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Icalakwetshwa

Icalakwetshwa

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Family: Apiaceae

Scientific name: Steganotaenia araliaceae

Authority: Hochst.

Synonyms: Peucedanum araliaceum (Hochst.) Benth. & Hook.f., Peucedanum fraxinifolium Oliv.

Zulu names: icalakwetshwa,

Other names: cabbage tree, carrot tree,


Description: S.araliaceae is a small tree with a pungent carrot smell, pinnately compound leaves with 2-3 leaflets, small greenish-white or yellow flowers in an umbel inflorescence, and heart-shaped winged fruits in clusters. In South Africa, the tree occurs in woodland and rocky outcrops habitats.


Uses:

  • The plant is used as first aid to treat venomous snakebite. The leaves juice is chewed and swallowed as first aid. The leaves are pounded and mixed with water and wash out the venom from eyes to avert blindness. 
  • The plant is used to remove leeches from cattle. The leaves are crushed and boiled and the decoction taken orally..
  • The plant is used as rodent poison.
  • The plant is used as an insect repellant.
  • The plant is used as a diuretic agent.
  • The leaves are used to make essential oils. 
  • The leaves are rubbed wounds as a disinfectant. 
  • The leaves and roots are used to treat malaria. 
  • The bark is boiled and added to milk and taken orally to treat stomach complaints, diarrhoea, and dysentery.
  • The bark and roots are used to treat pulmonary infection, such as to manage tuberculosis, chest pains, and sore throats.
  • The bark, leaves and roots are used to treat fever and headache.
  • The wood is used to make tool handles and as fuelwood.
  • The plant is cultivated as a garden ornamental and hedge.

References and further reading:

  • Abubakar, M.S., Abdurahman, E.M., Nock, I.H., Haruna, A.K. and Garba, M., 2001. The evaluation of pest control properties of Steganotaenia araliacea. Journal of herbs, spices & medicinal plants, 8(1), pp.51-57.
  • Chinsembu, K. C., Hijarunguru, A. and Mbangu, A, 2015. Ethnomedicinal plants used by traditional healers in the management of HIV/AIDS opportunistic diseases in Rundu, Kavango East Region, Namibia. South Afr J Bot. 100, pp. 33–42.
  • Kadhila N. P.. Evaluation of indigenous Namibian mushrooms and plants for antimalarial properties [Internet] [Doctoral thesis]. [Windhoek]: University of Namibia; 2019. http://repository. unam.edu.na/handle/11070/2539 (accessed September, 01, 2023).
  • Okot, D.F., Anywar, G., Namukobe, J. and Byamukama, R., 2020. Medicinal plants species used by herbalists in the treatment of snakebite envenomation in Uganda. Tropical Medicine and Health, 48, pp.1-14.
  • Orwa, C., Mutua, A., Kindt, R., Jamnadass, R. and Simons, A., 2009. Agroforestree Database: a tree reference and selection guide. Version 4. Steganotaenia araliaceae: Umbelliferae Hochst. https://apps.worldagroforestry.org/treedb/AFTPDFS/Steganotaenia_araliacea.PDF
  • von Koenen E.. Medicinal, poisonous, and edible plants in Namibia. Windhoek, Namibia; Göttingen: Klaus Hess; 2001. 

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