration with Agricultural Research Council, SANParks, and Ezemvelo Wildlife, Sappi’s Forestry R&D team pioneered innovative propagation methods, creating a blueprint for cultivating endangered species that are difficult to grow but vital to cultural traditions and community health.

The programme works closely with traditional healers and local communities, providing them with sustainably grown seedlings and cuttings to reduce pressure on wild populations. Social ecologists and conservation officers run workshops to give healers safe supplies and work with them to find solutions that fit their traditions. Communities benefit from legacy orchards, training, and sustainable access to medicinal plants, strengthening both livelihoods and cultural heritage.

Since inception, the programme has expanded from protecting 40 Pepperbark trees to cultivating over 95 000 in Kruger National Park and 45 000 in KwaZulu-Natal, supplying 22,000 plants annually to communities. Rooting success rates of 75% in 2025 enabled the Pepperbark tree to be reclassified from endangered to vulnerable.

Building on this success, four additional species, Ocotea bullata (Black Stinkwood), Prunus africana (African Cherry), Curtisia dentata (Assegai tree), and Bowiea volubilis, were added in 2021, with propagation protocols refined at the Sappi Shaw Research Centre. While some species root easily, others remain challenging, prompting seed collection, grafting trials, and the establishment of orchards. Looking ahead, Cryptocarya woodii (Cape Laurel) and Cryptocarya latifolia (Wild Quince) will be introduced as substitutes for Ocotea bullata.

The programme also contributes to the R2.9 billion traditional medicine economy, sustaining biodiversity, cultural traditions and community well-being. By integrating ecological science, cultural knowledge and community partnerships, Sappi is helping secure the future of South Africa’s medicinal tree species.

“Now we don’t have to cut trees in the forest. Sappi gives us plants to grow, so we can still make our medicine and keep our traditions alive for our children.” – Traditional Healer, KwaZulu-Natal