Family: Orchidaceae

Scientific name: Eulophia cucullata

Authority: (Afzel. ex Sw.) Steud.

Synonyms: Eulophia arenaria (Lindl.) Bolus, Limodorum cucullatum Afzel. ex Sw., Lissochilus amabilis Schltr., Lissochilus arenarius Lindl., Lissochilus dilectus Rchb.f.

Zulu names: amabelejongosi, uhlamvu lwabafazi, umabelejongosi, undwendweni

Other names: foxglove orchid

Plant description: E. cucullata is an orchid that grows up to 1 m in height. It has simple and narrow leaves, seeds stored in pods, and deep pink flowers that have a prominent yellow base to the sac-like spur. It flowers mostly after a fire. The plant can be found growing in moist coastal grassland in the tropical regions of Africa

Uses:

The roots are used to make a decoction that is taken orally to treat reproductive disorders in men such as impotence.
The roots are mixed with those of Eulophia ovalis to make an infusion that is taken orally to treat reproductive disorders in women such as infertility.
The root infusion is typically taken by a married couple if the wife is barren.
The roots are used to make a decoction that is applied as poultice to treat skin infections.
The roots are used to treat epilepsy.
The roots are used to relieve pain.
The roots are used to make an emetic love charm.
The roots are used to make an infusion that is administered as an emetic, for inducing emesis.

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:

Bryant, A.T., 1966. Zulu medicine and medicine-men. Struik, Cape Town.
Chinsamy, M., Finnie, J.F. and Van Staden, J., 2014. Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cholinesterase activity and mutagenicity of South African medicinal orchids. South African Journal of Botany, 91, pp.88-98.
Foden, W. and Potter, L. 2005. Eulophia cucullata (Afzel. ex Sw.) Steud. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. Accessed on 2023/05/05
Gerstner, J., 1941. A preliminary check list of Zulu names of plants: With short notes. Bantu studies..
Hulme, M.M., 1954. Wild flowers of Natal. Shuter & Shooter. Pietermaritzburg.
McAlister, B.G. and Van Staden, J., 1998. In vitro culture of Eulophia species. South African journal of botany, 64(4), pp.264-266.
Pant, B., 2013. Medicinal orchids and their uses: Tissue culture a potential alternative for conservation. African Journal of plant science, 7(10), pp.448-467.
Raimondo, D., Staden, L.V., Foden, W., Victor, J.E., Helme, N.A., Turner, R.C., Kamundi, D.A. and Manyama, P.A., 2009. Red list of South African plants 2009. South African National Biodiversity Institute.
Watt, J.M., and Breyer-Brandwijk, M.G., 1962. Medicinal and poisonous plants of southern and eastern Africa, second edition. Livingstone, London.