Categories
Herbs & Plants

Alstonia boonei

Botanical Name: Alstonia boonei
Family: Apocynaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Gentianales
Genus: Alstonia
Species: A. boonei

Common Names: Emien(derived from the vernacular of the Ivory Coast).Cheese wood, Pattern wood or Stool wood.

Habitat:Alstonia boonei is native to tropical West Africa, with a range extending into Ethiopia and Tanzania.
It grows in the evergreen and deciduous forest in damp situations. Primary, as well as secondary, moist evergreen to dry semi-deciduous forest at elevations up to 1,200 metres. It is sometimes found in swampy locations and by the sides of streams.

Description:
Alstonia boonei is a very large, deciduous, tropical-forest tree, which can reach 45 metres (148 ft) in height and 3 m (9.8 ft) in girth, the bole being cylindrical and up to 27 m (89 ft) in height with high, narrow, deep-fluted buttresses. The leaves are borne in whorls at the nodes, the leaf shape is oblanceolate, with the apex rounded to acuminate and the lateral veins prominent and almost at right angles to the midrib. The flowers are yellowish-white and borne in lax terminal cymes. The fruits are pendulous, paired, slender follicles up to 16 centimetres (6.3 in) long, containing seeds bearing a tuft of silky, brown floss at either end to allow dispersal by the wind. The latex is white and abundant.

CLICK & SEE THE PICTURES

Cultivation:
A plant of the moist tropics, where it can be found at elevations up to 1,200 metres. It is found in areas where the mean annual rainfall is within the range 1,500 – 2,000mm.
Mature trees require a sunny position, but younger trees are more shade tolerant. Grows best in a moist but well-drained soil. Plants are often found growing in areas where the soil is inundated for part of the year. The branches are somewhat brittle, so the plant requires a position sheltered from strong winds.
A fairly fast-growing tree, it can reach a height of 2 metres within its first year of growth and 10 year old trees can be 15 metres tall with a bole 25cm in diameter. The tree coppices readily.

Propagation:
Through Seeds – it has a hard seedcoat and scarification before sowing can speed up germination and increase the germination rate from 30% to 85%. Scarification can usually be done by pouring a small amount of warm water on the seeds and then soaking them for 12 – 24 hours in warm water. By this time they should have imbibed moisture and swollen – if they have not, then carefully make a nick in the seedcoat (being careful not to damage the embryo) and soak for a further 12 hours before sowing.

Medicinal:
Alstonia boonei is a popular medicine in west Africa, where it is widely used as a febrifuge, to treat malaria and skin problems.
In tests the stem bark has shown anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic properties, but it is not efficient in treating malaria.
Several alkaloids have been isolated from the bark. One of these is the indole alkaloid echitamine, which showed several pharmacological activities including hypotensive activity and relaxing activity of the smooth muscles. However, this compound showed only very limited antiplasmodial effect. Echitamine has a paralysing effect upon the motor nerves, similar to the action of curare.
The triterpenoids lupeol and alpha-amyrin, as well as esters of these compounds, have been isolated from the stem and root bark. These have shown anti-inflammatory properties.
Alcohol extracts of the bark (and to a lesser degree of the leaf) showed a broad-spectrum activity against both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, as well as fungi.

The bark, and the root are febrifuge and galactagogue. Taken in decoction, they are said to be very effective in cases of ordinary malaria. The decoction is said to be inferior to cinchona bark but leaves no after-effects, such as buzzing in the ears. The decoction is also used to treat conditions such as typhoid fever, gonorrhoea, yaws, asthma and dysentery.
Used externally, the decoction is used to cleanse suppurating sores, ulcers, exposed fractures, snakebites and arrow-poisoning.

The bark, leaves and roots are all used to relieve rheumatic pain and other pains.

The bark is anthelmintic, being used especially for children. It is boiled and the liquor strained and taken.

The bark has a widespread use to assuage toothache. The bark is taken in macerate to treat jaundice, and the sap is used to treat cough and sore throat.
The bark sap is used externally to treat some skin-complaints. In Ghana a decoction is given after childbirth to promote expulsion of the afterbirth.

The latex is febrifuge, galactagogue and antidote to poisoning by Strophanthus. It is boiled and the concoction taken in the treatment of fevers, especially in children. It is also given to mothers who have just given birth.
The latex is applied topically to refractory skin-troubles in children. It is also smeared onto ‘Calabar Swellings’ caused by Filaria infection, then the area is bandaged with latex and the crushed bark of Erythrophleum guineense.
The latex is applied externally to snake-bite after lancing, or it may be taken by draught.

The leaves, pulped to a mash, are applied topically to reduce oedemas.
The leaf-sap is used to cleanse sores.

Known Hazards: The latex is dangerous to the eyes and can cause blindness.

Other Uses:
Alstonia boonei is a useful shade tree for coffee, tea and banana plantations.
A comparatively high density of Alstonia boonei trees indicates former disturbance of the forest cover by humans.
The tree naturally regenerates in open, sunny positions, and seedlings cannot survive in deep shade. It has potential for use as a pioneer species when re-establishing native woodland.

A latex obtained from the tree gives an inferior resinous coagulate which has been used to adulterate better rubbers.

The heartwood is yellowish white, though darkening upon exposure to light; it is not distinctly demarcated from the sapwood. The grain is straight, occasionally wavy; the texture moderately coarse; lustre low; there is no distinctive odour or taste. The wood is soft, light in weight, interspersed with latex vessels and inclined to be gummy. It is perishable in the ground, and is susceptible to termites, borers, and to blue stain unless treated with preservative. It seasons rapidly with little or no degrade due to warping and checking; once dry it is fairly stable in service. It works well with ordinary tools, though the presence of latex can clog sawblades; it does not take nails or screws well; but glues corect. It is suitable for light carpentry, veneers, boxes, mouldings, pencils, match-splints, etc. It is used locally for making wooden bowls and plates, toys, masks, canoes, etc. The well-known Asante stools are often made of it, as also are the small paddles the Ijo carve from it for use in dancing. The sound box of an Yoruba musical instrument, as?logun, a kind of zither, is made of it. It is also used in hut-construction for rafters and window-frames.
The wood is used for fue.

Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alstonia_boonei
http://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Alstonia+boonei

Categories
Herbs & Plants

Aloiampelos tenuior

Botanical Name: Aloiampelos tenuior
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily:Asphodeloideae
Kingdom:Plantae
Order: Asparagales
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Aloiampelos
Species:A. tenuior

Synonyms:
*Aloe tenuior Haw.
*Aloe tenuior var. glaucescens Zahlbr.
*Aloe tenuior var. decidua Reynolds
*Aloe tenuior var. rubriflora Reynolds
*Aloe tenuior var. densiflora Reynolds
*Aloe tenuior var. viridifolia van Jaarsv.

Common Names: fence aloe, slender aloe (Eng.); heiningaalwyn (Afr.); ikhalana, ikalene, intelezi, impapane, umjinqa, umkrakrane (isiXhosa); inhlaba, inhlaba empofu (isiZulu)

Habitat: Aloiampelos tenuior is native to the grasslands and thickets of the Eastern Cape, Kwazulu Natal and Mpumalanga, South Africa. Its preferred habitat is sandy soils in open country, unlike many of its relatives that favour thicket vegetation. It is one of the most profusely flowering of all aloes and their relatives

Description:
Aloiampelos tenuior is a small to medium-sized, sprawling, bushy shrublet, with a large woody rootstock. It has slender, branching, semi-woody stems, up to 3 m long, that grow upright, but as they grow longer, they tend to need support from surrounding shrubs to remain erect. In time, the plant develops into a mass of intertwined stems, up to about 1.5 m tall with a spread of up to 1.8 m. The leaves are thin to slightly fleshy, blue-green (glaucous), unspotted, and are crowded in lax rosettes at the ends of branches. The leaf margins have small teeth.The leaves have a distinctive greyish-green colour and the leaf margins have tiny white teeth.

Like all species in the genus, flowers are borne on slender racemes and are usually bright yellow (although there are red-flowered forms, sometimes called var. rubriflora).

Aloiampelos tenuior flowers throughout the year, but especially in winter, and the small flowers appear on thin, un-branched racemes.

CLICK & SEE THE PICTURES

Varieties:
Aloiampelos tenuior is an extremely variable species. The World Checklist of Selected Plant Families (WCSP) does not recognize any varieties, treating them all as synonyms of the species. Varieties recognized by some sources include:

*A. tenuior var. tenuior
*A. tenuior var. viridifolia (the Green-leaf Fence Aloe) restricted to the Suurberg Shale Fynbos, near Addo Elephant Park, north of Port Elizabeth. The smallest variety, with smooth, green leaves.
*A. tenuior var. glaucescens (the blue fence aloe), type: Kei River, Eastern Cape.
*A. tenuior var. densiflora (the dense-flowered fence aloe), type: Breakfast Vlei, Eastern Cape
*A. tenuior var. rubriflora (the red-flowered fence aloe) of Pondoland, type: Mlengana, Eastern Cape. The largest variety.
*A. tenuior var. decidua (the deciduous fence aloe), type: Alice, Eastern Cape. A small, erect, deciduous variety.

Cultivation:
Aloiampelos tenuior grows best in well-drained soil enriched with compost, and while it can withstand dry conditions, it will perform better with regular watering. It needs a position in full sun, or one that receives sun for most of the day. Although it will grow in the shade, it will not flower. It needs protection from frost, but should withstand light frosts.

With its long flowering season and free-flowering habit in cultivation, it is a showy garden plant and a useful landscaping plant. It is well suited to rockeries, retaining walls, terraces and embankments, as well as mixed beds and borders; can be or planted en masse to cover a large area, and it can be encouraged to climb up fences and trellises, but it will need to be supported. It is also suitable for containers.

Aloes are prone to a number of diseases and pests, the commonest of which are white scale and the aloe snout beetle. These can be treated with the appropriate insecticides

Propagation: Aloiampelos tenuior grows easily from stem cuttings which should be allowed to dry for a few days and then can be rooted in well-drained potting soil or planted directly into the garden and kept moist, but not wet. There is no need for bottom heat, misting or rooting hormone.

Medicinal Uses:
These leaves are a traditional remedy for tapeworm.

Other Uses: Ornamental, mainly grown for its flowers but also for foliage interest. It is a useful and undemanding landscape plant. It was previously called Aloe tenuior.

Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aloiampelos_tenuior
http://pza.sanbi.org/aloiampelos-tenuior
.

Categories
Herbs & Plants

Aloe succotrina

Botanical Name: Aloe succotrina
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Asparagales
Genus: Aloe
Species: A. succotrina

Habitat::
Aloe succotrina is naturally found on the Cape Peninsula, and as far as Mossel Bay to the east. This aloe is common in Peninsula Sandstone Fynbos vegetation, and typically grows high up on cliff faces and rocky outcrops where seasonal fires do not reach it. It is one of the few Aloes that naturally occur in fynbos habitats – along with the Fan Aloe and Aloiampelos commixta of Table Mountain.

Descriptiion:
Aloe succotrina is a succulent shrub that can grow up to 1.5 m tall, but usually only grows up to 1 m tall. The plant forms clusters of between 1–2 metres (3.3–6.6 ft) diameter, with its leaves forming dense rosettes. In winter when it flowers (June to September) it produces a tall raceme, bearing shiny red flowers that are pollinated by sunbirds.Solitary specimens do occur, but this aloe is usually found in small to large, dense clumps. Plants are stemless when young, but branching in older specimens and are covered with the remains of older dried leaves. Stems are dichotomously branched and rebranched, forming impenetrable groups.

The stiff leaves form dense rosettes and are dull grey-green, with scattered spots. They have firm, triangular, white teeth along their margins, which become smaller towards the leaf base. The leaves are 500 × 100 mm and are ascending, curved and tapering. The purple colour of the old leaves is one of the characteristics of Aloe succotrina that helps to distinguish it between similar looking species.

CLICK & SEE THE PICTURES

Cultivation:
Aloe succotrina can easily be grown as an ornamental plant in Mediterranean climate gardens, rockeries, and in containers. It is particularly striking in winter, when it flowers. Western Cape gardens use it in Fynbos native plant themed natural landscaping. The plant prefers a sunny, well drained spot. Space should be provided for maturity, as it eventually grows into a large and dense cluster.

Edible Uses:
The flowers are sucked for their sweet nectar. In Japan the leaves are used as a vegetable and as a health food because they are thought to overcome constipation. Parts of the stem with a number of leaves attached are marketed as a vegetable.

Mediicinal Uses:
Its leaves contain active ingredients which have acknowledged effectiveness if applied locally on itchiness, insect bites, burns and dermatitis. … Additionally, this natural product helps accelerate wound healing: use is often recommended to treat wounds.

Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aloe_succotrina#Distribution
http://pza.sanbi.org/aloe-succotrina

Categories
Herbs & Plants

Alchornea cordifolia

Botanical Name: Alchornea cordifolia
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Malpighiales
Genus: Alchornea
Species: A. cordifolia

Synonyms:
*Schousboea cordifolia
*Alchornea cordata

Common names: Christmas bush.

Local Names: Ipa, esinsin, eepa, bambami, ububo, bulora, garagasaki

Habitat: Alchornea cordifolia is native to tropical Africa.(Tropical Africa – Senegal east to Kenya and Tanzania and south throughout Central Africa to Angola) Widespread in secondary forest and riverine forest, especially in marshy areas but sometimes in drier sites, from sea-level up to 1,500 metres altitude. It often forms thickets in disturbed, unburned localities.

Description:
Alchornea cordifolia is an evergreen, dioecious shrub or a small tree that grows up to 8 meters in height. It is well adapted to acid soils, responds well to coppicing, and reported to improve soil fertility. The leaves, when dried, can be used as a tea substitute and the acidulous fruits are considered edible in some parts of Africa. It is known as an important traditional medicinal plant in Africa and is used as a major medicinal plant for its antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoal, as well as anti-inflammatory properties. The leaves are the main part used in traditional medicine but other plant parts such as bark, stem pith, leafy stems, roots, root bark, and fruits are also used.

CLICK & SEE THE PICTURES

Edible Uses: Dried leaves are a tea substitute. The acidulous fruits are considered edible in some parts of Africa.

Medicinal Uses:
Alchornea cordifolia is an important medicinal plant in African traditional medicine and much pharmacological research has been carried out into its antibacterial, antifungal and antiprotozoal properties, as well as its anti-inflammatory activities, with significant positive results. However, the link between activity and particular compounds is often not clear, although the flavonoids and tannins seem to play a major role. More research is needed to elucidate these relations. It is probable that Alchornea cordifolia will remain a major medicinal plant. The leaves are the main part used, but the stem bark, stem pith, leafy stems, root bark, roots and fruits are also employed. In addition to the properties listed above, the leaves or leafy stems are also believed to be abortifacient, antispasmodic, blood purifier, diuretic, emetic (in large doses), emmenagogue, oxytocic, purgative, sedative and tonic. Taken as an infusion or chewed fresh, they are used to treat a wide variety of conditions including:- respiratory problems such as sore throat, cough and bronchitis; genital-urinary conditions such as venereal diseases, menstrual problems, impotency and female sterility; intestinal problems such as gastric ulcers, diarrhoea, amoebic dysentery and worms; anaemia; epilepsy; tachycardia. As a purgative, the leaves are also taken as an enema. The crushed fresh leaves or powdered dry leaves are applied externally as a cicatrizant to wounds, to relieve pain, e.g. backache and headache, to fractures to improve healing and to treat eye infections and numerous skin afflictions including venereal diseases, leprosy, sores, abscesses, yaws and filariasis. A decoction of leafy twigs is applied as a wash for feverish chills, and rheumatic pains, also for sores and as an application to sore feet as a lotion or poultice. Leaf and root decoctions are widely used as mouth wash to treat ulcers of the mouth, toothache and caries, and twigs are chewed for the same purposes. The young stem pith is bitter and astringent and is chewed in the treatment of tachycardia. The pith may also be rubbed on the chest to treat respiratory problems. The root is widely taken to treat venereal diseases, amoebic dysentery and diarrhoea. Externally, it is used to make eye drops to cure conjunctivitis. A decoction of bruised fruit is taken to prevent miscarriage. The sap of the fruit is applied externally to cure eye problems and skin diseases.

Other Uses:
Agroforestry Uses: The tree is reported to improve soil fertility and is known to be effective in restoring calcium levels in acid soils. It is a pioneer species and is one of the first trees to appear in vegetation dominated by Chromolaena odorata, an invasive shrub that has spread widely from S. America. As a mulch crop it has good potential for restoration of soil fertility considering its standing biomass, root distribution, nutrient content in the biomass, decomposition and nutrient release patterns, and association with mycorrhiza. It is used as a windbreak around crops. Other Uses The leaves are used as a packing material for cola nuts and a Nigerian condiment. The infructescences are used in decorations. Pipe stems are made from the branches with the pith removed. The fruits are used as black dye, either on their own or combined with other plants such as fermented Parkia pods; the stems and leaves of Mucuna flagellipes; or the bark of Bridelia ferrugineas. This dye is used to colour mats and cloth and is also used on pottery, calabashes and leather. The leaves are often added to indigo to darken its colour. The leaves and fruits are used for dyeing and preserving fishing nets; dried leaves give a darker colour than fresh ones. The bark and leaves are used to blacken cloth and pottery. The bark and leaves contain up to 11% tannins. Too little for commercial interest, but the tannins are used locally for purposes such as waterproofing rope. The wood ash serves as a mordant. The fruit, or an extract of the plant is a component of marine antifouling paints, coatings and polymers for application to metal surfaces. Alchorneic acid, obtained from the plant, has been proposed as a raw material for the hemi-synthesis of plastic. The wood is light, soft and perishable and is not used in many areas. However, where larger pieces are available it is sometimes used for house construction, stakes and kitchen utensils, and also benches when large stems are available The split stems are used to line baskets. The wood is also used as fuel.

Cultivation:
Plants are well adapted to acid soils. The nectar glands at the leaf base attract ants, which protect the plant from attacks from other insects. Plants respond well to coppicing, regrowing rapidly after being cut. In forest regions, the full ripening of the fruit is a sign that the rainy season is over. A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if seed is required.

Propagation:
Through Seed – germination takes 3 – 12 weeks when directly planted in moist soil. Plants are most easily propagated from stem cuttings, which root in 9 weeks.

Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alchornea_cordifolia
https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Alchornea+cordifolia

Categories
Herbs & Plants

Adonis annua

Botanical Name: Adonis annua
Family: Ranunculaceae
Kingdom:
Plantae
Order: Ranunculales
Genus: Adonis
Species: A. annua

Synonyms: Adonis autumnalis L., Adonis phoenicea Bercht. & J.Presl.

Common Names: Pheasant’s-eye, Adonis’ flower, Autumn Adonis, Autumn pheasant’s-eye, Blooddrops, Red chamomile, Red Morocco, Rose-a-ruby, Soldiers-in-green.

Habitaat: Adonis annua is native to North Africa, Western Asia, the Mediterranean, and Europe. The name Bird’s Eye is also associated with the bird’s-eye primrose. Pheasant’s eye is also an alternative name for poet’s narcissus.

Description:

Adonis annua is an annual, ornamental plant.It grows to a height of 10 inch (25 cm). The flowers are often scarlet in color with darker spots at the base.

CLICK & SEE THE PICTURES

In the UK, Adonis annua is endangered and listed as a priority species under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, beetles.

The leaves and roots are poisonous to humans and livestock.

Medicinal Uses:
The plant is a cardiotonic, diuretic and stimulant. Some caution is advised in the use of this remedy, see the notes below on toxicity. The flowers are considered to be diuretic, laxative and lithontripic.

Cultivation:
Grows well in ordinary garden soil. Prefers a moist well-drained soil in sun or semi-shade. A greedy plant inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes. Very closely related to Adonis aestivalis.

Propagation: Seed – best sown in situ as soon as it is ripe in the autumn, though it can also be sown in situ in the spring.

Known Hazards: A toxic principle is present in very small quantities in the plant. It is poorly absorbed so poisoning is unlikely. The plant is poisonous to horses and some livestocks.

Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adonis_annua
https://pfaf.org/User/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Adonis+aestivalis

css.php