Tag: Magnoliophyta

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Artemisia afra

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Botanical Name ; Artemisia afra
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Artemisia
Species: Artemisia afra
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Asterales

Common Names:wild wormwood, African wormwood (Eng.); wilde-als (Afr.); umhlonyane (Xhosa); mhlonyane (Zulu); lengana (Tswana); zengana (Southern Sotho)

Habitat :Artemisia afra has a  wide distribution from South Africa, to areas reaching to the North and East, as far north as Ethiopia. Artemisia afra is the only indigenous species in this genus.

Description:
Artemisia afra grows in thick, bushy, slightly untidy clumps, usually with tall stems up to 2 m high, but sometimes as low as 0.6 m. The stems are thick and woody at the base, becoming thinner and softer towards the top. Many smaller side branches shoot from the main stems. The stems are ribbed with strong swollen lines that run all the way up. The soft leaves are finely divided, almost fern-like. The upper surface of the leaves is dark green whereas the undersides and the stems are covered with small white hairs, which give the shrub the characteristic overall grey colour. A. afra flowers in late summer, from March to May. The individual creamy yellow flowers are small (3-4 mm in diameter), nodding and crowded at the tips of the branches. Very typical of A. afra is the strong, sticky sweet smell that it exudes when touched or cut.

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Medicinal Uses;
Artemisia afra is a well-known medicinal plant in Africa, and is still used effectively by people of many cultures. Uses range from treating cough, fever, colic, headache, to intestinal parasites and malaria. In addition, Artemisia afra is frequently used as a moth repellent, and in organic insecticidal sprays.

The roots, stems and leaves are used as enemas, poultices, infusions, lotions, inhaled (e.g. smoked or snuffed), or as an essential oil.

Artemisia afra is used in many different ways and one of the most common practices is to insert fresh leaves into the nostrils to clear blocked nasal passages. Another maybe not so common use is to place leaves in socks for sweaty feet. The roots, stems and leaves are used in many different ways and taken as enemas, poultices, infusions, body washes, lotions, smoked, snuffed or drunk as a tea. A. afra has a very bitter taste and is usually sweetened with sugar or honey when drunk. Wilde-als brandy is a very popular medicine still made and sold today. Margaret Roberts lists many other interesting uses which includes the use in natural insecticidal sprays and as a moth repellent.

Used mainly as an aqueous decoction or infusion applied externally or taken orally, the extremely bitter taste being masked by the addition of sugar or honey. Fresh leaf may be added to boiling water and the vapors inhaled.  For the treatment of cough, croup, whooping cough, influenza, fever, diabetes, gastro-intestinal disorders and intestinal worms.  As an inhalation for the relief of headache and nasal congestion or a lotion to treat hemorrhoids. In traditional practice, fresh leaf is inserted into the nostrils to relieve nasal congestion or placed in boiling water as a steam bath for menstrual pain or after childbirth. Warmed leaves may be applied externally as a poultice to relieve inflammation and aqueous infusions administered per rectum or applied as a lotion to treat hemorrhoids.  African Artemisia afra foliage was smoked by many Indian tribes to induce visionary states during religious ceremonies. It is a strong narcotic, analgesic and antihistamine. It is an excellent smoke or smoke-mix, reputed for its hallucinogenic effects and psychoactive properties. In Central America and the Caribbean Islands, it is dried and smoked along with Cannabis sativa as an aphrodisiac.  Volatile oils from the plant resulted in significant activity against Aspergillus ochraceus, A. niger, A. parasiticus, Candida albicans, Alternaria alternata, Geotrichum candidum, and Penicillium citrium

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

Resources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artemisia_afra
http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_UZ.htm
http://www.plantzafrica.com/plantab/artemisafra.htm
http://www.herbgarden.co.za/mountainherb/article_wildeals.htm

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Sagittaria cuneata

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Botanical Name :Sagittaria cuneata
Family: Alismataceae
Genus: Sagittaria
Species: S. cuneata
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Alismatales

Synonyms : Sagittaria arifolia.

Common Names :Arumleaf arrowhead,Wapato

Habitat : Sagittaria cuneata  is native to much of North America, including most of Canada and the western and northeastern United States. It grows on calcareous or muddy shores and shallow waters of rivers, lakes, ponds, pastures, and ditches, occasional in tidal waters, or in deep flowing water with slow current; 100 – 2500 metres.

Description:
Sagittaria cuneata is an aquatic plant, growing in slow-moving and stagnant water bodies such as ponds and small streams. It is quite variable in appearance across individuals, and submerged parts of the plant look different from those growing above the surface or on land. In general it is a perennial herb growing from a white or blue-tinged tuber. The leaves are variable in shape, many of them sagittate, or shaped like arrowheads with two smaller, pointed lobes opposite the tip. The leaf blades are borne on very long petioles. The plant is monoecious, with individuals bearing both male and female flowers. The inflorescence which rises above the surface of the water is a raceme made up of several whorls of flowers, the lowest node bearing female flowers and upper nodes bearing male flowers. The flower is up to 2.5 centimeters wide with white petals. The male flowers have rings of yellow stamens at the centers. Female flowers each have a spherical cluster of pistils which develops into a head of tiny fruits.

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Cultivation:
A pond or bog garden plant, it requires a moist or wet loamy soil in a sunny position. Succeeds in shallow, still or slowly flowing water. Plants are usually monoecious but dioecious forms are sometimes found. A very polymorphic species. In mud or shallow water the leaves are broad, but in deep water the plant only produces long slender leafstalks. This plant has potential for commercial cultivation as a root crop.

Propagation:
Seed – best sown as soon as it is ripe in a pot standing in about 5cm of water. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle, and gradually increase the depth of water as the plants grow until it is about 5cm above the top of the pot. Plant out in late spring or early summer of the following year. Division of the tubers in spring or autumn. Easy. Runners potted up at any time in the growing season.
Edible Uses: Root – raw or cooked. Slightly bitter raw, the roasted tubers are sweet-tasting. Those tubers found at the end of the rootstock are the best. When broken off from the roots the tubers rise to the water surface and are then easily gathered.

Medicinal Uses;
The Maidu of California used an infusion of arrowhead roots to clean and treat wounds. The Navajo use these plants for headaches. The Ojibwa and the Chippewa used Sagittaria species as a remedy for indigestion. The Cherokee used an infusion of leaves to bathe feverish babies, with one sip given orally. The Iroquois used it for rheumatism, a dermatological aid, and a laxative. The Iroquois used it as a ceremonial blessing when they began planting corn.The plant has been used to treat headaches. The corms have been eaten as a treatment for indigestion.

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

Resources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sagittaria_cuneata
http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_UZ.htm
http://www.madrean.org/maba/symbflora/taxa/index.php?taxon=1938

http://www.pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?LatinName=Sagittaria+cuneata

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Euphorbia maculata

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Botanical Name : Euphorbia maculata
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Genus: Euphorbia
Species: E. maculata
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Malpighiales

syn. : Chamaesyce maculata (L.)

Common Names:Milk-purslane,Spotted spurge or Prostrate spurge

Habitat :Euphorbia maculata is  native to North America.

Description:
Euphorbia maculata is an annual plant in the family Euphorbiaceae, It is a variably prostrate to erect plant, with stems growing along the ground up to 45 cm long, but only reaching up to 30 cm tall. The leaves are oval, up to 3 cm long, and arranged in opposite pairs. The flowers are very small, with four white petals. It grows in sunny locations and a variety of soils, and is frequently found as a weed …

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Medicinal Uses:
The milky sap, when taken orally, causes vomiting and acts as a strong laxative.  An alcoholic extract of the plant has been given to control dysentery.  The Indians rubbed the sap on their skin to treat warts, sores, eruptions, and sore nipples.  They also drank a root infusion as a laxative.

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

Resources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euphorbia_maculata
http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_RST.htm
http://digilander.libero.it/ipdid/photos-eng/euphorbia-maculata—milk-purslane.htm

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Cistus ladanifer

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Botanical Name : Cistus ladanifer
Family: Cistaceae
Genus: Cistus
Species: C. ladanifer
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Malvales

Synonyms : Cistus   ladaniferus.

Common Names:Labdanum, Common gum cistus , Gum Rockrose,  Gum Ladanum and Brown-eyed Rockrose.

Habitat : Cistus ladanifer is a native of the western Mediterranean region. It is indigenous to Spain, Portugal and north-west Africa. It grows on the pine woods, copses and on dry usually granitic hills.

Description:
Cistus ladanifer is an evergreen  shrub growing 1-2.5 m tall and wide. The leaves are evergreen, lanceolate, 3–10 cm long and 1–2 cm broad, dark green above and paler underneath. The flowers are 5–8 cm diameter, with 5 papery white petals, usually with a red to maroon spot at the base, surrounding the yellow stamens and pistils. The whole plant is covered with the sticky exudate of fragrant resin.
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Cistus ladanifer is particularly well suited to the Continentalized Mediterranean climate, standing both long summer droughts and cold weather. It is an extremely aggressive plant which has taken over much of former farmland and grasslands in the mountain regions of central Spain. In Spanish it is known as Jara pringosa meaning “sticky shrub”. C. ladanifer has been found to have mycorrhizal associations with Boletus edulis, Boletus rhodoxanthus, and Laccaria laccata.

Cultivation : 
Requires a sunny position in a well-drained light sandy soil, growing well in poor soils. Withstands drought once it is established. Plants are fairly wind resistant, tolerating maritime exposure. Resents root disturbance. Plants are hardy to about -10c, but they require protection in severe winters. Plants are somewhat hardier when grown in poor soils. Individual flowers only last one day but there is a long succession of them. Labdanum dislikes pruning, especially as it gets older and so any formative work should be restricted to removing dead, straggly or damaged growths. The plant also resents root disturbance. Plants should be pot grown and then planted out in their final positions whilst still small. Sometimes cultivated for its gum, which is known as ‘Labdanum’, this is exuded in such quantity in hot weather that the plant becomes very sticky. The leaves have glandular hairs which produce an aromatic gum. The sweet balsamic smell is most apparent in the summer in the early morning. A very ornamental plant, it is very free-flowering and fast growing. There are a number of named forms developed for their ornamental value. An excellent nurse plant for sheltering young seedlings. This species is notably resistant to honey fungus. The flowers are very attractive to bees. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus.

Propagation:
Seed – gather when ripe and store dry. Surface sow in late winter in a greenhouse. The seed usually germinates in 1 – 4 weeks at 20°c. Prick out the seedlings as soon as they are large enough to handle into individual pots. Grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter and plant them out the in the following spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts[164]. The seed stores for at least 3 years. Cuttings of softish to half-ripe wood, 8cm long with a heel or at a node, June/August in a frame. Roots are formed within 3 weeks. High percentage. Cuttings of almost mature wood, 8 – 12cm with a heel or at a node, September/October in a frame. High percentage. Lift and pot up in the spring, plant out when a good root system has formed. Layering in spring.

Edible Uses:
Edible Parts: Manna; Seed.
Edible Uses: Condiment; Gum.

Seed – ground into a powder and used with cereal flours in making cakes and breads. An oleo-resin obtained from the leaves and stems is eaten raw or used as a commercial food flavouring in baked goods, ice cream, chewing gum etc. The plant is said to yield a sweet manna.This report is probably referring to the oleo-resin mentioned above.

Medicinal Uses:
Labdanum is an aromatic, expectorant, stimulant herb that controls bleeding and has antibiotic effects. It is used internally in the treatment of catarrh and diarrhea and as an emmenagogue. The leaves are harvested in late spring and early summer and can be dried for later use, or the resin extracted from them.

.
Other Uses:    The glandular hairs on the leaves yield the oleo-resin ‘ladanum’, used medicinally and in soaps, perfumery, fumigation etc. This resin is an acceptable substitute for ambergris (which is obtained from the sperm whale) and so is important in perfume manufacture. The resin is collected by dragging a type of rake through the plant, the resin adhering to the teeth of the rake, or by boiling the twigs and skimming off the resin. Most resin is produced at the hottest time of the year.
It is a popular ornamental plant, grown for its strongly resin-scented foliage and conspicuous flowers. Its leaves yield a fragrant oleoresin known as labdanum, used in perfumes, especially as a fixative.

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

Resources:
http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_RST.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cistus_ladanifer
http://www.naturephoto-cz.eu/cistus-ladanifer-picture-6182.html
http://www.cistuspage.org.uk/Cistus%20ladanifer.htm

http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Cistus+ladanifer

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Man Vine

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Botanical name: – Agonandra racemosa .
Family: Opiliaceae . Opilia Family
Genus: Agonandra
Specific epithet: racemosa – Standl
Domain: Eukaryota . Whittaker & Margulis,1978 – eukaryotes
Kingdom: Plantae . Haeckel, 1866 – Plants
Subkingdom: Viridaeplantae . Cavalier-Smith, 1981
Phylum: Magnoliophyta .Sinnott, 1935 Ex Cavalier-Smith, 1998 – Flowering Plants
Subphylum: Euphyllophytina
Infraphylum: Radiatopses () – Kenrick & Crane, 1997
Class: Magnoliopsida  Brongniart, 1843 – Dicotyledons
Subclass: Rosidae .Takhtajan, 1967
Superorder: Santalanae . Thorne Ex Reveal, 1992
Order: Santalales . Dumortier, 1829

Common Name :Man Vine

Habitat: Found in Barra de la Cruz – HUGHESFRP.  Typically found at an altitude of 0 to 2,004 meters (0 to 6,575 feet).

Description:
Small tree to 6m ht.Evergreen, shrubs , or lianas, root parasites. Outer bark mud-brown, thick, corky, vertically fissured and cracking irregularly. Slash thick, chunky, soft, pale orange. Leaves rubbery, thick, very sl. succulent; sl. glossy, only midrib visible on both surfaces. Pale yellow-green flowers on short axillary spikes. Infrequent in disturbed selva baja.

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Stipules absent. Leaves alternate, simple , margin entire, penninerved . Inflorescences axillary or cauliflorous , spikes, racemes , or panicles [or umbels, in Africa]; bracts narrowly ovate or scale-like. Flowers small, actinomorphic , (3-) 5-merous, bisexual or unisexual and plants then dioecious or gynodioecious (in Champereia) . Perianth free or tepals partly united , valvate . Stamens as many as and opposite tepals, free or filaments inserted on tepals; anthers 2-loculed, introrse , dehiscence longitudinal . Disk intrastaminal , lobed , annular , or cupular. Ovary superior or semi-sunken in disk, 1-loculed; ovule 1, pendulous, unitegmic , tenuinucellar; placentation free-central . Style short or none; stigma entire or shallowly lobed. Fruit a drupe. Seed coat thin; endosperm oily; embryo terete , with 3 or 4 linear cotyledons.

Medicinal Uses:
Man Vine is an excellent anti-spasmodic and in general quite relaxing to involuntary muscle tissues such as the uterus, stomach and intestines. Chop woody part of vine; boil a small handful in 3 cups of water for 10 minutes and drink 1 cup before each meal for constipation, intestinal gas, indigestion, mucus in stool, inability to eat even a small portion of food, gastritis, and any ailment to do with the digestive or alimentary tract. This same tea also acts as an excellent mild sedative, and can be drunk for backaches, neckache, headaches, muscle spasms, and for males who pass mucus in the urine.  The root is a superior remedy for male impotency—chop root and boil 1 small handful in 3 cups of water for 10 minutes; drink 1 cup before each meal.  Note that while drinking man vine tea, one must abstain from all acid foods, cold drinks, and beef.

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

Resources:
http://herbaria.plants.ox.ac.uk/vfh/image/index.php?item=4732&photo=5343
http://zipcodezoo.com/Plants/A/Agonandra_racemosa/
http://unibio.unam.mx/irekani/bitstream/123456789/1964/1/2279.jpg
http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_LMN.htm

http://www.kew.org/science/tropamerica/neotropikey/families/Opiliaceae.htm

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