river pumpkin

River pumpkin; Gunnera perpensa

Gunnera occurs naturally in central and southern Africa, Madagascar, New Zealand, Tasmania, Indonesia, the Philippines, Hawaii, Mexico, Central and South America.

G. perpensa is widespread in tropical Africa from Sudan, Ethiopia, Zaire, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Mozambiqu , extending along the central and eastern areas of southern Africa down to the Western Cape , including Swaziland and Lesotho . It has not been recorded in the Northern Cape Province, Namibia and Botswana (Bergman et al. 1992; Mendes 1978).

Image result for river pumpkin plant gunnera

It is an obligate wetland plant that grows in shallow water around the edge of pools in marshy areas or along streams. It cannot tolerate frost and even when growing in warm protective areas it will die back for the coldest months of the year.

In South Africa, a decoction of the roots of Gunnera perpensa is used to expel the placenta after birth or to relieve menstrual pains (Ngwenya et al. 2003; Van Wyk & Gericke 2000; Von Ahlenfeldt et al. 2003.

According to Fox & Norwood Young (1982) the Sothos, Fingos, Xhosas and Zulus eat the petioles and flower stalks raw. The petioles have a bitter taste unless the fibrous vascular bundles and the outer covering are removed.

More: www.plantzafrica.com/plantefg/gunnerperp.htm

Comments

Uvuma-omhlope

Uvuma-omhlope; Synaptolepis Kirkii Uvuma-omhlope (Synaptolepis Kirkii) is a bluish-green shrub with striking porcelain white roots. Kirkii is traditionally used by the Zulu and Xhosa to induce spiritual visions, trances and dreams. The roots of the Uvuma-omhlope shrub contain a potent neurotrophic called kirkinine. Neurotrophins are a family of proteins that induce the development and function of neurons. UBULAWU DREAM HERBS Uvuma-omhlope is one of the so called ‘Ubulawu’ dream herbs. This is the name associated with a series of plants from Southern Africa that are used for visions and vivid dreams. It is believed one can communicate with the ancestral spirits and gain special insights and answers through use of the Ubulawu herbs. UVUMA-OMHLOPE EFFECTS There has not been extensive research into the workings of Uvuma-omhlope, but based on traditional use and user experiences, the effects are very similar to African Dream Root (Silene capensis). Uvuma-omhlope encoura...

Ubhubhubhu

Ubhubhubhu; Helinus integrifolius Ubhubhubhu is the Xhosa name for a South African herb also known as Helinus integrifolius, though the common name is unknown. Little information can be found on either name, though a study into Xhosa plants and their western names by the South-African Rhodes University suggests the herb may be closely related to the Ilex mitis, a tall evergreen tree indigenous to South Africa. The Xhosa would use Ubhubhubhu in an ‘Ubulawu’ mix. An infusion was taken orally at the initiation of diviners to strengthen memory and give the initiate keen powers of observation. UBULAWU DREAM HERBS Helinus integrifolius is one of the so called ‘Ubulawu’ dream herbs. This is the name associated with a series of plants from Southern Africa that are used for visions and vivid dreams. It is believed one can communicate with the ancestral spirits and gain special insights and answers through use of the Ubulawu herbs. UBHUBHUBHU EFFECTS Helinis integrifolius ha...

St John's wort

St John's wort : Hypericum perforatum St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) has a history of use as a medicine dating back to ancient Greece, where it was used for a range of illnesses, including various nervous disorders. St. John's wort also has antibacterial, antioxidant, and antiviral properties. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it has been applied to the skin to help heal wounds and burns. St. John's wort is one of the most commonly purchased herbal products in the United States. [It] is a flowering plant of the genus Hypericum and has been used as a medicinal herb for its antidepressant and anti-inflammatory properties for over 2,000 years. The Greek physicians of the first century recommended the use of St. John’s wort for its medicinal value, and the ancients believed that the plant had mystical and protective qualities. 35 St. John’s wort uses, dating back to the ancient Greeks, included treatment for illnesses such as various nervous ...

Ethnoheritage Project

Search This Blog