Family name: Caprifoliaceae
Scientific name: Scabiosa columbaria
Authority: L.
Synonyms: Scabiosa acaulis Thunb., Scabiosa balbinii Sennen & Elías
Zulu names: ibheka, ibhekaminangedwa, ubucubele, udoloqina, igwalaza, umpikayiboni, upelepelane, uxhaphozi
Short description: S. columbaria is a perennial herb that mostly grows in grassland habitats. It has rosette lance-shaped leaves and flowers whose colors vary from lavender to pink and white.
Meaning
The Zulu name “ibhekaminangedwa” means “look at only me“.
The plant gets the name ibhekaminangedwa because it is used as a love potion to make a person to favour only you.
Related uses: The plant is used to make an emetic love charm to induce favoritism. The roots are used to treat dermatological problems and for cosmetic purposes.