Natures World of Wonder

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Family Oleacae

This plant is widely cultivated in gardens and is very sweetly scented.

They are pollinated by hawkmoths and fertilization only takes place between flowers of different style lengths.

It is a climbing scrub growing to about 3m in height.

Family Araliaceae

This tree is not indigenous to South Africa but is a popular garden species.

The variegated leaves make it an attractive tree and the berries are much sought after by birds.

Family Caesalpiniodeae

These trees grow up to 18m in height under ideal conditions and are found in low-lying areas of tropical Africa.

The leaves hang down and in the heat of the day the leaflets move close together thus casting little shade.

Although the leaves smell strongly of turpentine, it does not taint the meat of the cattle and game which feed on it.

A large moth Gonimbrasia belina lay their eggs on this tree and the larvae feed on them. These worms are a great delicacy in SA.

Mopane wood is dark reddish-brown to almost black and is durable, hard and heavy. Although difficult to work, beautiful furniture is made from it.

Family Orchidaceae

There are about 42 species of orchid native to the region and often found in marshy areas.

Rhizome infusions are taken as love charm emetics by young Zulu men.

Family Anacardiaceae

A compact shrub or small tree growing to about 6m in height.

Family Capparaceae

A scrambling bush/vine which has very few leaves on the stems.

Leaves eaten by game and although the fruit said to be edible, it does not taste very nice.

FamilyMalvaceae

A shrub or small tree up to 6m in height.

The wood is made into assegai handles by the Xhosa while Bushmen use it to fashion their bows.

The Zulus dress wounds with the bruised bark which has been soaked in hot water and a decoction of the plant is taken to facilitate childbirth.

It is also a remedy for impotence and bareness.

Info: Trees of Southern Africa (Palgrave)