Description: M.lanceolata is a small tree (or shrub) that grows to about 5 m in height. It has lance-shaped leaves with toothed margins and a pointed tip, small fragranced yellow flowers, and creamy white fruits in the form of edible berries. The tree is widespread in Africa occurring in stream banks, bush clumps, and along forest margins. 

The tree resembles Curtisia dentata (assegai), hence it is commonly known as the false assegai. 

Uses:

• The fruits and seeds are used as an anthelmintic to treat internal worms in humans and animals.
  • The fruits and leaves are boiled and the decoction mixed with fresh milk and given to children to expel the worms. 
  • The plant is also used to treat worms contracted from umeqo. The plant is mixed with ugobho (Gunnera perpensa) and benzene.

• The ripe fruits are used to make a paste that is applied topically to treat scabies. 
• The flower is cooked, after straining, the liquid is taken orally as a hot tonic.
• The plant is used to prepare umuthi omhlophe. It is mixed with other plants such, Burchellia bubalina, Hippobromus pauciflorus, and Helinus integrifolius.
• The roots are used to prepare umuthi obovu.
• The roots are used to make a decoction that is administered as an emetic to purify the blood.
• The roots are used for steaming and induced emesis to clear acne, pimples, skin rashes, eczema, and dermatoses.
• The roots are used in ancestral rituals to appease idlozi.
• The root is used to treat bilious attacks.
• The root is used to treat jaundice.
• The roots are used for steaming and induced vomiting to remove pimples. 
• The fresh leaves are used in a cleansing ritual by women on the eve of their wedding day. 
• The fresh leaves are mixed with fruits and eggs and used for chest infections.
• The bark is mixed with other plants and used to treat epilepsy and hysteria.  
• The plant has analgesic properties that make it effective at treating pain.
• The plant is also used in the treatment of sore throat, phlegm, stomach ache, and snakebites. 
• The plant is used as an anthelmintic, to treat parasitic worms. 
• The plant is used as a mosquito repellent.
• The wood is used in construction to build poles.
• The wood is used to make fighting sticks.  
• The wood is used as fuelwood, for firewood and charcoal.
• The bark is boiled for half an hour and cooled and given to cows as a drink in a 200 ml cup to treat heartwater.
• The plant is used for spiritual purposes. 
• The plant is used as an emetic love charm.

References and further reading:

• Boon, R., 2010. Pooley’s trees of eastern of South Africa: A complete guide, second edition. Flora and Fauna Publications, Durban.
• Chemweno, T.K., 2018. Antimicrobial properties, phytochemical composition and cytotoxicity of Launaea cornuta, Maesa lanceolata and Bidens pilosa (Doctoral dissertation, University of Eldoret).
• Dold, A.P. and Cocks, M.L., 2001. Traditional veterinary medicine in the Alice district of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa: Research in action. South African Journal of Science, 97(9), pp.375-379.
• Glen, H.F. and Ngwenya, M.A., 2005. Maesa lanceolata Forssk.(Maesaceae).
• Hutchings, A., Scott, A.H., Lewis, G. and Cunningham, A., 1996. Zulu medicinal plants. Natal University Press, Pietermaritzburg.
• Kokwaro, J., 1993. Medicinal Plants of East Africa. 2nd Edn., Kenya Literature Bureau: Nairobi, pp. 401.
• Mathias, M.E., 1982. Some medicinal plants of the Hehe (Southern Highlands Province, Tanzania). Taxon 31: pp.488–494.
• Mhlongo, L.S. and Van Wyk, B.E., 2019. Zulu medicinal ethnobotany: New records from the Amandawe area of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. South African Journal of Botany, 122, pp.266-290.
• Ngwenya, M.A., Koopman, A. and Williams, R., 2003. Ulwazi lwamaZulu Ngezimila: Isingeniso (Zulu Botanical Knowledge: An Introduction, National Botanical Institute (NBI). Durban, South Africa.
• Palmer, E. and Pitman, N. 1972. Trees of southern Africa . Balkema, Cape Town.
• Pooley, E.S. 1993. The complete field guide to trees of Natal, Zululand and Transkei . Natal Flora Publications Trust, Durban.
• Pooley, E., 2005. A Field Guide to Wild Flowers KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Region, The Flora Publications Trust. The Flora Publications Trust, Durban.
• Shrestha, I., Kunwar, R.M., Bussmann, R.W. and Paniagua-Zambrana, N.Y., 2020. Maesa chisia Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don. Primulaceae. In Ethnobotany of the Himalayas (pp. 1-8). Cham: Springer International Publishing.
• Sobiecki, J.F., 2002. A preliminary inventory of plants used for psychoactive purposes in southern Africa healing traditions. Transactions of the Royal Society of South Africa 57, pp. 1–24.
• Watt, J.M. and Breyer-Brandwijk, M.G., 1962. Medicinal and poisonous plants of southern and eastern Africa, second edition. Livingstone, London.