Family: Typhaceae

Scientific name: Typha capensis

Authority: (Rohrb.) N.E.Br.

Synonyms: Typha latifolia L.

Zulu names: amabele omfula, gudlumfula, ibhuma, ibhunga, imbombo, ikhwane

Other names: bulrush, cat’s tail, common bulrush, common cattail, cossack asparagus, love reed, nail rod, poker plant, reedmace (English), matjiesgoed, paapkuil, palmiet, pamiet, papie, papies, papkuil (Afrikaans), motsitla (South Sotho), umkhanzi, ingcongolo (Xhosa)

Plant description: T. capensis is a perennial marshy herb that grows to about 2 m in height. It has twisted and strap-shaped leaves, brown flowers with a spike inflorescence, and one-seeded fruits. The herb can be found growing in Southern Africa and occurs in wetlands with shallow or stagnant water that is saline, acidic, and alkaline.

In 1989, at a Typha symposium held in Cape Town, it was reported that despite the fact that Typha has a potential to be an invader, it will regarded as an economic plant as it has several economic benefits.

Uses:

The leaves are used to weave sleeping mats, for insulating house roofs, and a broom.
The stems are used to make a bow and arrows for boys to play with.
The pollen is used as a high-protein food.
The edible roots are pounded and eaten as a source of starch.
The plant is used to make paper, purify water purification, and as green manure.
The plant (inflorescence) is dipped in kerosene and used as a torch.
The floss can be used for stuffing and padding.
The roots are used as an ingredient to make a decoction (called isihlambezo) that is used to promote fertility in women and to ensure an easy delivery.
The roots are used to make a decoction that is used to strengthen uterine contraction and to expel the placenta in animals and humans.
The roots and bark are used to treat oedema during pregnancy.
The roots are used to clean fallopian tubes improving chances of conceiving in women.
The roots are used to treat dysmenorrhoea.
The roots are used to treat libido in men, such as male fertility issues.
The roots are used to treat gastro-intestinal ailments, diarrhoea, and dysentery.
The roots are used to improve circulation.
The roots are used to make a decoction that is used to treat venereal diseases, kidney, and bladder problems.
The wooly inflorescence to stop bleeding wounds and as an absorbent pad during excessive menstruation.
The root decoction is used to treat an outbreak of body sores. The decoction is administered as a bathing agent.
The roots are used to make a decoction that is administered as a tonic to strengthen and cleanse the body systems, for blood purification, and boosts circulation.
This plant is used to treat an ear infection, especially an ear that is dripping with pus.

Safety precaution:

Using traditional medicine responsibly can enhance your overall health and well-being. Misuse and abuse can lead to complications. You can inquire about the correct use of traditional medicine from a knowledgeable herbalist and practitioner. You can also visit imithiyesintu.co.za or email: info@imithiyesintu.co.za to learn more about traditional medicine

References and further reading:

Adeniji, K.O., Amusan, O.O.G., Dlamini, P.S., Enow-Orock, E.G., Gamedze, S.T., Gbile, Z.O., Langa, A.D., Makhubu, L.P., Mahunnah, R.L.A., Mshana, R.N., Sofowora, A., Vilane, M.J., 2001. Traditional medicine and pharmacopoeia contribution to ethnobotanical and floristic studies in Swaziland. Scientific, Technical and Research Commission of the Organization of African Unity, Lagos.
Foden, W. & Potter, L. 2005. Typha capensis (Rohrb.) N.E.Br. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. Accessed on 2023/03/25
Hutchings, A., Scott, A.H., Lewis, G., Cunningham, A.B., 1996. Zulu Medicinal Plants. An inventory. University of Natal Press, Pietermaritzburg.
Long, C., 2005. SiSwati names and uses – Swaziland Flora – Swaziland National Trust Commission, Mbabane. http://www.sntc.org.sz/flora/clbotalpha.asp?l=d
Ma, Y., 2005. Monitoring of heavy metals in the Bottelary River using Typha capensis and Phragmites australis.
Masoko, P., Mokgotho, M.P., Mbazima, V.G. and Mampuru, L.J., 2008. Biological activities of Typha capensis (Typhaceae) from Limpopo Province (South Africa). African Journal of Biotechnology, 7(20).
Musara, C. and Aladejana, E. B. (2020) “Typha capensis (Rohrb.) N.E.Br. (Typhaceae): morphology, medicinal uses, biological and chemical properties”, Plant Science Today, 7(4), pp. 578–583. doi: 10.14719/pst.2020.7.4.872.
Roberts, M., 1990. Indigenous healing plants. Southern Book Publishers, Halfway House, South Africa.
Watt, M.J., Breyer Brandwijk, M.G., 1962. Medicinal and poisonous plants of southern and eastern Africa. Livingstone, London.