Indigenous plants used in the cottage industry in the Transkei region of Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

The cottage industry in the Transkei region of Eastern Cape Province depend s on natural population of a variety of plant species. The present study wa s carried out to investigate and record indigenous plants used in the cotta ge industry by the people of this region to earn their livelihood and to me et other needs. A survey among craftsmen, traders and other local people re corded about 50 species of plants used in the cottage trade. The industry s ubsists on traditional skills such as wood carving, basket making, mat weav ing, etc. Individual profits are small though this trade is a means of self -employment for some people living along the east coast.