Family: Cyatheaceae
Scientific name: Cyathea dregei
Authority: Kunze
Synonym: Alsophila dregei (Kunze) R.M.Tryon
Zulu names: inkomankoma, inkombandlela, isikhomakhoma, isikhomane,
Other names: common tree fern, grassland tree fern, tree fern, (English) boomvaring, gewone boomvaring, (Afrikaans) inkhomankhoma, impimpiliza, (Swati)
Description: C. dregei is an unbranched tree fern that occurs in grassland habitat as well as along mountain streams, forest margins and ravines. It has leathery leaves that arch upwards and grow to about 3m in length.
Uses:
- The plant is used as an ingredient to make inembe, a pregnancy tonic.
- The plant is used to treat impotence.
- This plant is used as a traditional tonic, called imbiza.
- The plant is used to treat internal pains.
- This plant is used to treat shingles or ibhande.
- The roots are used as anthelmintic to deworm humans.
- The plant is used to make an infusion that is used as a protective charm against witchcraft.
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.
- Doke, C.M., and Vilakazi, B.W., 1972. Zulu-English dictionary, second edition. Witwatersrand University Press, Johannesburg.
- Gerstner, J., 1941. A preliminary checklist Zulu names of plants with short notes. Bantu Studies.
- Hutchings, A., Scott, A.H., Lewis, G. and Cunningham, A., 1996. Zulu medicinal plants. Natal University Press, Pietermaritzburg.
- Loffler, L. and Loffler, P., 2005. Swaziland Tree Atlas—including selected shrubs and climbers. Southern African Botanical Diversity Network Report No. 38. SABONET, Pretoria.
- Van Wyk, B. and Van Wyk, P. 1997. Field guide to trees of Southern Africa. Struik Publishers.
- Williams, V.L., 2003. Hawkers of health: an investigation of the Faraday street traditional medicine market in Johannesburg. Unpublished Report to Gauteng Directorate for Nature Conservation, DACEL.