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Umadlozane

Umadlozane

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Family: Meliaceae

Scientific name: Turraea floribunda

Authority: Hochst.

Synonym: Turraea heterophylla sensu Sond. 

Zulu names: ifidi lezangoma, ikhambi lomsinga, inkunzane, inkunzi, is’fithi sezangoma, ubhugulo, umadlozane, umlulama, umhlatholana, umhulana, umlulama omncane, umuthi wokuzila, umvuma, uvuma

Other names: honeysuckle tree, wild honeysuckle tree (English) kanferfoelieboom, wilde-kanferfoelieboom (Afrikaans)


Description: T. floribunda is a small tree or scrambling shrub that grows along forest margins. It has lance-shaped leaves, aromatic greenish-white or yellowish-white flowers and woody capsule fruits containing reddish or orange seeds.   

High dosages are reputedly toxic. 


Uses

  • The plant (roots) is used by the diviners to induce a trance in preparation for dancing.  
  • The plant is used to make a mixture for strengthening people who have lost a family member. 
  • The plant (bark) is taken as an emetic against dreams to prevent fearful dreams that are symptomatic of cardiac weakness.
  • The roots are used to make an infusion to treat heart problems. 
  • The root infusion is used to treat dropsy. 
  • The roots are used to make a decoction to treat rheumatism, swollen, and painful joints.


To buy umadlozane: https://imithiyesintu.co.za/shop/umdlozane-dried-cuts-500g/


Reference 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).
  • Coates Palgrave, K. 1977. Trees of Southern Africa. Struik, Cape Town, South Africa. ISBN 0–86977–081–0
  • 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.
  • Pujol, J. 1990. Natur Africa: The Herbalist handbook. Lean Pujol Natural Healers Foundation, Durban.
  • Watt, J.M. and Breyer-Brandwijk, M.G. 1962. Medicinal and poisonous plants of southern and eastern Africa, second edition. Livingstone, London.

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