Description: G. perpensa is a perennial herb that grows near water. It has large kidney-shaped leaves with irregularly dentate margins, small flowers borne in spikes, and subspherical fruits.

Uses:

• The stem is eaten raw and used to make beer.
• The roots are mixed with isidende (Maesa lanceolata) and benzene to treat worms contracted from umeqo.
• The roots are mixed wth those of a Crinum species to make a decoction to treat cystitis and the stricture of the bladder.
• The roots are mixed with ikalamuzi (Acorus calamus) for male impotence.
• The roots are added as an ingredient in inembe, a pregnancy tonic.
• The roots are mixed with Scabiosa columbaria and Asclepias humilis to regulate menstrual cycle and to stop excessive mentruation.
• The roots are mixed with Scabiosa columbaria, Eulophia ovalis, Eriospermum ornithogaloides, and a Mentha species to cleanse the womb and enhance fertility.
• The roots are used for cleansing after childbirth.
• The roots are used to treat pains experienced after childbirth.
• The roots are used to enhance milk production after chldbirth.
• The roots are mixed with isinwazi to cheanse after a miscarriage.
• The roots are used to make a tonic for blood purification.
• The roots are used to make a decoction that is drank to treat stomach cramps.
• The roots are taken for swellings of the body.
• The root decoction is taken for pain in rheumatic fever.

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References and further reading:

• Bryant, A.T., 1966. Zulu medicine and medicine men. C. Struik, Cape Town (originally published in 1909 in the Annals of Natal Museum).
• Doke, C.M. and Vilakazi, B.W., 1972. Zulu-English dictionary, second edition. Witwatersrand University Press, Johannesburg.
• Fox, F.W. and Norwood Young, M.E., 1982. Food from the veld. Delta Books, Johannesburg.
• Gerstner, J., 1939. A preliminary checklist Zulu names of plants with short notes. Bantu Studies 13 (1).
• Hutchings, A., Scott, A.H., Lewis, G., and Cunningham, A., 1996. Zulu medicinal plants. Natal University Press, Pietermaritzburg.
• Mwale, M. and Masika, P.J., 2009. Ethno-veterinary control of parasites, management and role of village chickens in rural households of Centane district in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 41, pp.1685-1693.
• Ngwenya, M.A., Koopman, A., and Williams, R., 2004. Zulu botanical knowledge – an introduction (Ulwazi lwamaZulu ngezimila: isingeniso). National Botanical Institute, Durban.
• Pujol, J., 1990. Natur Africa: The Herbalist handbook. Lean Pujol Natural Healers Foundation, Durban.
• Watt and Breyer-Brandwijk, 1962; Van Wyk and Gericke, 2000, Van Wyk, 2008; Van Wyk et al., 2009.