Academia.eduAcademia.edu
Plants visited by bees, and other useful plants of the Southern Highlands, Tanzania Harvesting honey at Yalenga, Umalila Paul Latham Title: Plants visited by bees and other useful plants of the Southern Highlands, Tanzania. Author: Paul Latham Fifth edition: 2015 I SBN 978-0-9928986-1-8 Address for correspondence:- Croft Cottage, Forneth, Blairgowrie, Perthshire, PH10 6SW, U.K. Email:- paul@latham9.fsnet.co.uk This publication is an output from a project part funded by the United Kingdom Department for I nternational Development for the benefit of developing countries. The views expressed are not necessarily those of DFI D. [ Advisory and Support Services Contract, project code ZX0077] Note: The manual is being produced to encourage the conservation and planting of useful plants in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania. Many of the plants mentioned are however present in the upland ar eas of central and eastern Africa so that it is hoped the manual will be of interest to schools, development workers and beekeepers throughout this region. Warning: A number of the plants listed in this publication are known to be poisonous. The author does not accept responsibility for any harm resulting from their use. “The most interesting thing to me was their knowledge of the flora of the area, and the uses to which plants could be put – apart from whether or not they were good bee forage. They knew where the best fibres came from, and what were good medicinal plants. The man I used to go out with, Gichuhi, owned hundreds of hives…….. Gichuhi’s knowledge was fantastic. But I was young at the time, and did not realize that this knowledge wou ld be useful to posterity, so I never recorded anything.” Jim Nightingale 1983 1 Eulophia streptopetala “O Lord, w hat a variety you have made ! And in w isdom you have made them all ! The earth is full of your riches”. Psalm 104:24 The Living Bible 2 Contents Map of the Southern Highlands 4 I ntroduction and acknowledgements 5 Beekeeping in Umalila 8 The plants 13 Bee forage chart 276 Glossary 280 References 283 I ndex of general and beekeeping photos 291 I ndex of common names 292 I ndex of vernacular names 294 I ndex of Swahili names 298 I ndex of scientific names 299 The African Plant Database http: / / www.ville-ge.ch/ musinfo/ bd/ cjb/ africa (APGI I I ) has been used for plant names and families. Unless stated otherwise names of the plants are given in Kimalila. 3 Map of the central area of the Southern Highlands from Cribb & Leedal (1982) The Mountain Flowers of Southern Tanzania. Finger millet growing near I lembo in April 4 I ntroduction and acknow ledgements My first visit to Umalila, Mbeya region, took place in the early 1980’s, after having been asked by the Salvation Army to assist the I tundu secondary school agricultural programme. A return visit was made in the 1990’s to set up a project to help school leavers find self employment. As a result I became interested in the potential for beekeeping and particularly in the bee flora of the area. On retirement I was able to continue my visits to Umalila to collect information on plant use and to take photos of the various indigenous and introduced plants. During the period from 1997 to 2006 a total of six visits were made to Umalila where I was based at the villages of I lembo, Shilanga, Sasyaka, Maendeleo and I zumbwe, approximately 60 – 70 km south of Mbeya town. I have also stayed at Fox’s Mufindi Highland Lodge. On my return to Britain, I contacted Dr. P.J. Cribb who, together with Rev G.P. Leedal, had studied the flora of the Southern Highlands of Tanzania some years previously. I am grateful for permission to use the map from their book: The Mountain Flow ers of Southern Tanzania (See previous page). Dr. Cribb, and subsequently Dr. Kaj Vollesen, very kindly identified most of the plant specimens and photographs I collected on my early visits. Subsequently Frank Mbago, Dr. Roy Gereau and the staff of the Bot any Dept. at the University of Dar es Salaam identified the plants for which I am also very grateful. I am also grateful to Dr. Henk Beentje for his helpful comments on some of the photos I took in 2006. I wish to thank the following people, mostly officers of the Salvation Army, for their very kind hospitality during my visits: - Mr. and Mrs. Mlaga, Major and Mrs. Pepete, Captain and Mrs. Siani, Colonels David and Jean Burrows, Majors Benjamin and Grace Mnyampi, David and Maiching Palmer, Lloyd and Yvonne Cooper, Major and Mrs. Kusilimka, Major and Mrs. Muzumbe, Envoy and Mrs. Ndere, Envoy and Mrs. Akim, Captain and Mrs. Sanawa, Captain and Mrs. Marwa and Majors David and Chris Watson. My special thanks also to Seth and Pam LeLeu who introduced me to Umalila during the setting up of the agricultural training and loan scheme to assist school leavers in the area and for their help and hospitality during my travels. I also wish to thank a number of people who have very kindly allowed me to use their photos in the book. The credits for these appear below each photo. The I nternational Bee Research Association has also kindly provided reference material from their library. As with previous books I wish to thank my wife, Ena, for her help and encouragement in the preparation of this manual. 5 Eliya Mwampamba with a traditional beehive. The hive has holes bored in the base to allow rain water to drain out. Note the V shaped entrances cut at either end of the upper section. A Tanzanian Top Bar hive hung on wires between two poles to prevent ants and honey badgers from getting at the hive. 6 Umalila is intensively farmed, normally without fertilizers, and much of the designated forest land is now in cultivation. However villagers do maintain woodlands, these being planted with eucalyptus, pine and cypress. Beehives, sited in this patch of indigenous forest, provide a good reason for preserving it. 7 Beekeeping in Umalila Beekeeping is an important secondary industry in Umalila. Many of the beekeepers are however elderly, and beekeeping does not appear to be attractive to most young people. I n addition much of the original forest is in a degraded state and is being gradually lost to logging and cultivation. As the forest has traditionally produced the bulk of the honey the future for beekeeping is uncertain. This is unfortunate for three reasons: - 1. Beekeeping could provide a useful income particularly to young people, many of whom do not have access to land unless they hire it. 2. I t is important for the adequate pollination of crops such as sunflower, passion fruit, peaches, pumpkins and pole beans. Bees are known to be the most important group of pollinators of all insects for these crops. 3. I t is traditional to site hives in areas of forest thus affording some protection to the remaining patches of indigenous forest. One tree in particular, I mpembati ( Polyscias fulva), is frequently used, and even planted, because of its branching habit and thus its suitability for placing hives. Polyscias fulva used as a hive support Beehives were traditionally constructed from this tree, I liogoti ( Hagenia abyssinica) and I langali ( Euphorbia nyikae). Now they are usually made from Euphorbia nyikae and Cupressus lusitanica. The hives are made approximately 1 m long and divided into two halves. These are bound together with a cord made from I sintu ( I pomoea involucrata), or other creepers. Hives are always placed in trees, the higher the better, to attract colonies to enter, to keep flying bees above people living nearby or cultivating surrounding crops and to provide some protection from honey badgers (see also Nightingale 1983 p. 9). A serious pest, known as Homba in Malila, possibly the large spotted genet ( Genetta tigrina), is also able to climb trees and can get into a hive probably looking for insects and rodents on which it feeds. I t often gets into hives where the wood is rotten. New hives appear to be less at risk. “I collect vast quantities of propolis from my hives and I use it for mending holes in water tanks and guttering…I t is extremely useful” Jim Nightingale (Nightingale 1983). 8 A hive sited approximately 4 m above the beekeeper’s home compound. A bamboo sheath covers the hive. This gives additional protection from rain. A bamboo ‘ladder’, fastened to the tree, assists the beekeeper to reach his hive. 9 The two halves of the hive are hauled up and assembled high in the tree and then covered over with bamboo sheaths, supported and held down with sticks. The hive is baited with beeswax which is normally effective in attracting a colony to enter. Occasionally, I was informed, two colonies will take up residence at either end of a hive. They may amalgamate or remain separate. When harvesting honey the beekeeper uses lighted pieces of bamboo or I pekeso stalks ( Conyza bonariensis) surrounded with leaves from I gawo, the false banana, ( Ensete ventricosum ), to produce smoke but he can nevertheless get badly stung. Sometimes he will lower the hive to the ground where two forked sticks are used to support it. Harvesting can then be carried out more easily as most of the flying bees will return to the original hive site in the tree. Not all combs are taken during harvest. Some of the honey is left, together with brood combs. There is normally a small harvest at the end of June (up to 10 litres being taken) but the main harvest t akes place in November and December when between 18 and 25 litres can be taken. Honey has a ready local market being mainly eaten in the comb. Wax is sold separate from the honey and is used by local carpenters and for shoe repairs. A smoker made up from bamboo stems surrounded with banana leaves. This has a sling, which enables it to be hauled up the tree and secured to a branch during harvest or inspection. The lighted end is held downwards and smoke is blown or allowed to drift into the hive from the top. Left: A bee suit enables the beekeeper to work with bees calmly and safely. A piece of plastic mosquito netting is sewn into the head section. A pair of ordinary trousers can be used as an alternative to the bottom half of the suit. Design by Ntangu Targou 10 The I mportance of Beekeeping The value of bees is not so much for the honey and wax they produce as for their work in pollinating farm crops, fruit and vegetables. Without bees the production of many of these would be greatly reduced. Bees, more than any other insect, tend to work methodically and thoroughly, concentrating on one species of plant at a time. I t is therefore important that beekeeping is encouraged. I t is natural today that young people are less interested than their fathers in the traditional methods of beekeeping, especially if it involves getting badly stung! I t is for this reason that the Top Bar hive is currently recommended. I t is comparatively safe and easy to operate, cheap and easy to construct and usually yields more honey than the traditional hive. The Tanzanian Top Bar Hive or Transitional Hive By using a Tanzanian Top Bar hive and making sure one is protected with suitable clothing, beekeeping can be a safe and worthwhile occupation, yielding a useful profit in most years. I n the Bas-Congo Province of the Congo, where the author is also involved in a beekeeping programme, there is no tradition of beekeeping, yet groups of women, as well as men, have recently taken up this activity with great enthusiasm. For them honey has provided a very useful source of income. Top Bar hives differ from traditional hives in having moveable combs. The combs can be taken out, inspected and put back again so that the beekeeper can see when honey is ready, which combs have brood, whether bees are healthy and whether the queen is laying properly. Essentially the hive is an open box 1 m long, 50 cm wide and 30 cm deep. The top of the box is made up of bars 48 cm long and 3.2 cm wide. The width of the top bar is very import ant and the bars must fit tightly together with no gaps between them. I n a traditional hive the centres of each comb, looking vertically down on them, are 3.2 cm apart and it is for this reason that Top Bar hives follow the same dimension. I nside the Top Bar Hive showing comb attached to the top bar. 11 Plants and beekeeping The Southern Highlands of Tanzania are rich in plants attractive to bees. Of particular importance are intenga ( Kotschya recurvifolia) and inzigula ( Dodonaea viscosa) and crop plants such as maize (mainly for pollen) and sunflower. Peaches, bananas and avocado are also valuable. Bees are considered to be vital for pollinating peaches. Hedge plants such as ifipa ( Salvia coccinea), sisal, inyangwa ( Caesalpinia decapetala), iteti (Dracaena steudneri) and intwiti ( Brugmansia spp. and Solanecio mannii) are also important because of their long flowering seasons. Traditional vegetables – igagara ( Brassica carinata) and umuzimu ( Cleome gynandra) are good sources of nectar and pollen. Many trees are important pollen and nectar producers, for example eucalyptus, itanji ( Dombeya rotundifolia), iseve ( Erythrina abyssinica), iliogoti ( Hagenia abyssinica), isangati ( I lex mitis), imogoro ( Schefflera spp. ), ifwomi ( Syzygium cordatum ), which grows around water sources, and impembati ( Polyscias fulva). Even weeds have their part to play. I n particular mputira ( Bidens steppia), which in May and June colour the hillsides yellow, is an important source of both pollen and nectar. Certain plants, such as sisal, produce a bitter honey when on their own. However, as long as there are plenty of other sources of nectar flowering at the same time, this should not flavour the honey adversely. I langali ( Euphorbia nyikae) and iwoti ( Lobelia gibberoa) are said to produce poisonous honey. Again, providing they are not the only source of nectar at the time, there should be no problem with the honey produced. Many of the plants illustrated in the following pages have multiple uses. The information is given to help farmers and development workers identify them and, in some cases, to encourage them to plant or conserve them. The author would be particularly glad to hear of other important bee plants and additional information regarding uses for those mentioned. A supply of fresh water is important for bees during the dry season. I f there is no water close by it is necessary to provide it, as this beekeeper has done. Floating pieces of wood assist the bees to drink without drowning. Left: Costa Mwamahonje with a consignment of honey from beekeepers in Umalila. The honey is marketed by Shukrani I nternational College, Box 535, Mbeya. Photo: David Watson 12 Abutilon longicuspe (Malvaceae) Common names Nyamabumu (Hehe), mbiha (Swahili) Description A perennial shrub 1.5 5 m tall. The stems have dense grey hairs. Leaves are simple, almost circular, stalked, up to 20 cm long and 18 cm wide. Ecology Grows from 1500 – 3000 m on the edges of forests, in grassland and valley bottom vegetation throughout East Africa and north to Eritrea and Sudan. Propagation Usually grown from seed, but layers or cuttings can also be used. As the plant is normally plentiful it is not usually planted. Uses Bees collect pollen and nectar. The plant flowers from July to September in the Southern Highlands. The plant is also known as a bee forage in Ethiopia and elsewhere in the dry savanna. The stems produce a strong fibre which is used as string or woven to make baskets. I t is also used in house building. I n Tanzania the flowers are collected during the rain season (January - May), chopped, cleaned and cooked. Pounded groundnuts, onions and tomatoes are then added and it is eaten with ugali (maize porridge) or rice. The plant is also grown as an ornamental. Remarks The plant can become an invasive weed. References Jex-Blake 1957, Cribb & Leedal 1982, Blundell 1987, Beentje 1994, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Burkill 1997, Hepburn & Radloff 1998, Ruffo et al. 2002, Achigan - Dako 2012, Agnew 2013 13 Acacia mearnsii (Fabaceae) Common names Naluyami (Malila), muwati (Swahili), black wattle Description A fast growing tree up to 15 m tall. The tree often leans over due to the shallow root system. The bark is grey becoming black and splits and curls. A brown gum is secreted from the bark. The compound leaves are produced on stalks up to 12 cm long. Flowers are sweet scented, pale-yellow and in small rounded heads. Fruit pods are flat, 5 – 15 cm long, and contain up to 14 black seeds. Ecology Usually grown in small plantations but also grown commercially at altitudes between 1500 and 2500 m. The tree grows well on light textured, moist, acid soils. Propagation Large numbers of seedlings emerge following the burning of felled plantations. Trees can be planted using seed put in boiling water for 5 minutes or soaked in water for 24 hours. A second cultivar which spreads by root suckers is also present. Management Trees should be thinned out and kept weeded while young. Uses Bees are reported to be the main pollinators for this tree. The tree provides a quick growing source of high quality firewood and charcoal. The timber is hard, heavy, fairly tough and durable. I t is moderately easy to work and polishes well. I t is used for house poles and maize stores, tool handles and general construction. The bark is an important source of tannin, containing 30 - 45% high quality tannin. I f densely planted, the tree can be useful in erosion control. I t also fixes nitrogen, thus improving the soil. References Little 1983, Crane & Walker 1984, Mbuya et al. 1994, I CRAF 1998 Carrying firewood home from I tale forest 14 Acanthus ueleensis (Acanthaceae) Common names I nzonya, ihahatu (Malila), bear’s breeches Description A semi-succulent perennial herb or shrub up to 4 m high. Leaves are irregularly lobed with margins bearing spines towards the base. The plant produces large pink to pale mauve flowers. Ecology Common in forest undergrowth. Also present in Malawi, D.R. Congo and Uganda. Acanthus ueleensis in a forest near Maendeleo village Propagation Can be grown from seed, by division of the rhizomes or by rooting cuttings. Uses I n Umalila the leaves are pulped, put in water, together with the leaves of Physalis peruviana and a Coleus sp., and taken to relieve stomach-ache. Another species, A. montanus, present in upland forest, is used in Nigeria mainly as a cough medicine. A. arboreus, A. eminens, A. montanus and A. pubescens are also used as medicinal plants in Africa. A. eminens and A. sennii, present in the Ethiopian highlands, are visited by honeybees when other sources of nectar and pollen are in short supply. The flowers of A. pubescens are reported to be a nectar and pollen source in Bukavu. Some species, for example A. montanus and A. mollis, are grown for their foliage and ornamental flowers. References Burkill 1985, Brickell 1994, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Philips & Rix 1997, Bakenga et al. 2000, Neuwinger 2000, Llamas 2003, Burrows & Willis 2005 15 Aframomum zambesiacum (Zingiberaceae) Common names Nangawo Description A leafy plant growing from a short, branched rhizome. The leafy stems grow in clumps up to 2 m tall. Leaves are 20 – 45 cm long and 5 – 14 cm wide. Margins and midribs bear dense hairs underneath. 20 – 50 flowers are borne in heads arising from the base of the shoots. Petals are whitish to creamy white with a large crimson patch at the base. The red fruits are oval 7 cm long and 4 – 5 cm wide, thick walled, with prominent ridges running from top to bottom. The shiny, dark brown seeds are ellipsoid, 4 – 5 mm. Left: Plant growing beside a stream near I zumbwe Ecology Also grows in Malawi, D.R. Congo, Cameroon and Nigeria in upland forests and secondary growth often near paths and streams between 1450 and 2050 m altitude. Right: Flowers and fruits are borne on a stalk 10 – 40 cm long. Uses The juice surrounding the seeds is reported to be effective in curing tropical ulcers. Seeds are also pounded and eaten to expel tape worms. References FTEA 1985 16 Agauria salicifolia (Ericaceae) Synonym Agarista x salicifolia Common names I zenya (Malila), nsenye (Nyakyusa), likalati (Wanda), mgema, mkolongo, (Hehe), zenya (Sangu), morwe (Lambya), mkomolo (Fipa), myunguvo (Swahili) Description A small, often twisted, evergreen tree or shrub which grows up to 12 m high. The bark is very rough and split, having corky ridges. Leaves are leathery, shiny, 2 - 12 cm long and 0.8 – 3.5 cm wide, yellowish to pale whitish beneath. The midrib of the leaf may have some hairs. The flowers are numerous, yellowish-white or pink, crimson at the base, on stalks to 12 cm long, growing from the leaf axils. Fruits are reddish-brown, round, 5 - 7 mm in diameter. Agauria salicifolia in flower in October Ecology Grows at the forest edge or in secondary forest and in high altitude grassland. Also found in Cameroon and Bioko, and widely dispersed in eastern, central and southern Africa and in Madagascar. The shrub is fire resistant. Uses Branches are used as firewood. Elsewhere in Tanzania the leaf ash is used medicinally being rubbed into scratches made on the area affected by rheumatism. I n Madagascar leaf powder is rubbed on the skin to treat scabies and other skin problems. Some people report that bees visit the flowers. An edible caterpillar (insega) feeds on this plant and is usually found in March. A bark infusion is used by the Maasai to aid indigestion after eating too much meat. The Chagga use the leaves as an insecticide. I n Kenya the leaves are used as a remedy for snake bite. Remarks Though some people report that goats eat the plant the leaves are known to be lethally toxic to both man and stock. Even dead leaves cause vomiting, convulsions, respiratory difficulties and coma. The roots are also toxic. Smoke from burning the leaves is also said to be poisonous. References Bally 1937, Staner & Boutique 1937, Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962, Leedal 1975, Beentje 1994, Burkill 1994, Neuwinger 2000, Kihwele et al. 2001, Lovett et al. 2006 17 Agave sisalana (Asparagaceae) Common names I katani (Malila), mkonge (Swahili), sisal Description Sisal is a short lived perennial with a thick stem up to 120 cm high having a rosette of leaves each growing up to 120 cm long. The plant produces 200 - 250 leaves each tipped with a sharp spine. A flowering pole, 5 – 6 m tall, is produced at the end of the plant’s life. Though the plant flowers, seeds are rarely produced and the plant multiplies by bulbils produced on the flowering pole after the flowers have fallen. Ecology A hardy plant which grows best where rainfall is between 1000 and 1250 mm. I t is still commercially grown in Brazil and East Africa. I t grows on a wide range of soils from sandy loam to clay, but prefers calcareous soils with adequate potassium. Water-logging results in stunted plants. I t is drought hardy. Propagation Suckers or preferably bulbils, which are collected when they fall, are used for planting and grow easily. Uses Sisal is widely grown in villages as a hedge plant. The fibre is extracted from the leaves, and used for making string and rope for tethering livestock. I t can also be used for making bags and mats. Leaf fibres may be up to 1 m long and are very strong. Sisal is naturally hard wearing and resistant to sunlight and these qualities have ensured its continued use. The poles are used for fuel once they are dry or can be split and used for light construction work, though they are very susceptible to termite attack. Sisal is a valuable bee plant because of its irregular and long lasting flowering periods and is of great attraction especially during times Sisal grown as a hedgerow plant near Sasyaka. of pollen shortage. I t also provides sufficient nectar for stimulating brood rearing. The honey is however dark and of strong and unpleasant flavour. The plant has a number of medicinal uses. Remarks A. fourcroydes is also grown for its fibre. Leaves for fibre production can be cut after two years. The whole plant dies after about seven years. References Purseglove 1972, I wu 1993, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Mbuya et al. 1994, van Wyk & Gerricke 2000, Raemaekers 2001 Kikapu made from sisal fibre 18 Albizia gummifera (Fabaceae) Common names Mtanga (Hehe), malembelembe (Nyiha), mkenge (Swahili) Description A large deciduous tree up to 30 m high. Bark is grey and smooth. Leaves are composed of up to 16 pairs of leaflets, 1 – 2 cm long, shiny, dark green, almost rectangular with a diagonal midrib and one outer corner rounded. Flowers are white with long protruding red stamens. Bundles of flat, shiny brown pods are produced, having raised edges, 20 cm long and 3 cm wide. The tree is fast growing. Ecology Present in eastern and central Africa and in Madagascar. I n Tanzania the tree is found from the coastal hills to Kilimanjaro and Kagera at altitudes between 600 and 2350 m. I t is often associated with high altitude forests. Propagation Can be grown from seed in seedbeds, by direct sowing, or by using wild seedlings. Seed normally has a germination rate of 70 – 80% within 3 – 10 days. Fruits should be collected while on the tree to minimize insect damage. Older seed should be soaked in warm water which is then left to cool. Alternatively the seed coat can be nicked to hasten germination. Seed can be stored for up to one year. Management The tree can be lopped or coppiced when young. Uses The flowers are reported to be visited by bees in October. I n Ethiopia A. gummifera var. gummifera produces large quantities of pollen and nectar and is very attractive to bees. The tree produces a strong timber that is light, soft and straight grained and easy to work. I t has a golden finish. I t is used as a substitute for oak, making mortars, water troughs and beehives. I t has good elastic and tensile properties and glues and lacquers well. I t is used for making beds in Malawi. The timber is used for firewood and charcoal. The pods, roots, bark have medicinal uses. The leaves can be fed to livestock. The tree has value for soil conservation, nitrogen fixing and shade. Leaves are sometimes put in between bunches of bananas to ripen them. The bark exudes a clear insoluble gum. References FTEA 1959, Wild et al. 1972, Williamson 1975, NAS 1979, Coates Palgrave 1983, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Mbuya et al. 1994, Dharani 2002, Lovett et al 2006 19 Albizia schimperiana (Fabaceae) Common names I ntanga (Malila), long podded Albizia Photo: Bart Wursten Description A semi-deciduous tree growing to 30 m, having an umbrella shaped crown. Bark smooth, pale grey to brown. Small branches are covered with velvety-brown hair. Leaves are compound with 2 – 7 pinnae on stalks about 25 cm long. Leaflets are less than 2 cm long, usually hairy, shiny above, paler below with a diagonal midrib and rounded tips. Flowers white or cream in loose, conspicuous heads, the flower stems also being hairy. The numerous, dull brown seed-pods persist for a long time and are 18 34 cm long x 2.8 - 5 cm wide. They have thick edges and contain up to 5 seeds. Ecology Grows well in cool mountain areas up to 2000 m. Also grows near water and in lowland areas in eastern and central Africa. Propagation Best grown from seed rather than wild seedlings. The seed should be collected from the fruits as soon as they mature to prevent insect damage. Soak in hot water unless seed is fresh. Seed can be stored for up to 2 years if kept cool and dry. Management Seedlings should not be kept in the nursery for too long. Plant out under the shade of other trees. The tree can be grown along contours with grass for soil conservation. I t is a fast growing species. Uses The yellowish-brown, fairly hard timber is used for building and furniture, hoe handles, grain mortars, honey barrels, charcoal making and firewood. The tree fixes nitrogen and is useful for soil conservation. I t is sometimes grown as a shade for coffee. Bees collect nectar and pollen throughout the day, though the flavour of the honey produced may not be liked by some people. The bark is used traditionally as a cough remedy. References Fichtl & Adi 1994, Mbuya et al. 1994, Msanga 1998, Lovett et al. 2006 20 Allium cepa (Amaryllidaceae) Synonym A. ascalonicum Common names I shitunguru (Malila), kitunguu (Swahili), onion, bulb onion, shallot Description Both the common onion, producing a single bulb and grown from seed, and shallots, producing a cluster of smaller bulbs grown from a single mother bulb are grown. Bulbs are variable in shape, size and colour and are covered with a thin papery skin. Ecology Onions are usually planted in May. They tolerate a wide range of soils. Loose sandy soils with a high level of organic matter produce good crops. High temperatures encourage bulb development. Yields are likely to be reduced during heavy rainfall, due to the greater risk of disease. A dry period is required for ripening the bulbs. Shallots are grown on a small scale and are best planted so that they ripen in the dry season. Propagation Onions are planted from seed and then transplanted. Shallots are planted by dividing the clumps of mature shallot bulbs, which have completed their dormant period by being stored for at least 6 weeks after harvesting. The clusters are separated and individual bulbs planted, two-thirds below the surface, in prepared beds with a well-firmed surface. Spacing is usually 25 - 30 cm apart and 12 - 15 cm between bulbs. Bulbs are usually planted towards the end of the rain season. Right: Shallots Management Shallot bulbs, which are formed in clusters of 4 - 8, can normally be harvested 60 - 100 days from planting, by which time the leaves will have become yellow. Uses Shallot leaves are used for flavouring, the bulbs are eaten raw or cooked; sometimes they are picked and dried or preserved. I t is generally considered that shallots have a stronger flavour than bulb onions. Onion and garlic extracts are known to have antibacterial properties. References Purseglove 1972, Tindall 1983, Messiaen & Rouamba 2004 21 Allium sativum (Amaryllidaceae) Common names Kitungu sumu (Swahili), garlic Description An erect herb, 30 – 60 cm tall, with a shallow root system. The bulbs are composed of a disc-like stem, thin dry scales, which are the bases of foliage leaves, and smaller bulbs or cloves formed from buds of the younger foliage leaves. Ecology Garlic is grown at high altitudes in eastern and southern Africa. The crop is sometimes planted with onions. I t requires a fertile, well-drained sand or silt loam soil, preferably with good moisture retaining properties. Yield depends on the amount of growth before bulb development takes place. Bulbs form during longer days at higher temperatures though lower temperatures afterwards help the bulbs to mature. Altitudes between 500 - 2000 m provide good growing conditions. Bolting does not seem to be influenced by temperature. High humidity and rainfall are bad for both vegetative growth and bulb formation. Propagation Plant cloves at 30 x 15 cm spacing at a depth of 5 -7 cm, timed so that the plants mature in the cool dry season. When the tops die down lift the bulbs and hang in bundles in a dry well aired place. Keep some well-formed bulbs for planting the next season. Management The crop must be kept clean weeded. Garlic responds well to organic manure. Bulbs mature 4 - 6 months after planting, when the tops begin to dry and bend over. Bulbs should be dried for a week or so in the field or under shade. Cured bulbs can be stored for several weeks. Uses The cloves are used to flavour meat, fish, sauces and salads either cooked or eaten raw. Garlic contains a chemical with anti-bacterial properties and is also used to lower cholesterol and to treat colds, but can react with some other medicines. The juice can be used to repair glass and china. Garlic extract has been shown to be effective in killing some root knot nematodes. I t is also used to repel birds and to control a variety of insect pests. Soak 100 g finely grated garlic for 24 hours in 2 teaspoons of engine oil. Dissolve 10 gm soap in 500 ml water, mix with the garlic and oil, stir well together and filter through a fine cloth. Dilute this solution with 20 parts water for spraying on crops. Alternatively soak 3 finely ground garlic bulbs for 2 days in liquid paraffin and then stir well with a large spoonful of soap flakes and 10 litres water. Use the mixture immediately to protect crops. Remarks Some varieties will not produce bulbs under tropical conditions. References Hadfield 1960, Jones & Mann 1963, Tindall 1968, Uphof, 1968, Purseglove 1972, Tindall 1983, Stoll 2000, Messiaen & Rouamba 2004, van Wyk & Wink 2004 22 Allophylus africanus (Sapindaceae) Common names Black false currant Description A very variable small tree or shrub with branched stems up to 10 m tall. The bark may be black, grey or red-brown. Leaves are trifoliate and alternate. Leaflets are 2 – 14.5 x 1 – 7 cm. The inflorescence is up to 15 cm long, the sweet scented flowers being small and either white, green or yellow-green. Fruits are orange 0.5 – 0.7 x 0.4 – 0.5 cm. Photo: Bart Wursten Ecology Present on stream banks, in woodland thicket, grassland and on termite mounds throughout tropical Africa. Uses The small red fruits are edible and contain over 20% lipids. I n eastern Tanzania a leaf decoction of this plant and Ocimum basilicum is given for convulsions. An infusion of the roots is used as a medicine for coughs and colds and is also drunk by women during menstruation. The bark is also used medicinally. Allophylus species are important bee plants in the savanna. A. abyssinicus is a valuable bee tree in Ethiopia providing both pollen and nectar. I n parts of West Africa the leaves are put in the entrance of beehives and in the Central African Republic the tree is planted at the entrance to the beehive as it is believed to quieten the bees. The wood is white, hard and dense, but has limited use because of its small size. Roots and twigs are used as chewsticks, fuel and charcoal. The firewood burns with a clear smokeless flame. References FZ 1966, Williamson 1975, Beentje 1994, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Malaisse 1997, van Wyk & van Wyk 1997, Hepburn & Radloff 1998, Neuwinger 2000, Lovett et al. 2006, Harris & Wortley 2008 Photo: H.J. Ndangalasi Tanzanian Plant Collaboration 23 Amaranthus hybridus subsp. cruentus (Amaranthaceae) Synonym A. cruentus Common names I nzembwa (Malila), mchicha (Swahili), amaranth, African spinach, I ndian spinach Description An annual herb up to 2 m tall. The leaves are twice or three times as long as wide and often have pointed tips. This species is known to be highly resistant to root -knot eelworms. Ecology Cultivated throughout the tropics and subtropics. Growth rate is best at high temperatures, in bright light and with adequate water and minerals. Daily watering is required as shortage of water causes early flowering, reduces yield and produces a poor quality crop. Amaranths perform better than Celosia species in open areas, the latter preferring some shade. The crop responds well to organic manure, which tends to encourage leaf production and delay flowering. Propagation By seed, but germination is irregular. Planting can be done at any time and the seedlings can be either left in the planting bed and harvested whole or transplanted 20 x 20 cm apart once they are 5 - 8 cm high. The side shoots are then harvested as required. Tender plants need some protection from heavy rain. Management The plant is either uprooted whole or cut back at a height of 10 - 15 cm to produce side shoots. Cutting low down retards bolting but at least two leaves and buds should be left on the plant. Yields of 30 to 40 tons/ ha may be obtained. Wet rot or stem rot is a major problem, favoured by wet conditions and poor soil fertility. Avoid planting too densely. Caterpillars, in particular, but also grasshoppers and stem borer larvae, can be troublesome. Uses A minor vegetable crop in the Highlands, though important at lower altitudes. The green leaves have an average protein content of 4.6 g per 100 g edible portion. The shoots can be picked regularly and make a good spinach. The plant is an important source of vitamins A and C, calcium and iron and also of lysine, an essential amino-acid. Protein concentration is highest before flowering. No more than 200 g of leaves should be eaten per day to avoid oxalate poisoning. References Martin et al 1998, Schippers 2002, Grubben 2004 24 Amphicarpaea africana (Fabaceae) Synonym Shuteria africana Common names I zanji Description A perennial climbing herb which may grow from 60 cm to 3.6 m long. The stems are slender and covered with reddish hairs. The leaves are composed of three leaflets, 1.8 - 7 cm long and 1 – 5 cm wide. The leaf stalk is 1.3 – 10.5 cm long. The plant produces a mass of attractive purple flowers at the end of the rains. The seed pod may be from 2.6 to 3.5 cm long and contains a few red brown or purple seeds. Ecology Grows in upland rain forest, at the forest edges, in bamboo forest and in grassland where there was forest beforehand. Altitude range 1680 – 2700 m. The plant is also present in Kenya, Uganda, eastern D.R. Congo, Burundi, Sudan, Ethiopia, Malawi and Zambia. Uses Bees are reported to visit the flowers. References FTEA 1974, Blundell 1987, FZ 2000, Burrows & Willis 2005, Agnew 2013 Pounding wheat at a home in Maendeleo village 25 Annona cherimola (Annonaceae) Common names I nono (Malila), matope tope, mtomoko (Swahili), cherimoya, cherimoyer Description A small semideciduous tree growing 3 - 10 m high. I t is vigorous when young, branching from the base. New buds cannot sprout until the old leaves are shed. Leaves are 10 20 cm long, light green and arranged alternately. The under-surface of the leaf has a covering of brown velvety hairs. Flowers are usually solitary and hang down on short hairy stalks. The three outside petals are pale yellow with a purple spot at the base and there are also 3 inner red-purple petals. Flowers are fragrant. Pollination is normally carried out by beetles, but hand pollination can improve fruit setting. The heart -shaped fruits are from 8 - 15 cm in diameter and the flesh is creamy-white and granular. Ecology Probably from the highlands of Peru and Ecuador. I t requires a mild, dry, sub tropical climate and is killed by excessive heat or frost. I t grows well in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania. I t can be grown in a wide range of soil types but prefers sandy soils and clay loam. Rainfall and high humidity are needed during flowering for good fruit production. The tree is susceptible to wind damage. Propagation The best plants are obtained from budding, or preferably grafting at the start of the growing season. Side-whip grafts or cleft-grafts are the best methods to use. Branches should be defoliated 1 to 2 weeks before scion wood is cut to stimulate bud swelling. T budding and chip budding methods are successful but there are considerable graft incompatibilities among Annona species. Rootstocks are grown from seed, which retains its viability for several years if kept dry. Seeds are generally sown in a seed bed and germinate after about 4 weeks. The young plants are transplanted to a nursery when one year old. They should be planted out at 45 cm in the row and 1 m between rows. Management Cherimoyas are easy to transplant even when 6 - 8 years old but this should be done at the start of the rain season. Normally planting out is done when the plants are 30 - 46 cm high with the union of grafted or budded trees being 15 cm above ground level. Standard planting distance for cherimoya is 5 x 6 m. Best results are obtained if the tree is pruned to form a single stem to about 90 cm. I t should then be cut back to produce lateral branches. These should be spaced 15 - 25 cm above each other and be allowed to grow in different directions. After about 2 m they can be left to grow naturally. Pruning is done during the dormant period. Low branches and those that cross should be removed to allow light into the centre of the tree. Little pruning is required to obtain a good crown. Uses Cherimoya is eaten fresh and considered to be the best of the Annona fruits. The fruit contains about 18% sugar and is a good source of vitamin C. The green fruit and seed are used to make up an insecticide and can also be used to control parasitic worms. References Purseglove 1968, Garner et al. 1988, Mbuya et al. 1994, Nakasone & Paull 1998 26 Aphloia theiformis (Aphloiaceae) Synonym A. myrtifolia Common names I patatiho (Malila), mpomo (Hehe), albino berry Description A shrub or tree up to 20 m high. Twigs may appear faintly zigzagging. Bark brown, smooth. Leaves are alternate, simple, 3 – 8 cm long and 1.2 – 2.8 cm wide, inclined to droop, glossy and dark-green above. Flowers are white, sweet scented, 10 mm in diameter, and appear in groups of 1 to 3 in the leaf axils. They turn cream then yellow on ageing, and have a conspicuous central mass of yellow stamens. The fruits are white, soft and fleshy and about 0.5 cm in diameter when mature. Both photos: Bart Wursten, www.zimbabweflora.co.zw Ecology Found in medium to high altitude evergreen forests, forested ravines and at forest margins. Altitude range 1250 – 2450 m. The shrub is also present in Kenya, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Madagascar and on the Mascarene islands of the I ndian Ocean Uses The wood is used to make pestles for pounding maize when preparing ugali (maize porridge). The white fruits are edible. Leaves are used as a tea substitute in the Mascarene I slands. A root decoction is drunk by the Hehe people in Tanzania to treat intestinal worms. I n Madagascar a tea made from the leaves is used to treat malaria, fever, blood in the urine and to promote urination. References Uphof 1968, Kokwaro 1976, Coates Palgrave 1983, Mabberley 1997, Neuwinger 2000, White et al. 2001, Burrows & Willis 2005, Lovett et al. 2006 27 Argemone mexicana (Papaveraceae) Common names Mtunguja bonde (Sw), Mexican poppy, prickly poppy Description A spiny annual herb, which grows up to 1 m tall. Leaves are green or bluish and deeply lobed. When cut they produce a yellow juice. The margins are sharply toothed. Flowers are pale yellow and up to 5 cm across. Seed capsules are smooth or bristly and 3 – 4 cm long. They explode when dry. Seeds are round, black, have a pitted surface and contain an oil. Ecology A weed of waste ground, often found in dry places, on roadsides and abandoned cultivation. The plant was introduced from Mexico. Usually the altitude range is from 1 – 1800 m though the above plant was growing near I lembo town at 2000 m. The plant is present throughout East Africa. Uses The flowers are known to be an important bee forage in Australia and tropical America, where the yellow pollen is much sought be bees. However there are reports that the honey produced can cause madness. I n Malawi the leaves are eaten as a vegetable after being cooked with potashes to soften them. Pounded groundnuts are added. The leaves tend to be bitter if collected from plants growing in dry places. The plant is widely used as a medicinal plant. I t is believed to act as a painkiller, a diuretic, and an anti-inflammatory. The seed oil can be used for illumination and in Nigeria is applied to preserve timber from termite attack. Remarks The seeds are known to be poisonous and are sometimes found in badly cleaned wheat or with mustard seed, which it resembles, and which it often grows with in I ndia. Eating them can cause dropsy and cancer of the pharynx and stomach. References Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962, Morton 1964, Williamson 1975, Kokwaro 1976, Blundell 1987, Burkill 1997, Llamas 2003, Bosch 2007 28 Artemisia afra (Asteraceae) Common names I lumbati, inzenya (Malila), inyaga (Safwa), lunyaga (Kinga), wild wormwood, African wormwood Description An erect shrub up to 2 m high with aromatic leaves, silvery grey below up to 6 cm long and nodding ochreyellow or pale yellow flower heads. Flowers are produced in May. Ecology I n some places, for example on the Kitulo plateau (altitude 2400 m), this can be the dominant plant. I t is present in high mountain grassland, wooded grassland, in secondary vegetation, and is a pioneer plant after fire in Malawi. I t is widespread from South Africa to tropical East Africa and Ethiopia. Propagation Plants can be grown from cuttings or by division. I t can also be grown from seed. Left: Simon Langesan with plants he was growing in his garden Management Stems should be pruned each year before the rains. Grow in an open situation. Uses The leaves are used to treat coughs. They are also used for this purpose in South Africa as well as for colds and influenza. The leaves are often inserted into the nose to clear blocked air passages. A volatile oil is present which has antimicrobial, anti-oxidative and decongestant properties. When used to treat bronchial troubles an infusion or a decoction is made into a syrup with sugar. References Leedal 1975, Cribb & Leedal 1982, van Wyk et al. 1997, Burrows & Willis 2005, Plantzafrica website (Accessed 19.1.2015) 29 Bambusa vulgaris (Poaceae) Common names I lansi (Malila), bamboo Description A bamboo of medium size with quick growing stems to 10 m high. The stems are very strong. Ecology Originally from Java but now found and also widely cultivated throughout tropical Africa. Propagation Divide the clumps, plant out rhizomes or take cuttings from the stems. Management Bamboo can be cut in a 3 year cycle. Uses Stems are widely used for construction purposes - houses, huts, bridges and fences. They are also used as irrigation pipes (see page 47). Split poles can be used for baskets, roofing tiles (see page 39), and planting tubes for tree seedlings. Stem sheaths are used as covers for beehives. They last longer than banana stem sheaths. Goats browse the leaves. The plant is especially useful for erosion control e.g. around water sources. The young shoots are edible. Split bamboo made into a basket called I shitundu Remarks Bamboo is very susceptible to borer attack. Soaking the stems in water for 2 - 3 months helps to protect them. References Purseglove 1972, Burkill 1994 Below: Bamboo used to make a fence. 30 Basella alba (Basellaceae) Common names Nderema (Swahili), vine, I ndian or Ceylon spinach Basella alba growing over a fence in I lembo village Description A soft, twining perennial plant up to 4 m long. Stems are fleshy, green and often tinged brownish-purple. Leaves are heart shaped, soft, shiny, dark green and have a pointed tip. The blade is up to 10 cm long or more. Flowers are small, fleshy, cream or white and borne on an erect stalk. Ecology Found in forested areas, particularly where partial clearing has taken place. Common in disturbed areas, from 0 – 2450 m. I t often grows in hedges and around homes. Propagation Can be grown from 20 cm long stem cuttings. Alternatively plant the whole fruit in a nursery and then transplant seedlings when 10 – 12 cm high. Uses Though the leaves are not traditionally used as a vegetable in Umalila they are widely eaten elsewhere. They are sometimes fed to cattle. The plant is used to relieve constipation in animals and humans. References Tindall 1983, Maundu et al. 1999, Abukutsa-Onyango 2004 31 Begonia sutherlandii (Begoniaceae) Common names I wozya Begonia sutherlandii growing on a tree in I lomba forest. Description A tuberous perennial herb with fleshy pink stems from 10 to 80 cm long. Leaves are commonly dark green and veined with red and covered with short hairs on the underside. They are asymmetrical in shape and the margin is toothed. Flowers are 2 to 2.6 cm in diameter usually orange or orange–red with yellow anthers. Ecology The plant is common throughout the Southern Highlands and often found hanging over rocks in damp shady situations or on trees. Also present in D. R. Congo and in South Africa. Propagation Can be grown easily from cuttings or leaves laid on the soil, or can be grown from seed. Uses The red stems and the leaves are eaten. An infusion of the leaf and stem of the plant is used medicinally by Zulu people in South Africa to treat heartburn and vomiting of blood. Remarks The leaves of another species, B. macrocarpa, are eaten in D.R. Congo and Angola. References Jex-Blake 1957, Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962, Cribb & Leedal 1982, Neuwinger 2000, Lemmens 2004, Burrows & Willis 2005 32 Berkheya echinacea subsp. polyacantha (Asteraceae) Common names Kakato Description A perennial herb with an erect stem, 60 to 100 cm tall. The plant is covered with soft bristle-like hairs. Lower leaves are up to 13 cm long and 3 cm broad but the upper leaves are smaller. Flower heads are yellow, 5 – 6.5 cm across surrounded by soft hairy bracts about 2 cm long. Flowers are produced in October/ November. This sub species differs from the South African species being larger in size and having longer and broader leaves. Ecology The plant is widespread above 1600 m in the Southern Highlands and western Tanzania, and is also present in Malawi and Zambia. I t can be cultivated as an ornamental but requires full sun and fertile soil. Propagation Plants can be divided or grown from seed. Uses Bees are known to collect pollen and nectar from other species, B. purpurea in South Africa and B. spekeana in Ethiopia. Other species are used medicinally in Africa. References Kokwaro 1976, Cribb & Leedal 1982, Brickell 1994, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Neuwinger 2000, van der Walt 2005, Salter & Davenport 2011 33 Bersama abyssinica subsp. abyssinica (Melianthaceae) Common names I swago (Malila), mpeme, mnyatoma, mbasamono (Hehe), mwangwakw ao (Swahili), winged bersama Flowers produced in October at Sheyo Description A shrub or medium sized tree up to 20 m high with a straight trunk. The compound leaves are borne at the end of the branches and have 6 – 10 pairs of leaflets, 5 – 13 cm long, and one terminal leaflet. The leaf stalk is winged. Flower heads may be up to 35 cm long and the flowers are scented. Fruit is a capsule with 4 to 5 lobes and a diameter of 2.5 cm. Branch with fruit in June 34 Ecology Occurs along banks in wooded river valleys, at the edges of evergreen forest and also in open woodlands. I n Tanzania the tree is common in highland forest margins in the Mbeya region. A high altitude tree growing between 2000 and 2400 m. Bersama abyssinica is widespread over much of Africa though this subspecies does not occur south of Malawi. Propagation Seeds, root suckers, cuttings and wild seedlings can be used. Seed germination may take from 5 - 10 weeks. The fruit should be collected from the tree and ripened in the shade for 2 to 3 days. Seeds are then removed from the fruit by hand. They remain viable for one month after collection. The seed coat must be removed before sowing. Management A fast growing tree which can be coppiced, lopped or pollarded. I t can be planted around crop fields. Uses Wood is soft and not durable and is used mainly for firewood, though it is sometimes used for carving and making utensils (stools, water -pots and beehives) and for medicine. The leaves are crushed and used as a snuff for colds. The roots and bark are used as a purgative and, in stronger doses, against intestinal worms. Elsewhere in Tanzania a decoction of the stem bark is used to treat cancer and rheumatism. The leaves and shoots are pounded together and used to control stalk-borer attack in maize. The roots also have insecticidal properties. Seeds can be used as a substitute for soap. The tree is an important bee forage plant and makes a good shade tree. Remarks The tree should be used as a medicine w ith great care as most parts are know n to be poisonous. Leaves are also poisonous to livestock. References Kokwaro 1976, Coates Palgrave 1983, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Mbuya et al. 1994, Burkill 1997, Msanga 1998, Neuwinger 2000, Dharani 2002, Lovett et al. 2006 35 Bidens magnifolia (Asteraceae) Common names I ndelengu (Kimalila) Description A perennial herb or shrub, from 60 cm to 3 m high. The plant produces many branches. Leaves are deeply divided, 6 – 20 cm long and 5 – 16 cm wide, with saw toothed edges. Flower stalks are 2 – 20 cm long. The seeds are dark brown. Bidens magnifolia in flower in July Ecology Found in secondary vegetation after removal of the forest and along forest margins. The plant is only known in Tanzania. Uses Bees were seen collecting nectar and pollen at midday. The plant is used to attract rats to a trap. The leaves are reported to be edible. The roots are used medicinally to treat pneumonia and coughs. The plant fibres are used for string. References Kokwaro 1976, Cribb & Leedal 1982, Peters et al. 1992, FTEA 2005 36 Bidens pilosa (Asteraceae) Common names I mbunya, masikari, ikapunika (Malila), livanivani (Hehe), black jack Description An erect annual herb up to 1.5 m tall, with lower leaves usually made up of 3 leaflets, each 8.5 cm long. The flowers, which are produced over a long period, are 1.5 cm across, and composed of yellow disc florets in the centre and white outer florets. The black fruits are tipped with barbed bristles which catch on clothing and animal fur. Ecology A serious weed common in disturbed and cultivated land. I t nearly always grows on poor, exhausted soils from 400 – 2400 m altitude. A native of South America but now spread throughout Africa. Uses Bees collect nectar from the flowers. Honey from the plant is pleasantly flavoured and granulates slowly. B. magnifolia (indelengu), B. pinnatipartita (intengu), B. schimperi (lizumba) and B. steppia (mputira) are also visited by bees in Umalila. The leaves of B. pilosa are sometimes eaten as a vegetable and in soups. They have a bitter taste, but the young shoots, 2.5 - 5.0 cm long, are a favourite dish throughout southern Africa, eaten fresh or dried and stored for later use. The plant is readily browsed by all domestic stock including poultry and has a high nutritive value. I n Umalila the leaves are sometimes used as a tea substitute. They are reported to relieve excessive wind. Plant extracts have shown anti-bacterial activity. Elsewhere in Tanzania the leaves are used to treat stomach-ache and intestinal worms. The roots are used to treat constipation and malaria. References Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962, Goode 1974, Kokwaro 1976, Crane et al. 1984, Burkill 1985, Blundell 1987, FAO 1988, Peters et al. 1992, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Bakenga et al. 2000, Ruffo et al. 2002 37 Bidens pinnatipartita (Asteraceae) Common names I ntengu Description A robust branching perennial herb or soft-wooded shrub from 50 cm to 3 m high. Leaves, up to 19 x 19 cm, are borne on a stalk up to 5 cm long. Flower heads are large, solitary or up to 5 together. Ray florets are yellow, disc florets are either yellow or orange-yellow. The fruits are shiny dark brown or black and 4.5–7 mm long. Ecology Grows at edges of montane forest, in montane grassland with scattered shrubs, and in forest regrowth. Also present in Angola, Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia between 1500 – 2400 m. Uses A good bee forage. Bidens spp. produce a dense amber honey with a strong aromatic flavour which is sometimes disagreeable. References Crane 1975, White et al. 2001, FTEA 2005, Burrows & Willis 2005 Photo: Günter Baumann, Malawi Track from I lembo to Shilanga Photo: David Watson 38 Bidens schimperi (Asteraceae) Common names Lizumba (Kimalila), nyatwanga (Hehe), imbotila (Safwa), mpangwe (Nyiha) Description An erect or straggling, branched herb growing 50 - 120 cm high. The stems are angled and often reddish. Leaves are opposite, broadly ovate, deeply lobed, up to 22 cm long and 1.5 – 10 cm wide, and borne on a hairy stalk. The large flowers are 3 - 5 cm in diameter, and produced at the end of the stems. The brownish-yellow central disc is surrounded by bright yellow ray florets. The plant flowers from March to August. Ecology A common weed in cultivated land and also found on roadsides and in open woodland up to 2400 m. Widespread in Tanzania, and found from Ethiopia and Somalia south to Mozambique, Angola and South Africa. Photo: Bart Wursten, www.zimbabweflora.co.zw Uses Bees are reported to visit the flowers for pollen and nectar. Leaves are eaten as a vegetable, after chopping and cooking, either alone or with peas, pumpkins or Solanum nigrum . Coconut milk, groundnut paste, tomatoes or onions are sometimes added for palatability. I n Malawi leaves and young shoots are reported to be very bitter and not much liked. They are only eaten when there is little else. Elsewhere in Tanzania the roots are used medicinally to treat coughs and colds. A root decoction is drunk for chest pains and a leaf extract is used as an enema for digestive problems in children. Remarks The plant can be a serious weed. References Wild et al. 1972, Williamson 1975, Kokwaro 1976, Cribb & Leedal 1982, FAO 1988, Neuwinger 2000, Ruffo et al. 2002, Burrows & Willis 2005, Agnew 2013 Matambo Salima with his family at I zumbwe. The house is roofed with split bamboo poles. 39 Bidens steppia (Asteraceae) Common names Mputira Bidens steppia in a maize field near I lembo Description An annual herb from 0.7 to 2 m high. Leaves are much divided, up to 35 cm long and 26 cm wide. The yellow to orange flowers are borne either singly or in open groups. Fruits are smooth or with very few hairs and two bristles, not hooked. The plant has a very long flowering period, from March to October. However, as fields are normally cultivated in June and July, the actual flowering season may be restricted. Ecology A common weed of cultivation, especially in maize below 2000 m. I t is also commonly found in grassland, on roadsides and at forest edges. I t is present in flood plain vegetation, bush/ grassland and open woodland. Present from Cameroon south to Angola and east to Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Uses An important bee forage. I t is thought to be the main source for the June honey flow. Bees collect pollen and nectar in the early morning and evening. References Moriarty 1975, FAO 1988, Burrows & Willis 2005 40 Blepharis grandis (Acanthaceae) Common names Description An erect perennial herb up to 1 m tall. The leaves and bracts are spiny. Flowers are bright blue, set in clusters among prickly bracts. The seed hairs swell up when wet. Ecology Grows on rocky ground in scattered clumps. The plant is widespread in south western Tanzania and is also present in Malawi where it is found in tall grassland or in forest margins. Also found in north eastern Zambia, Malawi and northern Mozambique. Remarks There are approximately 80 species of Blepharis in the Old World tropics, South Africa and the Mediterranean. Seeds of some species are eaten in Africa. Some species are used for treatment of anthrax. Several species have medicinal uses and a number are visited by bees. References Mabberley 1997, Hepburn & Radloff 1998, Neuwinger 2000, Burrows & Willis 2005 Preparing land for planting maize. The soils are mostly deep volcanic and easy to work but very dusty. 41 Bothriocline longipes (Asteraceae) Synonym B. eupatorioides Common names I nsongole Description An erect shrub with stems 1 to 2.5 m high growing from a woody rootstock. Leaves are spear shaped, opposite, 4 – 20 cm long and 1.5 – 9 cm wide, on a stalk up to 4 cm long. The violet coloured flower heads are about 6 mm across. A butterfly ( Precis Left: octavia) collecting nectar from a flower head near I lembo. Ecology Commonly found on forest edges. Also present in highland grassland, usually on rocky outcrops, and in long grass in high rainfall wooded grassland. Also present beside rivers at lower altitudes. The plant grows in similar sites plant over much of Kenya at altitudes between 1300 and 2440 m and in Sudan, Malawi, Rwanda and Burundi, and into D.R. Congo and Angola. Uses Bees collect nectar from the flowers and are also reported to collect nectar in Bukavu. They also collect abundant nectar and pollen from a B. related species schimperi in Ethiopia where it is an important bee plant. Locally the leaves are used to clean out pots which have been used for milk. Elsewhere the plant has a number of medicinal uses. References Blundell 1987, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Bakenga et al. 2000, Neuwinger 2000, White et al. 2001, Burrows & Willis 2005, Agnew 2013 42 Brachystephanus africanus (Acanthaceae) Common names I nswina (Malila), kolese (Swahili) Description An erect shrubby plant, usually growing to 1 m tall, from a rhizome. Leaves are opposite, 11 – 18 cm long on a stalk 1 – 4 cm long. Purple flowers are produced on a spike 9 – 19 cm long. Plant photographed in I lomba forest near Maendeleo Ecology Grows as an understorey plant in mountain rainforest. Also present in eastern D.R. Congo, Burundi, Uganda and Malawi. Uses Reported as a bee forage. I n Kisangani a decoction of the leaves of a species of Brachystephanus is used to treat gonorrhoea. References Staner & Boutique 1937, White et al. 2001, Flora of Zimbabwe website (Accessed 9.2.2015) Photo: Bart Wursten 43 Brassica carinata (Brassicaceae) Synonym B. integrifolia var. carinata Common names I gagara (Malila), figile (Swahili), Ethiopian kale, Ethiopian mustard, Abyssinian mustard Description An annual herb growing to 50 cm high, but plants may reach 120 cm. Leaves are blue-green in colour and have no hairs. Pale yellow flowers are produced as soon as the soil dries out. Seed pods are flat when pods are dry. I n warm climates seed is readily produced. Ecology Commonly cultivated in East Africa between altitudes of 1500 and 2600 m. Also present in Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe and in West Africa but nowhere common. I t appears as a weed of cultivation particularly on fertile sites such as abandoned cattle enclosures. I t grows best when annual rainfall is between 600 and 1600 mm. Propagation Grown from seed which is often mixed with ash to reduce insect damage to emerging seedlings. Seed germinates after about 5 days and seedlings are planted out at 75 x 50 cm (large leaved variety) or 50 by 35 cm (small leaved variety). I t is sometimes planted together with Cleome gynandra. I f manure is available it should be used for this crop. Management The vegetable is normally grown in kitchen gardens to minimize bird damage. I t is much hardier and less prone to disease than B. juncea. Plants are often cut back when they reach 15 cm to encourage the production of larger leaves. Flowering can be delayed by picking the leaves regularly. Leaves should not be eaten for more than a few weeks per year, because of the risk of goitre, but they also have anticarcinogenic properties and are therefore of value medicinally. Uses Bees were frequently seen collecting both pollen and nectar from the flowers. Leaves and young shoots are commonly used as a vegetable. Leaves are soft textured and have a mustard-like taste. Sometimes the leaves are mixed with those of Cleome gynandra and then boiled and dried. The cooked vegetable has a sharp odour but is Bee collecting pollen not bitter. The plant is also grown as a fodder for livestock. I n and nectar Ethiopia the seeds are crushed and the oil is used for cooking or oiling earthenware baking plates. The seeds are also eaten with meat in Ethiopia and contain 30 - 40% oil. The water from boiling the leaves is used to treat diarrhoea. Remarks B. carinata is a hybrid formed from crossing B. nigra with B. oleracea. References Oomen & Grubben 1978, FTEA 1982, Maundu et al. 1999, Mnaza & Schippers 2004 44 Brassica oleracea (Brassicaceae) Common names I lepu (Malila), sukuma wiki (Swahili), leaf cabbage, kale Description A branching cabbage growing up to 3 m high. Leaves are large 50 x 30 cm and borne on long stalks. They are fleshy and more or less coated with wax. The flower heads may be up to 100 cm long. Bees are the main pollinators. Ecology Plants require a well drained and manured soil, preferably a sandy loam. They grow best in full sunlight with adequate moisture. Planting is mainly done in March and April though, if water is available, is continued into June. For seed production a cool resting period is required so it is more suited to higher altitudes. Propagation Normally grown from seed or stem cuttings. Seed cannot be stored for long. 2 - 2.5 kg of seed is required per ha, though if plants are grown in a nursery for transplanting, only 300 – 500 gm is needed. Soak the seeds overnight before planting for best results. Transplant when plants are 7 - 10 cm high, 4 – 6 weeks after sowing. Plant out at 20 – 30 cm between plants with rows spaced 50 – 80 cm apart. Seedlings may be attacked by click beetles, which eat small holes in the leaves. Management Harvest tender side shoots before they become too large. Uses A popular and high yielding green leaf vegetable. Leaves are important nutritionally containing some protein and are a valuable source of several vitamins. Seed extracts have given positive antibiotic tests but these differ with the variety grown. An oil is present in the seeds which has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Flowers secrete nectar freely and are very attractive to pollinating insects, especially bees. Remarks Plants are generally more resistant to pests and diseases than the headed variety. Club root can however be a major problem. To avoid this plant the crop on ground not planted with Brassica species before or apply slaked lime at 170 gm / sq. m. Pest control can sometimes be achieved by using crushed neem tree seed ( Azadirachta indica) in water to spray on plants. Alternatively grinding up the pests and spraying them on individual plants has been reported as being effective in keeping pests away! References Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962, Terra 1966, Purseglove 1968, Williamson 1975, Crane & Walker 1984, Burkill 1985, Macmillan 1991, Martin et al 1998, Bakenga et al. 2000, Schippers 2002, Mvere & van der Werff 2004 45 Bridelia micrantha (Phyllanthaceae) Common names I liyisia (Malila), mwisya (Nyakyusa), sengamino (Nyiha), mpalang'anga, nmwesa (Hehe), mkarati, mtutu (Swahili) Description A fast growing tree up to 18 m high with a dense spreading crown. The trunk and branches usually bear spines. Leaves are shiny above, elliptic to oblong, simple, alternate, 6 - 15 cm long and 3 - 8 cm wide and have clear veins extending to the leaf edge. The small white to yellow flowers are borne in tight clusters in the leaf axils. Fruit is a green berry, up to 1 cm long, which turns black on ripening. Ecology Found at the edges of lowland, mountain and riverine forest where it often grows as a pioneer. Present throughout tropical and southern Africa. Propagation The tree is easily grown from seed or can be grown from cuttings. Pick the ripe fruits when they turn purple or collect them from the ground. Squash and remove the seed. Rinse the seed carefully in water to remove all the flesh and dry for 2 days in the shade. The fruit pulp contains a growth inhibitor so must be removed from the seed. Germination is even and good, reaching 90 -100% after 30 days. Seed must be fresh. Sow the seeds in a river sand compost mix (2: 1). Keep moist. Transplant at the 2 leaf stage. Seedlings and young plants transplant easily. Management The tree is fast growing and can be coppiced or pollarded. I t can also be grown as a hedge or boundary plant. Uses The trunk is used for making beehives and the flowers are reported to be visited by bees in March. The wood is greyish to yellowish - white with a dark brown heart, hard, heavy and termite proof. When worked it takes a good polish and large timbers are good for indoor carpentry and furniture. The wood is very durable in contact with the ground and in water. I t is resistant to termites and used for hut and fence posts. I t makes good firewood and charcoal, giving out an intense heat. The roots are extensive and are useful for binding soil along drainage ditches etc. The tree is useful as a shade tree and can be planted in seasonally wet areas but should not be planted near buildings as the roots may disturb them. The fruit is edible and tastes slightly like currants. The leaves can be used as a livestock fodder. I n Tanzania the bark is boiled and drunk to cure stomach-ache and to expel tapeworms. The bark 46 can also be cooked with soup and mixed with milk and given to children as a tonic. I n South Africa the root is used as a purgative and an infusion from the root is drunk for coughs. The powdered bark is applied to burns to assist healing. Leaf sap is applied to sore eyes. I n the inner bark and outer sapwood there is a sticky substance which is adhesive. Bark can also be pounded to a paste for filling in door cracks. The twigs and young leaves give a black dye used to blacken pottery. The pounded bark yields a red dye. The leaves are eaten by several species of African silk worm, Anaphe infracta, Anaphe panda, and Anaphe reticulata. The pupa of these species are eaten by some people. Planting of this tree has been encouraged for the production of silk worms but since the pupae are eaten first there are too few remaining to use for silk production. An edible mushroom may be found below the tree. References I rvine 1961, Busson 1965, Uphof 1968, Wild et al 1972, Williamson 1975, Kokwaro 1976, Coates Palgrave 1983, Ambougou 1991, Burkill 1994, Mbuya et al. 1994, Venter & Venter 1996, Msanga 1998, SEPASAL 1999, Ruffo et al 2002, Lovett et al. 2006 Bamboo pipes are frequently used for channeling water from streams and rivers to villages for domestic water supply and for irrigating vegetable gardens. 47 Brillantaisia cicatricosa (Acanthaceae) Synonym B. ulugurica Common names I nswina Description A large shrub up to 4 m high. Leaves are coarsely toothed. Flowers are pollinated by carpenter bees. Ecology Grows near streams and in moist undergrowth in medium altitude to mountain forest. Brillantaisia cicatricosa growing beside a stream near I nyala Uses Bees were seen collecting nectar in June. Honeybees are known to collect nectar and pollen from a related species, B. madagascarensis in Ethiopia. The stems are sometimes used for firewood. I n Burundi leafy twigs are pounded and used as a dressing for dislocations. Leaf sap is taken for dizziness. A leaf decoction is drunk to treat fever and colds. References Lehmann 1989, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Bakenga et al. 2000, White et al. 2001 Photo (Right): Bart Wursten 48 Baerts & Brugmansia suaveolens (Solanaceae) Synonym Datura gardneri, Datura suaveolens Common names I ntwitwi (Malila), moonflower, white angel's trumpet Moonflower being grown as a hedge at I lembo Description A shrub growing to 3 m. Leaves are large, soft and hairy, 20 – 25 cm long. Flowers are white to peach coloured, funnel shaped, up to 25 cm long, hanging down at an angle, with short lobe spurs and mildly scented. Calyx 3 – 5 toothed, loose fitting, the corolla neck extends beyond the end of the calyx. Ecology Originally from south-eastern Brazil but commonly grown in the Southern Highlands. I t will grow up to an altitude of 2400 m. Propagation The plant grows easily from large cuttings. Uses Planted as a hedge. The flowers are produced over a long period after the rains. Bees were seen collecting pollen and nectar. The plant has a number of medicinal uses but is also known to be poisonous. Right: A Brugmansia hybrid commonly grown in Umalila Remarks There are many hybrids of Brugmansia and the botanical names of cultivated plants have not been finalized. Some people report that the honey produced from Brugmansia species has a similar effect to that of alcohol. The flowers are known to contain Scopolamine, a hallucinogen. References Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962, Morton 1964, Llamas 2003 49 Buddleja davidii (Scrophulariaceae) Synonym B. variabilis Common names I nswina ipete (Malila), butterfly bush, orange-eye, summer-lilac Description A vigorous evergreen or semi-deciduous arching shrub growing from 1 to 3 m high. There are many varieties. Leaves are 5 - 7 cm long, spear shaped, and dark green with white felted undersides. Dense clusters of fragrant, tubular, dark violet-purple flowers are produced during the rain season in southern Tanzania. Ecology I ntroduced from southern China. The plant grows best in a fertile soil in full sunlight. Propagation Can be grown from seed or cuttings. Uses Occasionally grown as a hedge plant. Buddleja flowering in May. Remarks Plants are often attacked by nematodes. References Hay 1978, Hessayon 1983, Brickell 1994, Llamas 2003 Near Shilanga in the rain season Photo: David Watson 50 Buddleja salviifolia (Scrophulariaceae) Common names Sagewood Description A straggling shrub or small evergreen tree with whitish branches up to 4 m tall. Many stems often grow up from the base and the branches tend to droop. Leaves are long and narrow, opposite, olive green above and greyish and hairy below, 4 – 17 cm long and 0.8 – 4.5 cm wide. Flowers are white to lilac, sweet scented and in large clusters at the ends of the branches. Ecology Occurs at the edges of forest, in scrubland beside rivers, on rocky hillsides and mountain grassland. Altitude range 1200 – 2500 m. Found from South Africa to Angola and north to Kenya. I t is a common pioneer species. Propagation Can be grown from hardwood cuttings. The shrub can also be grown from seed. I f available use a hormone rooting powder for cuttings and plant in river sand, which should be kept moist. Cuttings strike after 2 – 3 weeks. The plant can be grown in shade or full sun. Management Hardy and fast growing but rather untidy, though it can be grown as a hedge if kept trimmed. I t rejuvenates well after fire. Uses Flowers are attractive to bees and both pollen and nectar are collected. The plant is popular with beekeepers in South Africa. I t is useful for stabilizing soil on embankments and dams. The fresh or dried leaves can be used to make tea. This is best drunk with honey and without milk. The heartwood is brown, close grained, compact, hard and heavy. I n South Africa a decoction of the roots is used to treat coughs and for the relief of colic. An infusion of the leaves is applied as an eye lotion. Remarks The shrub is often attacked by insects. References Wild et al. 1972, Coates Palgrave 1983, Venter & Venter 1996, Mutshinyalo 2001, Burrows & Willis 2005 51 Caesalpinia decapetala (Fabaceae) Common names I nyangwa (Malila), Mysore thorn, Mauritius thorn Description A thorny shrub or creeper which can grow up to 10 m long. I t forms an impenetrable barrier. The branches, leaf stalks and flower heads are armed with thorns. Leaves are compound, up to 50 cm long, having 6 – 10 pairs of pinnae each with about 12 pairs of leaflets. Flower heads are up to 30 cm long with individual flowers having protruding orange stamens. Seedpods are leathery, about 8 cm long and 1 cm wide, and contain 4 – 9 seeds. Caesalpinia decapetala being grown as a hedge Ecology Commonly grown as a hedge plant. Native to tropical and subtropical Asia, but now present in scattered tree grassland, clearings in lowland rain forest and in medium to high rainfall areas in Africa. I t does not thrive on poor soils. Altitude range 880 – 2130 m. Propagation Seeds are sown direct on site. Soak seed in cold water for two days before planting. Germination rate is above 60% . Seed can be stored for long periods if kept dry and insect free by mixing it with wood ash. Management Fairly fast growing. This plant can become a serious weed. Burning in the dry season can be used to control it. Uses Commonly grown as a hedge plant in Umalila. Bees collect pollen and nectar. I n I ndia the bruised leaves are applied to burns. The plant is used as a purgative in South East Asia. I n Burundi and Rwanda the plant is used to treat inflammation of the skin, elephantiasis, snakebite and insanity. Tannin for dyeing is present in the stem and root bark. Right: Flowering spike in a hedge surrounding farmland at Sasyaka. References FTEA 1971, Wild et al. 1972, Williamson 1975, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Mbuya et al. 1994, Burkill 1995, Bakenga et al. 2000, Neuwinger 2000, I bnu Utomo 2001 52 Callistemon viminalis (Myrtaceae) Common names Bottle brush, weeping bottlebrush Description An evergreen shrub or tree from 4 - 9 m high with drooping branches. The tough leaves are narrow, up to 8 cm long and aromatic when crushed. The flowers have scarlet or crimson stamens and are borne mainly in the dry season in a cylindrical spike. Leaves continue to be produced beyond the flowers. Ecology Sometimes planted in gardens and around houses. I t will grow in damp places or on poor dry soils. Bees are active throughout the day on bottle brush trees which flower freely over long periods. Propagation The tree can be grown easily from seed. Germination is uniform after two weeks. No treatment necessary. The seed stores well. Uses Bees gather nectar and pollen during the dry season. The wood can be used for firewood and charcoal. The tree is sometimes planted as an ornamental. References Morton 1964, Crane et al. 1984, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Mbuya et al. 1994, Bryant 1996, Llamas 2003 Laiton and Hezron Ulenje, beekeepers near I lomba with Envoy Ndere (right) 53 Canarina eminii (Campanulaceae) Common names Fundofundo (Malila), lenyeshe (Safwa) Description The plant, which is covered with a waxy surface, usually grows as an epiphyte. The root is thick, often with a corky surface layer. Stems are erect and climbing, up to several metres in length, usually with a fine purple mottling. Leaf blades are triangular to oval in shape, up to 10 cm long, with a toothed edge. The petiole is short , up to 5 cm long. The flower is funnel shaped, up to 7. 5 cm long, yellow to orange-red with veins running the length of the flower tube. The fruit is a berry. Ecology Grows in upland or riverine forest. I t either grows on other plants or among rocks. I t has an altitude range of between 1600 and 3200 m. Propagation The plant can be grown from cuttings taken from the base or by using seed. Management A trellis is needed to support the vine. Uses Leaves are crushed, put in water and the liquid given to a cow that does not let down milk. I t is sometimes cultivated as an ornamental plant. Bees are likely to visit the plant as they are known to collect nectar and pollen from C. abyssinica in Ethiopia. References Cribb & Leedal 1982, Blundell 1987, Brickell 1994, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Agnew 2013 54 Canna hybrida (Cannaceae) Common names I ngaya (Malila), Canna lily Description A seasonally dormant herb growing up to 3 m high from a rhizome with many round projections. Leaves are paddle-shaped with a large central vein. The flowers may be red, orange or yellow. The fruit capsule has 3 sections and is covered with tubercules. Seeds are black, round and hard. Left: Canna lilies being grown around a church at I lembo. Ecology Originally from Central America. Plants require full sunlight and humus rich, moist soil. Propagation Either the clumps can be divided and planted just before the rains or the seeds can be sown. Management The rhizomes grow outwards and may need to be dug out to prevent them spreading. Uses An ornamental plant but also sometimes grown as a hedge. I n other countries the rhizomes are used to promote urination. References Jex-Blake 1957, Uphof 1968, Brickell 1994, Bryan 2002, Llamas 2003 55 Caylusea abyssinica (Resedaceae) Synonym Reseda abyssinica Common names Ukwipa (Malila), lukalifya, mkalifya (Bena & Hehe) Description An erect herb, occasionally bushy, usually an annual plant but sometimes a short-lived perennial. Leaves are 2 – 8 cm long and narrow. Flowers are small, white and in flowering heads up to 40 cm long. Anthers are pink or orange, turning yellow when mature. Ecology Grows as a weed in disturbed land and on riversides between altitudes 1200 and 3000 m. Present in Sudan and Ethiopia and south to Malawi and Rwanda and Burundi. Some people leave wild plants growing in their gardens or may even plant the seed. Propagation The plant can be easily grown from seed. Uses The stems are eaten after being chopped up and cooked with other vegetables. The plant is also used to feed rabbits and goats. The boiled leaves are used medicinally to treat stomach pains and for intestinal worms. Bees were seen visiting the flowers in July and are known to collect pollen and nectar over an 8 month period in Ethiopia. Above and right: Caylusea abyssinica in flower near I lembo References FTEA 1958, Blundell 1987, Peters et al. 1992, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Ruffo et al. 2002, Jansen 2004 56 young leaves and Cenchrus purpureus (Poaceae) Synonym Pennisetum purpureum Common names I sale (Malila), elephant grass, Napier grass Description A robust, deep rooted, erect perennial grass with stems growing to 2 – 6 m and forming large clumps. Leaves 30 - 120 cm long by 1 - 5 cm wide with a prominent midrib. Leaf sheath is hairy. Napier grass being grown to protect terraces and for animal fodder Ecology Widely planted in Africa up to an altitude of 2000 m. I t prefers a deep fertile soil though will grow in a wide variety of soils. I t does not stand waterlogging but can withstand periods of drought. Propagation Most easily planted using stem cuttings having at least 3 nodes. Cuttings are planted diagonally or vertically with 2 nodes below ground. For good soil conservation plant along the contour at a close spacing. Otherwise for fodder production plant at a spacing of 50 – 90 cm. After cutting back top growth to ground level, clumps can be divided and planted out. Management To obtain best the food value cut regularly when leaves reach 100 – 120 cm. The plant responds well to nitrogen fertilizer if available. Alternatively Desmodium intortum can be planted together to fix nitrogen. Uses A valuable grass for erosion control when planted in a continuous line along the contour at 2 m vertical intervals. I t is a good forage grass, though it can also be grazed. I ts feed value however depends on the ratio of stem to leaf and on age. Young leaves have a much better digestibility than older leaves, particularly if stems are present with the latter. References Bogdan 1977, ‘t Mannetje 1992, 57 Chassalia discolor (Rubiaceae) Common names I ntwati ya misengo Chassalia discolor in flower in forest near Yalenga in October Description A shrub 1 – 4 m high with finely ridged stems. Leaves are opposite, 4 – 15.5 cm long and 1.4 – 5 cm wide. The margins are often slightly wavy. The leaf stalk is 0.8 – 4 cm long. Flowers are scented and borne in branched panicles. The corolla tube is waxy, white or white and pink, 12 – 21 mm long. Fruits may be white, reddish or purple black, often translucent, round or two lobed, 5 – 6 mm in diameter. Ecology Present in evergreen and mist forest from 1300 to 1950 m altitude. Uses The flowers are reported to be visited by bees. C. subochreata is known to be a bee forage, and the shrub is also used for firewood, shade and as an amenity tree in Tanzania. Other species are used medicinally. References FTEA 1976, Beentje 1994, Lovett et al. 2006 58 Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium (Asteraceae) Synonym Pyrethrum cinerariifolium Common names Amaua (Malila), pyrethrum Description A perennial herb 30 – 60 cm tall with a shallow root system. Leaves are alternate 10 – 30 cm long borne on a long slender stalk. Flowers, 3 – 4 cm in diameter, are borne singly on long stalks. The plant is 99% cross pollinated and, though honeybees are not greatly attracted to the flowers, reports indicate that seed yields and pyrethrin content are improved when beehives are placed in pyrethrum fields in East Africa. The greatest content of pyrethrin is produced in the flowers when two or three rows of disc florets have opened. Pyrethrin content can vary greatly between plants. Ecology Flushes of flowers are only produced after adequate rainfall. The higher the crop is grown the better the pyrethrin content, an altitude of 1500 m is the lower limit for production in Tanzania. Fewer flowers are produced during warm periods. Soils should be rich and have good structure to avoid erosion and to allow penetration of rainfall during the three year cropping cycle. Propagation Vegetative propagation is recommended to ensure that high pyrethrin content clones are used. Avoid taking splits from ‘blind’ plants, recognised by the lack of dead flower stems at the end of the season. Nurseries should be sited at low levels to encourage rapid growth of plants which also will produce plenty of splits for multiplication. Old woody plants give few splits and the survival rate after splitting is poor. A young vegetative plant breaks up easily to give many splits. Splits can be planted with only two leaves. Trim roots to 10 – 15 cm and plant at the same height and on the same day as the original plants were uprooted. Do not bend the roots and plant firmly. Management (I n the nursery) Weed carefully and remove all flowers from plants in the nursery. Each plant should be able to produce 12 small splits after 3 - 4 months. (I n the field) Remove all perennial grasses before planting as deep weeding during cropping must be avoided. Ridging the land along the contour gives a better crop. Allow 75 – 90 cm between ridges. Plant early in the rain season, allowing 30 cm between plants. Weed with small forked jembes not pangas or ordinary jembes and earth the plants up at the same time. Cut back old stems to the level of the top of the foliage during the dry season. This leads to an earlier and better flush of flowers in the following rains and reduces damage done by bud disease. Pick flowers on dry hot days only, when two rows of disc florets are open. Pick with forefinger and thumb, rolling the flower over and breaking it off with no stem attached. Sun dry the flowers on trays turning the flowers 3 times per day. Store the dried flowers in air-tight containers in the dark. Uses The dried flowers are used as an insecticide, as a repellent and as a contact poison against a wide range of insect pests. Care must be taken when picking drying and transporting to ensure that fermentation and overheating do not take place. An insecticide can be made up as follows: - 500 gm pyrethrum flowers are soaked in 4 litres kerosene for half a day. Strain off the liquid and use on aphids, Colorado beetle, flea beetles, grasshoppers and cabbage worms. Alternatively 20 g pyrethrum powder and 10 litres water are stirred together and sprayed on plants, preferably in the evening. Soap solution can be added to act as a sticker. Greater effectiveness can be obtained using a combination of tobacco and pyrethrum. Remarks The plant is commonly grown, though the area under the crop varies according to market conditions. References Gunn 1953, Purseglove 1968, Acland 1971, Crane & Walker 1984, Roubik 1995, Stoll 2000 59 Chrysophyllum gorungosanum (Sapotaceae) Synonym C. fulvum Common names I palanyiji (Malila), paranieji (Nyakyusa) Description A tall evergreen tree 30 – 40 m high with a straight slender trunk fluted at the base. Young branches, buds and leaf stalks are covered with golden brown hairs. Leaves are stiff, 7 to 15 cm long, growing on a stalk up to 2.5 cm long. The lower surface is covered with golden brown hairs. Midrib and veins are prominent. Flowers are cream yellow, very small, in clusters in the leaf axils. Fruit is oval to round, 5 celled, up to 4 cm long. Ecology Found in moist upland rainforests in East Africa and also in Malawi and Zimbabwe. Propagation Seed can often be found below mature trees. Collect the fruit from the ground extract and dry the seed before storage. Add ash to protect it from insect attack. Seed can be sown in pots or wild seedlings can be transplanted. Grow tree seedlings in established. the shade until well Uses The timber is light coloured, of good density, and used for cabinet making and building. I t makes good firewood and charcoal. The fruit is edible. Bees are reported to visit the flowers. References Williamson 1975, Coates Palgrave 1983, Beentje 1994, Katende et al. 1995, Lovett et al. 2006 60 Cinchona sp. (Rubiaceae) Common names Quinine, Peruvian bark, cinchona Description A small tree, up to 16 m tall. Leaves glabrous, 7 – 28 cm long and 2.5 – 13 cm wide. Flowers yellowishwhite to pink 8 – 17 mm long. Fruit up to 25 mm long. Ecology Originally from South America. I ntroduced to East Africa in the 1930’s. I n Kenya it is grown between 2000 and 2400 m altitudes. Avoid soils that have been burnt over. Grows best in humid sites. Propagation Can be grown from seed or vegetatively. Seed bed should have a fine tilth and be protected from wind, rain and direct sunlight. Seed is broadcast. Seedlings can be transplanted into the field when 1 – 1.5 years old. I n vitro culture is commonly used nowadays. Management Plants start flowering after 3 - 4 years and are uprooted and harvested after 8 - 12 years. Uses The bark is the traditional source of quinine, the anti-malarial drug which is now largely replaced by synthetic substances which have fewer side effects, though with resistant strains of malaria developing, there has been a return of interest in cinchona. I t is also used as a bitter flavouring in soft drinks, hair oils, shampoos, sun-tan oil and insecticides. The tree is also used as an agroforestry species. Bees collect nectar from the flowers. References Staritsky, et al. 1999, Bakenga et al. 2000 61 Cissampelos pareira (Menispermaceae) Common names Lusisia (Malila), mlagalaga (Swahili) Description An herbaceous creeper. Leaves are roughly circular 2 – 12 cm in diameter. The petiole is from 1 – 7 cm long and joins the leaf 1 – 4 mm from the base. Male and female flowers are separate, arising from leaf axils, and may be up to 10 cm long. The fruit is a drupe 4 – 6 mm long and 3 – 4 mm wide. Ecology Found in upland and lowland rainforest, often persisting on cleared ground and in cultivated land. I t also grows in secondary vegetation and near rock outcrops between 0 – 2300 m. Uses Reported as a bee plant . String is made from the stem. The leaves are beaten, water added and the liquid drunk to relieve stomach-ache. Elsewhere in Tanzania the roots are powdered, mixed with water and used as a remedy for sore throats, colds, coughs, and for snake bite. Leaves and roots are chewed for stomach and pregnancy pains. Burnt roots and leaves are used for curing wounds. I n Tanzania the plant is also used to treat hookworm, diarrhoea, miscarriage, headache, excessive bleeding during menstruation, fever and hernias. References FTEA 1956, Watt & BreyerBrandwijk 1962, Kokwaro 1976, Neuwinger 2000, Taylor 2005, Agnew 2013 Photo: Pedro Acevedo-Rodriguez USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database 62 Clausena anisata (Rutaceae) Common names I syenje Description A shrub or small tree growing to 10 m high. Bark is smooth and grey. All parts of the plant have an unpleasant smell when bruised. Leaves are compound up to 38 cm long composed of 11 37 leaflets, densely dotted with glands and more or less hairless. Flowers are small, white, in loose branched clusters and smell of aniseed. Berries are small, up to 0.7 cm in diameter, and turn redpurple or blue-black when ripe. Clausena anisata flowering in October. Ecology Grows between 1500 and 2300 m altitude in forests particularly along forest edges and in clearings where rainfall exceeds 750 mm per annum. I t is often a pioneer plant in secondary bushland on upland sites. Also found at higher altitudes in West Africa and throughout tropical Africa. Propagation The plant can be grown from seed or cuttings. Right: Young fruits forming on a bush at Shilanga Uses Honeybees are reported to visit the flowers. The plant is known as an important bee forage from November to May in Ethiopia, where both nectar and pollen are collected. The plant is sometimes hung in doorways and burnt as a mosquito repellent. I n East Africa the wood is burnt to smoke fish. The stems are cut for walking sticks. Twigs are commonly used for cleaning teeth or as chewsticks. There are numerous medicinal uses for the leaves. I n Tanzania the leaf sap is rubbed on the body of a child suffering from malaria. Bruised leaves are given to women in labour. The roots are aromatic and reported to relieve wind. They are also used to expel roundworms. The wood is used for firewood. The fruits are reported to be edible. References De Wildeman 1934, FZ 1963, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Burkill 1997, Burrows & Willis 2005, Lovett et al. 2006 63 Clematis villosa subsp. villosa (Ranunculaceae) Synonym C. kirkii, Clematopsis villosa, C. scabiosifolia Common names I kuwi, shumwe (Malila), makalichoma (Hehe), shock-headed Peter Description The plant grows from a rhizome and may form a bush up to 1.5 m tall with erect or spreading, hairy stems. Leaves are opposite, up to 12 cm long, softly hairy and very variable in shape. The drooping flowers are scented, up to 7 cm across, and hairy on their outer surface. The seeds have a tuft of grey hairs at their apex. Ecology The plant photographed was growing in grassland at the roadside. I t often occurs on stony ground at medium to high altitudes in woodland and wooded grassland and is seen after bush fires. Also present in Kenya, central and South Africa and in northern Nigeria and Cameroon. Uses The plant is used to treat coughing. Parts of the plant are also mixed with uji (thin maize porridge) probably to give it flavour. I n Zambia the flowers are crushed and sniffed to relieve flu and headaches. The leaf pulp is inhaled for headaches. I n Zimbabwe the root powder is inhaled for headaches. I n Burundi smoke from the burning roots is inhaled to calm the insane and to treat coughing. A root infusion is drunk to stimulate the appetite, as a tonic and to treat female infertility. Leaf pulp is applied to treat toothache. I n Sudan the root, after boiling in water, is used to dress sores. The plant is u sed together with Hermannia betonicaefolia to treat chest complaints in South Africa. References Watt & Breyer-Branwijk 1962, Wild et al 1972, Leedal 1975, Cribb & Leedal 1982, Burkill 1997, Neuwinger 2000, Agnew 2013, Zimbabwe Flora website (Accessed 20.1.2015) 64 Cleome gynandra (Cleomaceae) Synonym Gynandropsis gynandra Common names Umuzimu (Malila), mgagani, mwangani (Swahili), cat's whiskers, spider plant Description An erect annual herb up to 1.5 m tall. Leaves are alternate, compound with 3 – 7 leaflets, each 2 – 10 cm long and 1 – 4 cm wide. Flower heads can be up to 30 cm long. Flowers are white or tinged with purple. Fruit is a green or yellow capsule up to 12 cm long. Vegetative growth stops rapidly as soon as flowering starts. Farmers often remove flowers to prevent this. Ecology A common weed, especially around villages. I t can grow up to an altitude of 2400 m throughout the tropics, though is less common at high altitudes. Requires full sun and prefers a fertile soil, high in organic matter. I t is tolerant to drought. Propagation Collect seed from late flowering, tall, green stemmed plants with many large leaves. Seeds are best stored for 6 – 12 months to break dormancy prior to sowing. Broadcast seed on well cultivated land in pure stands or mixed with Brassica species, Solanum nigrum or Corchorus olitorius and tridens. Management. After sowing, plants should be thinned out to a spacing of 25 – 30 cm each way. Topping, cutting back to the ground and removing the flowers as soon as they appear are practices that increase leaf production. Green stemmed varieties tend to regenerate better than those with purple stems. The leaves are picked individually or leafy branches are harvested. Whole plants may also be uprooted. Uses Leaves, often with the flowers, are widely used as a vegetable, eaten cooked or fresh as a spinach or in soup. They are rich in vitamin A and C. By themselves the leaves are bitter. They are therefore best boiled, butter added and eaten with ugali made from finger millet. The leaves may also be dried for later use. To remove the bitterness the leaves are allowed to wither, and then are soaked in milk overnight or in several changes of water. Young pods are also eaten. Leaves are rich in calcium and iron. The plant is used widely as a counter irritant to relieve local pain, being rubbed on the part affected or applied as a poultice. The plant is sometimes cultivated for its edible seed oil. Bees collect pollen and nectar and, though flowering may occur all year round, it occurs mostly after the rains. The plants, and especially the seeds, have insecticidal properties and are used against ticks on livestock. The glands on the stem and leaves repel insects. I ntercropping cabbages with rows of Cleome gynanda can reduce diamond back moth larva ( Plutella xylostella) damage to the former. References Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962, FTEA 1964, Terra 1966, Goode 1974, Williamson 1975, Kokwaro 1976, Burkill 1985, FAO 1988, Dupriez & De Leener 1989, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Chweya & Mnzava 1997, Schippers & Budd 1997, Maundu et al. 1999, Bakenga et al. 2000, Schippers 2002, Mnzava & Chigumira 2004 65 Clerodendrum johnstonii (Lamiaceae) Common names Nanjoha (Malila), limunsi (Safwa), ntonongwe (Nyiha), mpambaduma (Hehe), blue butterfly bush Description The plant grows either as a shrub which may reach a height of 1.5 m or as a creeper, up to 20 m long. The bases of the leaf stalks are hooked and spiny, and used to scramble up into the tree canopy. Leaves are opposite or in threes, 6.5 – 19 cm long and 3.5 – 14 cm wide, and may have a rounded base, with the tip being shortly pointed. The lower surface of the leaves has a dense mat of hairs. The scented flowers are white and borne in many flowered terminal heads. The fruit is orange to black, about 1 cm long but often having galls. Ecology The shrub photographed above was growing in a pine/ eucalyptus plantation near Maendeleo. I t grows at the edges of moist forests and in secondary forest, sometimes being common. Also present in eastern D.R. Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, and north eastern Zambia. Propagation Can be grown from cuttings. Uses Bees are reported to visit the flowers from May and July. Clerodendrum species are known to be important bee forage plants in Africa. Other species, C. cordifolium and C. myricoides are visited by bees in Ethiopia. The plant is used to treat fever, coughs as an expectorant and for stomach problems in East Africa, Rwanda and South Africa. Juice from pounded or chewed fresh leaves is taken f or abdominal pains or stomach problems in East Africa. A root decoction is drunk for painful periods in Kenya. I n Burundi the leaf sap is drunk as an emetic and to relieve painful periods. Leaf decoction is drunk for rectal prolapse and as tonic for pregnant women. The stems are used as stakes by farmers in Kenya. References Kokwaro 1976, FTEA 1992, Beentje 1994, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Hepburn & Radloff 1998, Neuwinger 2000, White et al. 2001 66 Clutia abyssinica (Peraceae) Common names Smooth fruited Clutia Clutia abyssinica bearing fruit in April, growing in a hedge near Sasyaka Description Usually a shrub 1 to 2 m high but it can grow to 6 m. Branches are brittle and the bark is greenish to pale-brown. Leaves are 3 – 11 cm long and 1.3 – 3.5 cm wide, dotted with glands, light green becoming red to golden. Leaf stalk slender, up to 2.5 cm long. Flowers very small, greenish to white. Male flowers in tight clusters along young branches. Female flowers are solitary, occasionally among the male flowers. Fruit is a capsule 4 to 5 mm in diameter. Ecology Found in dry forest, forest remnants, secondary bush and wooded grassland and in bush on rocky hillsides. Present from Zimbabwe northwards to Ethiopia at altitudes between 700 and 2300 m. Uses I n East Africa the roots are boiled in soup and drunk to treat headaches, malaria and stomachache. The leaves are boiled and the vapour inhaled to treat malaria. An extract from the root is drunk for influenza, indigestion and, with milk to ease liver pains. I n Tanzania women smoke the wood during menstruation. I n South Africa the roots are used as a laxative, to expel intestinal worms and to treat fits in children. They are used to flavour food after boiling by the Maasai and Kipsigis. Bees are reported to visit the flowers of some Clutia species. References Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962, Kokwaro 1976, Coates Palgrave 1983, Peters et al. 1992, Beentje 1994, Hepburn & Radloff 1998, Neuwinger 2000, Burrows & Willis 2005 67 Coccinia grandiflora (Cucurbitaceae) Common names Tandawuzi Description A vigorous creeper which scrambles over bushes and trees. Leaves are 7 – 18 cm long and 7 – 20 cm wide, shallowly to deeply 5-lobed. Tendrils are usually in pairs, one branch often very weakly developed. Male flowers 1· 5 – 7· 5 cm are borne singly. Corolla orange or apricot-yellow. Female flowers are solitary or paired; corolla often larger than in male flowers, otherwise similar. Fruit 8 – 30 × 1· 5 – 2· 5 cm cylindrical, bright red on ripening; fruit-stalk stout, 4 – 6· 5 cm long. Photos: Norbert Holstein Found in mountain rain forest in Tanzania, Kenya, Malawi Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Ecology Uses Used as a medicinal plant in Umalila though no details were given. Elsewhere the leaf sap is drunk to ease childbirth and a root decoction is drunk to treat intestinal worms. FZ 1978, Neuwinger 2000, White et al. 2001 References Photo: Günter Baumann 68 Yalenga village from I siolo forest Nyasalandi Nayomo climbing to inspect one of his 13 hives 69 Coffea mufindiensis (Rubiaceae) Common names Kahawa msitu, mpacha (Hehe), kahawa mwitu (Swahili), wild coffee Description An evergreen shrub or small tree, up to 4.5 m tall. Leaves are oval, 2 – 6 cm long and 0.8 – 3 cm wide, crowded together, with wavy edges. Stipules are present and are 2 – 7 mm long, triangular with a fine point. One or two white flowers are produced in the leaf axils. Fruits are orange – red oval berries up to 1 cm long. Coffea mufindiensis in I tare forest in November Ecology An undershrub growing in moist mountain forests from 1600 to 2100 m in the central, eastern and Southern Highlands of Tanzania. Also present in Malawi, Zambia, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Propagation Can be grown from seed. Uses I n Tanzania the sweet tasting berries are collected and eaten raw mostly by children. Seeds are roasted, ground and used as a coffee substitute. The wood is used for poles, firewood, pegs and tool handles. The tree is suitable for growing for shade, as a hedge and as an ornamental shrub. Three other species are present in moist Tanzanian forests and two of them are reported as bee forage. Remarks The plant has potential for selection and improvement. References FTEA 1988, White et al. 2001, Ruffo et al. 2002, Burrows & Willis 2005 70 Colocasia esculenta (Araceae) Common names Amasimbi (Malila), magimbi (Swahili), taro Description A perennial herb growing from 1 to 2 m high from a large corm. The latter may be up to 30 cm long and 15 cm in diameter. Leaf stalks are not attached at the leaf margin but inside, in contrast to Xanthosoma saggitifolia. Ecology Taro is occasionally planted in gardens close to homes. I t is more usually grown in hot, humid conditions. Best results are from deep, fertile, friable loam soils with a high water table and adequate organic matter. Taro is fairly tolerant to shade. Eddoe types are more resistant to drought and cold conditions than Dasheen types. Propagation Plant the upper tip of the corm with the lower 15 - 25 cm of the stalk attached. Plant at the start of the rain season. Management Weeding is most important. Growth time to harvest is 8 - 10 months. The corms are ready for harvest when the leaves turn yellow and begin to wither. Uses Both corms and leaves are eaten. The soft, white corms are rich in starch and can be eaten after removing the sharp crystals. To do this the corms are boiled, baked, roasted or fried in oil. The starch is easily digested, but if large quantities of the corm are eaten, goitre can result. Excessive consumption is also reported to increase the possibility of contracting leprosy. However eating the corm lowers the incidence of tooth decay. Remarks Yields of between 4 and 10 tons/ ha. are normal but, by selecting high yielding planting material and thorough weeding, better yields can be obtained. References Purseglove 1968, Acland 1971, Kay 1973, Leakey & Wills 1977, Safo Kantanka 2004 71 Cotoneaster pannosus (Rosaceae) Common names Silver-leaf Cotoneaster Description A large, quick growing, sprawling shrub which may grow to over 3 m tall. Leaves are oval in shape. Attractive white flowers and red/ orange berries containing 2 seeds are produced. Ecology Originally from China. It prefers cool areas over 1500 m altitude. Propagation Easily grown from seed or cuttings. Management Needs hard pruning to make it thick. Uses An important nectar source for honeybees. The nectar probably has a high sugar content and is very attractive to bees. The fruits are very attractive to birds which are the main seed dispersal agents. References Jex-Blake 1957, Pellett 1976, Howes 1979, Johannesmeier & Allsopp 1995 72 Crassocephalum rubens (Asteraceae) Common names Enzumba Description An erect, annual herb up to 70 cm tall. Leaves are alternate, arrow shaped and deeply toothed. The single blue, or occasionally white, flower heads are borne at the end of long stalks. The flowers are produced between April and September. Crassocephalum rubens flowering in June in an old maize field in Umalila. There are about 24 species of Crassocephalum in tropical Africa, a number of which are eaten as vegetables. Variation in taste in Malawi means that some types are regularly eaten, others only in times of shortage. Ecology The plant occurs as a weed in farm land, along roadsides, mostly at higher altitudes. I t is also common in grassland, wooded grassland and disturbed places in Malawi. The plant is found throughout tropical Africa and in Lesotho, South Africa and Yemen. Propagation is by stem cuttings 20 – 25 cm long, obtained from mature shoots. I t can also be grown from seed. Management The plant is only cultivated in south-western Nigeria where it is grown as a vegetable, often among cocoa trees. I t is grown in well-drained soils with a high organic matter content. Removal of the flowering shoots encourages leaf production. Uses Bees were seen visiting the flowers in June. Bees collect pollen and nectar from this and other species of Crassocephalum where plentiful and, because of the long flowering period, it is probably useful for building up the strength of colonies and producing honey. The leaves are commonly eaten in south-western Nigeria, less so in other humid zones of West and central Africa. They are mucilaginous and used for soups and sauces. The taste is variously described from ‘mild’ (Uganda) to ‘slightly stinging’ (Malawi). I n Uganda the leaves are dried, chopped and cooked with peas or beans. I n Malawi the leaves and young shoots are cooked with groundnuts and tomatoes are added. The plant also has medicinal use to treat stomach-ache, liver complaints and colds, and externally to treat burns, sore eyes, earache, leprosy and breast cancer. Elsewhere in East Africa it is used as an antidote for poisoning. References PROTA 2004, Baumann 2005 73 Crassocephalum vitellinum (Asteraceae) Common names Enzumba, chuma (Malila), ngerengere (Nyakyusa) Description A trailing annual or perennial herb, growing from 30 to 150 cm tall. Leaves are sessile, 3 – 12.5 cm long and 1.5 – 7 cm wide. The solitary orange yellow flower heads are 1.8 cm across on long stalks. Flowers are produced throughout the year but mainly after the rains. Ecology Common in grassy clearings, upland forest and woodland, and occasionally in swamps. Altitude range is 1050 – 2550 m. Also found in Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, D.R. Congo, Nigeria and Cameroon. Uses I n Umalila the leaves are used to treat stomachache. Bees frequently collect pollen and nectar from the flowers. Crassocephalum species flower over long periods and this is helpful for building up the strength of bee colonies. The plant is known as a good honey source in Ethiopia. The leaves of this species and of C. bojeri and C. bumbens are eaten in D.R. Congo. The plant is browsed by sheep and goats in Kenya. The flower head is sometimes used as a brush to remove objects from the eye. Elsewhere the plant is used medicinally as a remedy for elephantiasis, anaemia, rectal prolapse and gonorrhea. Papilio echeroides, the White Banded Swallowtail, collecting nectar from a flower in June References Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962, Kokwaro 1976, Burkill 1985, Blundell 1987, Konda et al. 1992, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Bakenga et al. 2000, Neuwinger 2000, Burrows & Willis 2005 74 Crotalaria cleomifolia (Fabaceae) Common names I sekeseke Description A shrubby, much branched perennial, 1 - 4 m tall. Leaves are composed of 3 - 5 leaflets each 5 – 11 cm long. Flower heads are 11 - 28 cm long. Flowers usually have reddish-brown veins. Fruit pods are 4 – 5 cm long containing 30 - 40 seeds. Ecology Grows on the margins and in clearings of upland rain-forest, upland evergreen bushland and grassland, also persisting on roadsides and cult ivated ground. Altitude range 1150 – 2550 m. Locally common and widespread in tropical Africa. Propagation Suggested propagation is by seed or semi ripe cuttings. Uses Bees were seen visiting this plant in June. Crotalaria species have potential as green manure crops. Children use the dried seed-pods as rattles, hence the local name. Remarks There are over 200 species of Crotalaria in East Africa. Some species are responsible for producing serious intoxication in cattle and donkeys. Some are however used medicinally and others are regarded as potential fodder crops. References Watt & BreyerBrandwijk 1962, FTEA 1971, Kokwaro 1976, NAS 1979, Blundell 1987, Brickell 1994, Burrow & Willis 2005 75 Crotalaria natalitia (Fabaceae) Common name I thumba (Malila), marejea (Sw.), rattlepod Description A perennial woody herb or small shrub with one to several thin upright stems from 1 - 2.6 m tall. Leaves are crowded on short lateral shoots, and made up of tufts of 3 – 5 leaflets. Leaflets are up to 4.2 cm long and hairy on the underside. The yellow flowers turn red in a terminal flower head, up to 22 cm long. Fruit is a cylindrical mottled dark-green and blue-black pod 3.5 - 4.5 cm long, containing 25 - 40 seeds. Ecology Found on the margins of upland rain forest, in bushland, wooded or open grassland, deciduous woodland, riverine forest, and present on roadsides and cultivated ground. Altitude range 0 – 3000 m. Also occurs in the plateau regions of Angola, southern Africa and in Burundi and eastern D.R. Congo. Propagation Suggested propagation is by seed or semi-ripe cuttings. Uses I n Umalila the tender leaves are eaten as a vegetable. Elsewhere in Tanzania the pounded leaves are used in this way and may also be dried for later use. The leaves are Crotalaria natalitia growing in forest sometimes sold in markets. People add groundnuts and coconut milk to make the leaves more palatable. I n Malawi leaves are cooked with potash giving a mucilaginous product. I n Tanzania the plant is also used as a green manure and an ornamental plant. The bark from fresh roots is chewed, and the juice swallowed as a treatment for boils. The leaves are chewed and spat onto burns or dried and then crushed and applied to burns. Bees were seen visiting this plant in June. Remarks Several Crotalaria species are edible but some are known to be poisonous both to man and livestock. Some species are used medicinally . References Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962, FTEA 1971, Brickell 1994, Bosch 2004, Burrows & Willis 2005 Crotalaria subcapitata, a low growing creeper, found in grassland, is visited by bees in May. 76 Cucurbita ficifolia (Cucurbitaceae) Common names Dabwidi (fruit), kawiru (leaves) (Malila), mboga ya kimaasai or mboga ya mboga (Swahili), fig leaf gourd, Malabar gourd Description A short-lived perennial vine up to 30 m long, climbing with long branched tendrils. The tap root may be 2 m long. The stem forms numerous runners which may root at the nodes. Leaves are alternate, and similar to fig leaves, 18 – 25 cm in diameter. Flowers are yellow to pale orange up to 7.5 cm in diameter. The fruit is large, round or cylindrical, 15 – 50 cm long, green with white stripes and lighter markings, having a smooth, hard skin. The flesh is white, coarse and tough, fibrous and rather dry with many black to pale buff coloured seeds 1.5 – 2 cm long. Ecology The plant grows best in fertile, well drained soils at altitudes over 1000 m. Originally from the highlands of South America. I t occurs in the highlands of Ethiopia and East Africa and is occasionally grown in Angola. Propagation By seed or vegetatively by using plants rooted at the nodes. Seeds germinate after 5 – 7 days. They may also germinate naturally in cultivated land. Management Plants are normally grown over a trellis or fence. The plant is known to be strongly resistant to pests and diseases. Bees are mainly responsible for pollination. Leaves can be harvested from 2 months after planting and picking can continue for a further 4 months. Uses The young leaves and stalks are stripped of the outer fibre then coarsely chopped and cooked as a vegetable. The leaves and fruit are also fed to pigs. The seeds are pounded, sieved and added to vegetables to provide cooking fat. Elsewhere in Tanzania the leaves are prepared in a mixture with maize, pulses, green bananas or I rish potatoes. I n Europe the plant is grown for its ornamental fruits. The plant is also used as a rootstock for growing cucumbers in Europe because of its tolerance to cold and its resistance to soil borne diseases. References Maundu et al. 1999, Grubben 2004 Left: Leaves and fruit being carried home near Maendeleo 77 Cucurbita maxima (Cucurbitaceae) Common names I liungu (fruit), ipwiza (leaves) (Malila), mtango (Swahili), winter squash, pumpkin Description An annual herb, usually trailing on the ground, but occasionally growing as a bush. Some cultivars produce very large fruits. Male and female flowers occur in a ratio of about 20: 1 and open for one day only, often early in the morning. Both produce nectar. Bees are the main pollinators and the number and weight of the fruits increase with the amount of pollen deposited on the stigmas. The fruits are orange, green or grey, smooth or ribbed, round or oval. Seeds are large and plump, white or brown. 3 - 6 fruits are produced per plant with fruits weighing from 2 - 5 kg. Ecology Grown throughout Africa. The crop is planted with maize and beans before the rains start. The plant requires full sunlight, a fairly high temperature, above 25 - 27°C, and fairly low humidity. Dry periods encourage growth. I t can be grown up to an altitude of 2000 m and prefers soils with organic matter. The plant also grows well in soils where ashes have been thrown or where burning has taken place. Propagation Normally 3 - 10 seeds are sown per site, spaced 2 m x 2 m, and then thinned out to 1 - 3 plants. Plant seed 2 – 4 cm deep. Management Harvest the fruits when the skin starts to harden. When collecting the leaves it is recommended that the third and fourth leaves from the tip are harvested. Uses The leaves and fruit are eaten. The seeds are also pounded, sieved and added to vegetables to provide cooking fat. The flowers are sometimes used as a vegetable in Africa. I n Malawi the leaves are dried for later use. Fruit flesh is usually boiled and eaten in pieces or put into stews and soups. I n northern Ghana the flesh is sliced and dried for storage. Fruits with hard skin can be stored for later use and will keep well for a long time. The dried fruit shell can be used for making bowls. Many species of Cucurbitaceae are attractive to honey bees. References Grubben 1977, Tindall 1983, Burkill 1985, Dupriez & De Leener 1989, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Robinson & Decker-Walters 1997, Jones 1999, Bakenga et al. 2000, Chigumira Ngwerume & Grubben 2004 78 Cupressus lusitanica (Cupressaceae) Common names Mkambo kambo, mtarakwa (Swahili), cypress Description A fast growing evergreen tree, normally conical in shape, up to 35 m high. I t has a straight trunk. The bark is red brown with vertical grooves. Leaves are very small in 4 ranks, with spreading pointed tips. Male cones are produced at the ends of branches and produce large amounts of yellow pollen. Female cones, 1.5 cm in diameter, ripen after two years. Trees commence bearing fruit after 6 – 9 years. Ecology Grows in seasonally moist to permanently moist areas having a dry season of no more than 2 – 3 months. Altitude range 1000 – 4000 m. The tree prefers a deep, moist, well-drained, neutral to slightly acid loam. This species represents over 40% of planted trees in Tanzania. Propagation For rapid, even germination seed should be kept in damp sand for 30 days before sowing. Seed can then be sown in seed beds and the bare rooted seedlings can be transplanted into the field. Alternatively seed can be planted in containers. Wild seedlings can also be used for planting out. Seed can be stored for up to 6 months. Management Plant out seedlings at 2 – 3 x 2 – 3 m spacing. Pruning to ensure knot-free timber should commence when trees are 3 years old and be carried out again at 6, 9 and 13 years. Growth is fast on good sites. Weeding is important during early growth. The tree can also be grown as a hedge. Uses Grown for poles which are ready after 10 years or for timber which can be cut after 20 years. Timber can be used for furniture and firewood. Remarks The cypress aphid was a major pest which limited the planting of this tree. However in Kenya a parasitic wasp, Pauesia juniperorum, has been shown to be an effective control agent. References Mbuya et al. 1994, I CRAF 1998 79 Cussonia spicata (Araliaceae) Common names I pombo (Malila), mpombo (Nyakyusa), limpombo (Wanji), katikisa (Fipa), mpombo (Nyakyusa), mnyonzi, mynyonzolo (Hehe), umbrella tree Description An evergreen tree, up to 20 m tall, with long bare branches. The compound leaves are crowded at the ends of the branches and are composed of 6 – 12 leaflets. From 5 to 18 flowering spikes, each 6 – 14 cm long, are borne together at the ends of long stalks which protrude beyond the foliage of the tree. Flowers are greenish-white. Fruits are up to 1.2 cm long. Ecology Normally found on dry upland forest edges, riverine forest and wet upland forest. A pioneer tree growing between altitudes of 1450 and 2500 m. Found from Sudan to South Africa. The tree is drought resistant but does not like cold winds. I t may also not be able to withstand frost. Propagation Fresh seed germinates An isolated tree left in crop land near Sasyaka. easily when sown in seedling trays filled with a mixture of river sand and compost (1: 1). Germination takes from 15 - 30 days. Most seeds germinate in the third week. I t can also be grown from long cuttings planted in a shady area, but this method is not always successful. Uses The flowers are an important honey source. Bees were seen visiting in July. I n Umalila young trees are sometimes uprooted and the roots eaten. The thick root is also eaten in times of scarcity in South Africa and is used to treat malaria. The bark is used as a fish poison. I n Tanzania the leaves are used to treat snake bite, malaria, constipation, indigestion and the roots as an emetic and to treat fever, venereal disease and uterine pain. The wood is whitish, light, soft and coarse and very perishable but used to make mole traps by the Kikuyu in Kenya. Wooden blocks are used as a substitute for brake blocks. The fruits are edible. The leaves are said to provide valuable fodder for stock. The tree is sometimes used for shade. Remarks A related species C. important honey source in Ethiopia. holstii is an References Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962, Maturing fruit Williamson 1975, Kokwaro 1976, Coates Palgrave 1983, Beentje 1994, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Venter & Venter 1996, Neuwinger 2000, Ruffo et al. 2002, Hankey & Sisulu 2004, Lovett et al. 2006 80 Cyathula uncinulata (Amaranthaceae) Common names I mbunya (Malila – the name is given to plants which stick to clothing). Description A soft-hairy, erect and bushy, or more commonly, a straggling to climbing perennial herb, 75 cm to 3 m long. Leaves are variable in size and shape, often hairy on both surfaces. I ts trailing habit and grey-silver flower heads make it easy to identify. The flowers form into a burr. Ecology Grows profusely along the forest edge. Found in extremely different habitats from moist forest, riverside vegetation, open bush-land and rocky places. Altitude range 1290 – 2880 m. Uses Bees were active on this plant collecting both nectar and pollen in June. The leaves are eaten by livestock. The plant is reported locally to improve soil fertility. Leaves are dipped in hot water and applied to the skin to draw out thorns. They are also used as toilet paper. I n Tanzania a root decoction is drunk as an emetic and to treat female sterility and the fruits are eaten to ease abdominal pain. Elsewhere a paste made from the powdered leaves mixed in Vaseline, is used to treat eczema. A decoction of the root is used as an emetic in Kenya. The plant is also used medicinally in Burundi. Beekeepers say that when livestock return home with the burrs sticking to their coats it is time to harvest honey. References Kokwaro 1976, FTEA 1985, Blundell 1987, Neuwinger 2000, Agnew 2013 Drying wheat on a rush mat 81 Cyphomandra betacea (Solanaceae) Common names I pana (Kimalila), mgogwe (Swahili), tree tomato, tomatillo Description An evergreen semi-woody shrub or small tree, with characteristic umbrella like branching habit, from 2 to 3 m tall. Young stems have shiny bark, older stems bear leaf scar markings. Leaves are alternate, large and heart shaped, 15 – 30 cm long and 10 – 20 cm wide. They have soft hairs and droop in the heat. Flowers are fragrant and borne in clusters on older stems. Each floret is 5 lobed, with white to pink petals and a dark stripe. The egg shaped, smooth skinned fruit, grows 4 to 6 cm long and is at first greenish-purple but becomes shiny orange-red to purple as it ripens. Fruits are produced in great abundance in hanging clust ers on long stalks throughout the year. The plant is shallow rooted. Ecology Native to the forests of the Andes. The plant grows in the highland tropics from 1200 m upwards in frost free areas. At low elevations the plants do not flower. Plants require full sun, with deep, fertile, well drained soils. Flavour develops best where warm sunny days are followed by cool nights. Suitable for growing with other crops, as it does not shade out shorter plants. Propagation The plant is usually grown from seed but can also be grown from stem cuttings. Seed can be stored without problem. Transplant seedlings when 30 cm high. Management The tree is quick growing and starts to bear fruit after about 18 months. However, as it usually only lives for 3 - 4 years, it needs to be replaced frequently. Alternatively, after 3 years, the tree can be cut down to soil level and one good shoot selected to produce another stem. Uses The slightly acid, succulent fruits are usually eaten uncooked but can also be prepared like tomatoes, sliced, fried and served as a sauce with the staple food. The juice may be squeezed out to make a refreshing drink. Sugar can be added. Fruits are best picked and eaten direct from the tree. They have a high vitamin content. Levels of free amino acids, potassium and phosphorus are also high compared with other fruits. Remarks The fruits will keep for 3 - 4 weeks if kept cool. References Uphof 1968, Dupriez & De Leener 1989, Macmillan 1991, Mbuya et al. 1994, I CRAF 1998, Katende et al. 1999 82 Dalbergia lactea (Fabaceae) Common names Mulembo, ishuwa Description A small tree or climbing shrub, which may be up to 25 m long, with some coiled branches. Leaves are made up of 6 – 10 leaflets which are elliptic, have a rounded base and apex and are 4 – 9 cm long and 2 – 5.5 cm wide. Flowers are mauve white to purple in large clusters. Fruit pods are 10 – 17 cm long and 3 – 4.5 cm, leathery, flat and hairless and contain a single seed. Dalbergia lactea flowering in October near Shilanga Ecology Widespread in mountain and mid-altitude rain forest up to 2220 m. Also present in the highlands of Cameroon, south east Nigeria, eastern D.R. Congo and from Ethiopia to Zimbawe and Mozambique. Propagation D. nitidula can be grown from seed or suckers. Uses The flowers are visited by bees. D. nitidula is reported as a pollen source in I ringa district. Dalbergia species are known as important bee forage plants in other parts of Africa. The leaves and roots are used medicinally to treat abdominal pains. The roots are applied externally to treat rheumatism or boiled up and the liquid used to treat skin diseases. A root decoction is drunk to expel roundworms and, together with Senna petersiana, is taken to heal abscesses. The leaves are pounded and used to treat constipation in cattle. I n Kenya the bark fibres are used for weaving and to make rope. References Kokwaro 1976, Beentje 1994, Burkill 1995, Hepburn & Radloff 1998, Kihwele et al. 2001, White et al. 2001, Burrows & Willis 2005, Latham & Konda ku Mbuta 2014b 83 Delphinium leroyi (Ranunculaceae) Common names Manyambimbwi (Kinga) Description An erect perennial herb 0.4 – 1.5 m tall which may sometimes be hairy. Leaves are dissected and borne on long stalks from the base of the plant. The scented flowers are up to 6 cm across, white with sometimes a green spot on each segment and a long ascending spur, 3 – 4 cm long. The anthers are black-purple. The plant is pollinated at dusk by hawk moths. Photo: David Watson Ecology Widespread in eastern and central Africa from southern Sudan and Ethiopia south to Malawi, growing in grassland, on forest margins and in bushland from 1300 to 2900 m. I t also does well in the montane grasslands of the Poroto mountains and on the Kitulo plateau where it flowers from February until May often with the orchid Satyrium sphaeranthum . Also present on the Nyika plateau and often common and conspicuous in the landscape up to 2400 m in Malawi & Zambia. Propagation Delphiniums can be grown from fresh seed or from cuttings. Uses A scented, ornamental plant. References FTEA 1952, Jex-Blake 1957, Leedal 1975, Hay 1978, Cribb & Leedal 1982, Blundell 1987, Lebrun & Stork 2003, Burrows & Willis 2005, Salter & Davenport 2011, Agnew 2013 84 Desmodium intortum (Fabaceae) Common names I zanji (Malila), green leaf desmodium, Kuru vine Desmodium intortum in flower in May near I lembo Description A perennial, low growing herb with erect, branched reddish-brown stems. Leaves are trifoliate with leaflets 2 – 7 cm long and 1.5 – 5 cm wide, usually brown or red-speckled on the upper surface. The flowers are numerous and the plant flowers over a long period. Seed production is increased by bees. Ecology Fairly common in grassland. Native to Central America but now spread widely in the tropics. I t requires a long warm growing season and withstands hot weather better than D. uncinatum . I t also tolerates moderately low temperatures. The plant prefers a well distributed rainfall of over 875 mm per year. I t is less drought resistant than Stylosanthes guianensis in Uganda and has little foliage in the dry season. I t will survive temporary water-logging but prefers well drained sites. The plant requires an alkaline more or less neutral soil with a pH of 5.0 or more. Propagation Seed should be broadcast in a well prepared seed-bed. Stem cuttings can also be used for propagation. Uses Bees were seen collecting pollen and nectar. A valuable fodder legume both grazed and made into hay. I t is an excellent source of protein, Riboflavin and vitamin A for livestock. I t can be grown with various grasses. References Bogdan 1977, Skerman 1977, Jones 1999 85 Desmodium repandum (Fabaceae) Common names Asampya Description A loosely branched perennial herb or slender shrub growing up to 1 m tall. Leaves are composed of three thin leaflets covered with fine hairs. Flowers pink to bright red, arranged in terminal or open panicles. The sticky fruits have 5 segments which break up into oneseeded sections and attach themselves to fur and clothing. Ecology The plant is common in shade, on the forest floor or at edges of forests, in clearings and along stream banks and paths. I t grows throughout tropical and subtropical East Africa between 1000 and 3300 m altitude. I t is also found in Madagascar, I ndia and Malaysia. Uses The plant is used to treat mental disorder in Umalila. I n Shambaa, northern Tanzania, the root is used to treat large sores and a spoonful of juice is given to babies for abdominal pain. Elsewhere the plant is used to treat anorexia, gastric ulcers, liver inflammation, cardiac problems, sciatic pain, dehydration, diarrhoea, weakness, elephantiasis and wounds. Bees are reported to collect pollen and nectar from the flowers. References Kokwaro 1976, Blundell 1987, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Hepburn & Radloff 1998, Bakenga et al. 2000, Neuwinger 2000, Burrows & Willis 2005, Agnew 2013 Photo: David Watson 86 Diospyros w hyteana (Ebenaceae) Common names I fita (Malila), mtonga, litonga, msisina (Hehe), bladder nut Description An evergreen shrub or small tree up to 13 m in height, branching low down. Bark is brown and rough. Young shoots are red. Leaves are 2 – 8 cm long and 1 – 3 cm wide, alternate, and the margins are fringed with long hairs. Flowers are white or cream to pale orange, fragrant, 5 to 10 mm long, arising from the leaf axils. Flowering occurs from August to October. Male and female flowers are on different trees. The red fruits are distinctive being spherical, up to 2 cm in diameter, and enclosed in a papery calyx. Ecology Occurs in scrub or forest, on mountain slopes and in rocky places from Ethiopia to the Western Cape in South Africa. The shrub can survive long dry periods. I t is most common in high rainfall areas at high altitudes. Propagation Collect fruit from the tree and dry in the shade. Remove the seeds and soak them in hot water. Leave in water overnight before planting. Alternatively seed can be scratched before planting. Germination takes 3 - 5 weeks and is rather erratic. Transplant seedlings at the two-leaf stage. Plants grow quite rapidly. Uses Bees were seen gathering nectar in October near Shilanga. Leaves are browsed by livestock. The fruit is edible but has a bitter-sweet taste, and is therefore not popular, but the seeds can be roasted and ground to make a good coffee substitute. The wood is whitish with brown to purple stripes, dense, even grained and strong. I t is used for making furniture and tool handles. The bark is used to ease painful periods in South Africa and the leaf or root extract is rubbed on to treat a burning skin rash. The shrub can be grown as a hedge plant. A related species, D. mespeliformis, African ebony, is known to be a very valuable bee forage, particularly for nectar, at lower altitudes across central and southern Africa and also in Ethiopia. References Wild et al. 1972, Coates Palgrave 1983, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Mbuya et al. 1994, Venter & Venter 1996, Kihwele et al. 2001, Viljoen 2002, Burrows & Willis 2005, Lovett et al. 2006 87 Dissotis melleri (Melastomataceae) Synonym D. whytei Common names I zolokwale, bumburankwale, nzumbakwale (Malila). Dissotis species are generally known as mituruka, kitwana, bulenge, nyikata, nyangomale (Nyakyusa), izonywa (Safwa), kibobonge (Hehe), litenga, imomona (Kinga) Description A shrub up to 6 m tall. Leaves are 4.5 – 16 cm long. The purple flowers are distinctive and produced after the leaves fall. Dissotis melleri in flower near Yalenga in October Ecology Occurs in open bushland and at the edge of forests. Also found in exposed places, rocky crevices and mountain slopes in higher grassland. Present in Mozambique, Malawi and Zambia. Uses Reported to be visited by bees. Dissotis species are known to be useful bee forage plants elsewhere in Africa. A related species D. canescens is visited occasionally for pollen in Ethiopia. The leaves, flowers and roots of some species are eaten. References Peters et al. 1992, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Malaisse 1997, Hepburn & Radloff 1998, White et al. 2001, Burrows & Willis 2005 88 Dodonaea viscosa (Sapindaceae) Synonym D. angustifolia Common names I nzigula (Malila), kambitanga (Nyakyusa), isanyungu (Ndali), likufwa, luhahi (Hehe), madihani (Kinga), mkaa-pwani (Swahili), sand olive Description A thin stemmed, fast growing, hardy shrub, up to 10 m high. Young leaves are light green, shiny and sticky. Mature leaves are thin, erect and up to 10 cm long. The flowers are small and the sexes are separate. The fruits are distinctive, 2 cm long, bearing 3 greenish to red wings which later turn brown. Ecology Grows from sea level to 2800 m but is most common on rocky soils and in dry mountain forests in Tanzania. Found throughout Africa from Sierra Leone t o Ethiopia and in South Africa. Propagation Regenerates rapidly after bush fires but can also be planted direct using seed. Wild seedlings can also be used for planting. Seed can be stored for up to a year. Dodonaea viscosa growing in grassland at I nyala. Uses Commonly cut for firewood and charcoal. The shrub provides poles and tool handles and is sometimes grown as a hedge. I t is a useful plant for soil conservation measures and wind breaks. I t is an important bee plant in drier areas, producing good supplies of pollen and some nectar and stimulating brood rearing and strengthening colonies. Twigs are used as toothbrushes and the lower stem and swollen root are used as knob-kerries (rungu). I n South Africa it is an important medicinal plant. A decoction of the boiled fresh leaves and tips of the twigs is drunk to treat colds, influenza, stomach troubles, arthritis and measles and used as a gargle for sore throats. Ripening fruits Remarks This species is not browsed by livestock which makes it easy to establish. I t can be planted to form a good living fence for dry areas. Though susceptible to fire, it regenerates rapidly after burning and is especially useful for reclaiming poor land. References Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962, Leedal 1975, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Mbuya et al. 1994, van Wyk et al. 1997, I CRAF 1998, Burrows & Willis 2005, Lovett et al. 2006 89 Dombeya burgessiae (Malvaceae) Common names I nkunya Description A shrub or tree 1 - 6 m high. The leaves, 4 – 17 cm long and 3 – 13 cm wide, are covered with short soft hairs on both sides. Flowers are w hite or pink, in bunches with long stalks. The petals are 14 - 24 mm long. The dead flowers remain attached to the branches for some time. Fruits are round, about 1 cm in diameter, and very hairy. Ecology Grows from 1200 – 3000 m in open forest, on forest margins, beside rivers, on rocky sites or in wooded grassland. Widespread in drier upland forest areas. The tree grows well in light shade. Propagation Collect dried flower heads and extract seed. Sow in a well-drained seedbed. Germination is good and t he seedlings emerge after 3 weeks. Use fresh seed as viability declines after 3 months. Management The tree is fast growing and can probably be coppiced. Flower head in a forest near I nyala Uses An important bee forage plant. Dombeya species produce exceptionally good honey with fine crystallization. Sometimes the nectar flow from Dombeya species may be so great it drips to the ground. Elsewhere in Tanzania a leaf decoction is drunk to treat malaria and leaf pulp is applied to leprosy sores. I n South Africa the bark is used to make baskets and in Kenya the bark fibre is used to make rope; the wood is used for bows and building poles; twigs are used as fire-sticks. Various parts are used to make a cough medicine. I n Uganda the roots are used to treat stomach pains. References Smith 1956, Watt & BreyerBrandwijk 1962, Kokwaro 1976, Coates Palgrave 1983, Nightingale 1983, Blundell 1987, Beentje 1994, Johannsmeier & Allsopp 1995, Mbuya et al. 1994, Neuwinger 2000, Hankey 2001 A clay jar set in a tree to provide water next to a hive at Sasyaka 90 Dombeya rotundifolia (Malvaceae) Common names I tanji (Malila), mpangala (Kinga), litanji, tanji (Nyiha), mkangatowo, mlati (Hehe), wild pear Description A fast growing deciduous tree up to 4 - 5 m tall. Bark is deeply furrowed. Leaves oval to almost circular, 6 - 18 cm across, rough, often hairy below, edges unevenly toothed and stalked. The leaves dry up to be very crisp and hard. The whitish-pink flowers are borne in multi-flowered heads and are sweet scented. I t is an attractive tree when in flower. Fruits are small, round, hairy capsules. Ecology Single trees are often left in cropland. The trees are found over a wide range of altitudes, from Ethiopia to South Africa, usually in wooded and open grassland. They often grow near termite mounds. The tree is fire resistant. Propagation Seed germination is good and seedlings emerge after 3 weeks. Use fresh seed as viability declines after 3 months. Sow seed in a 3: 1 mix of river sand and compost. Cover with a thin layer of sand and keep moist. Transplant into pots at the 2 leaf stage. Seedlings and young plants transplant easily. Protect seedlings from heat and sunlight until hardened off. Dombeya rotundifolia flowering in October Management The tree can be coppiced. Uses I n Umalila the tree is sometimes planted as a memorial for an event or person. The blossom is very attractive to bees, producing a light amber honey with pleasant flavour, but the nectar flow is reported to be short. I n some areas bees are reported not to visit the flowers. The timber makes good firewood and charcoal, and the leaves are suitable for fodder. I n Umalila the bark is used for making a very strong rope, though, as the tree is not very common, sisal is more commonly used. Bows are made from the strong flexible branches. Wood is tough but often twisted. I t is used for I ntanji caterpillar tables and chairs and tool handles. I t is termite resistant when seasoned. The roots are used medicinally. An edible caterpillar, probably Anaphe reticulata, appears from March to May and feeds on the leaves. As is the case elsewhere in Africa, it has the same name as the tree on which it feeds. The caterpillars are tossed with burning charcoal, or placed on a piece of metal over fire, to remove the hairs. They are then cooked with oil, salt, onion and hot peppers. The tree is reported to improve soil fertility through its fallen leaves. References Smith 1956, Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962, Deschodt 1976, Crane et al. 1984, Beentje 1994, Mbuya et al. 1994, Venter & Venter 1996, van Wyk & Gericke 1997, SEPASAL 1999, Aubrey 2001 ‘I n particular one has to mention the Dombeya, which, in my opinion, produces the nicest honey one can find anywhere in the world.’ (Nightingale 1976) 91 Dombeya torrida (Malvaceae) Synonym D. goetzenii Common names I kunya Description A much branched, fast growing, deciduous forest tree which can grow up to 25 m tall. Bark grey and smooth. Leaves are large, up to 28 cm long, hairy and heart shaped with a pointed tip. Young stems and leaf stalks are often red. Flowers are borne in groups on stalks up to 30 cm long and have orange anthers. Petals turn yellow-brown and surround the fruit capsule which contains about 10 seeds. Ecology Grows between 1800 and 3300 m altitude in mountain forests, often growing along forest edges. I t also persists in forest patches and gallery forests and is often seen as a single tree in mountain grassland and farmland. Rainfall range is from 1000 to 2000 mm per year. Propagation Can be planted from seed but needs careful attention. The seed is not easy to obtain and it may be easier to plant out wild seedlings. Management Can be coppiced, lopped or pollarded. Uses One of the best nectar-producing trees in Africa. As with the previous species the nectar is sometimes so plentiful it drips to the ground. Bees collect pollen and nectar throughout the day and, if the trees are numerous, they will provide abundant honey. The leaves are browsed by cattle. The wood is soft and easy to work and therefore suitable for turning and house construction, but is not durable in the ground. I t is used for poles and tool handles and is suitable for firewood. The bark fibre is used for making cloth and rope. Fallen leaves produce good mulch, improving the soil. Root bark is used for dressing wounds. The tree is used for soil conservation and as a support for beehives in Rwanda. References Smith 1956, Nightingale 1983, Egli & Kalinganire 1988, Rochelau et al. 1988, Beentje 1994, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Katende et al. 1995, Lovett et al. 2006 92 Dovyalis abyssinica (Salicaceae) Common names I sogwa (Malila), mditsi, mgola (Hehe) Description A small much branched spiny tree up to 8 m tall having a rounded crown. Trunk may be up to 20 cm across having pale greybrown bark. The young bark is covered with brown lenticels. Branches sometimes have slender axillary spines 0.5 – 1.5 (rarely up to 2.5 cm) long. Leaves are alternate 4 – 9 cm long and 2 – 3 cm wide. Leaf stalk is 2 – 4 cm long. Female flowers solitary. Male flowers in clusters with 40 – 60 stamens, yellow-green or greenish white. Fruit is globular, yellow-red with minute paler dots approximately 2 cm across. Seeds are few and hairy. Ecology Present in upland rain-forest, beside streams and in dry evergreen forest, sometimes in open wooded grassland from 1500 to 3000 m. Present throughout East Africa and in Ethiopia, Somalia and Malawi. Propagation Can be grown from seed. Soak fruits in water for 24 hours, break them up and collect seeds. The seeds store well. Management The tree can be grown as a hedge and can be trimmed and coppiced. Uses The flowers are reported to be visited by bees. Fruits are edible and may be sour or sweet. Wood is hard and used for firewood, tool handles, and beds. The leaves are pounded, soaked in water and taken for indigestion. The roots are used to treat venereal diseases. References FTEA 1975, BekeleTesemma 1993, Beentje 1994, Hepburn & Radloff 1998, Dharani 2002, Lovett et al. 2006 Photo: Najma Dharani 93 Dracaena steudneri (Asparagaceae) Common names I teti (Malila), msamaka, mshindamaji (Swahili), dragon tree Description A shrub or small tree growing up to 18 m tall. The trunk is swollen and is often branched from the base. Leaves are crowded at the end of the branches, each up to 60 cm long. I nner leaves are erect, outer ones droop. Flowers are white or pale yellowgreen, fragrant and produced in large flowering heads. The fruits are red, orange or yellow and about 12 – 14 mm in diameter, juicy and eaten by birds. Ecology Grows in moist or dry evergreen forest. Plants are sometimes left in gardens or grow in hedges. Altitude range 1250 – 2100 m. Also present in Mozambique and Zimbabwe and north to Ethiopia and Sudan. Propagation Grows well from cuttings. Seed of other species germinates quickly and well but cannot be stored for long periods. Management Other species are fast growing and coppice well. Uses Sometimes planted as a boundary hedge. Beehives are often placed in this tree. Elsewhere it is grown as a windbreak and as a boundary marker. The leaves are used for wrapping certain foods. Bees collect nectar and pollen and, because it flowers after the main honey flow, it is a valuable plant for strengthening colonies. I n Tanzania the root is used as a remedy for rheumatism and to relieve wind. I n Ethiopia the root is used in baking. Dracaena steudneri flowering in October References Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962, Coates Palgrave 1983, Bekele-Tesemma et al. 1993, Beentje 1994, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Mbuya et al. 1994, White et al. 2001, Burrows & Willis 2005, Lovett et al. 2006 94 Echinops giganteus (Asteraceae) Common names Echinops Photos: David Watson Description An erect shrubby herb up to 2 m high with ribbed stems. Leaves are large, up to 60 cm long and 25 cm wide, sharply toothed, green above, and greyish below. The fragrant flower head is globular, 8 – 15 cm in diameter, and white or cream. Flowering occurs over a long period. Ecology Present in disturbed forest and degraded bushland, along forest edges and roadsides between altitudes 1100 and 2300 m. Propagation Echinops species can be grown from seed or root cuttings. Uses Honeybees collect pollen and nectar very frequently and the plant is a honey source where it is abundant. References Hay 1978, Fichtl & Adi 1994 95 Ehretia cymosa (Boraginaceae) Common names I tundumusi (Malila), mkangalanyabu (Hehe) Description A much branched, crooked, fast growing tree or shrub, very variable in size. I t may grow up to 20 m high. Bark is pale brown with prominent lenticels. Leaves are simple and alternate on short stalks 1.2 – 3.5 cm long. The tree is often covered with the small, white, sweet scented f lowers. The plant was seen in flower in October. Ecology Common between altitudes 500 and 2700 m in high rainfall areas of Tanzania. I t often occurs in secondary medium-altitude evergreen bush in Ethiopia. Found in western and central Africa and south to Zimbabwe. Propagation Easily grown from seed. Uses Bees collect nectar and pollen throughout the day from the flowers. The tree is known to be a valuable bee plant with a long flowering period. I n Ethiopia it is planted around dwellings to attract bees to the hives. The valuable timber is used for furniture and farm tools. The leaves are browsed by livestock. Branches are used for firewood. I n Ghana the small stems are used as chewsticks. The plant has various medicinal uses. I n East Africa the leaf sap is sprinkled on wounds to stop excessive loss of blood. References Bally 1937, Burkill 1985, Blundell 1987, FAO 1988, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Hepburn & Radloff 1998, White et al. 2001, Lovett et al. 2006 96 Ekebergia capensis (Meliaceae) Common names I hoho (Malila), mng’ongo (Fipa), mnyamati (Hehe), lurulamono, muvulamono (Kinga), Cape ash, dog plum Description An evergreen, or semievergreen tree, up to 30 m in height. The stem is swollen at the base and may be buttressed. Leaves are glossy, compound, 10 – 35 cm long with usually 6 - 14 leaflets and one terminal leaflet. Male and female flowers are produced on different trees, often in great abundance. The flowers are small, greenish yellow or white, and sweetly scented. Fruits are round, 1 – 2 cm in diameter, turning pink to yellow-red when ripe. The tree is reasonably fast growing. Ecology Found from Ethiopia to Western Cape in South Africa and from sea level to 3000 m. I n Tanzania it is found in lowland scrub, and in riverine and highland forest. I t is sometimes planted as an ornamental tree in towns. The tree grows well in deep sandy soils. Propagation Germination of fresh seed is good but slow (37% after 4 weeks and 60% after 6 weeks). Fruit is best collected from the tree. Flesh must be removed from the seed by soaking in water and squashing by hand. The seeds are then washed in water. They do not store well and should be sown Both photos: Geoff Nichols within 4 weeks of harvest. Plant no deeper than 5 mm in river sand. Seedlings can also be collected from the wild. Cuttings can be taken from the tips or from older wood and planted in sand. Alternatively large cuttings (truncheons) can be planted direct at the permanent site. Management The tree grows fast and can be interplanted with bananas and coffee without affecting yields. Young trees should be protected from livestock for the first two years. Uses The tree is reported to be a valuable bee forage in November. Bees are known to be strongly attracted to the flowers for nectar and pollen in South Africa and Ethiopia. I n Ethiopia the bark is burnt in traditional hives to attract bees to enter. The wood is light, soft and straw coloured with an even grain; it works easily and makes attractive furniture but is not very durable. The wood is suitable for poles, tool handles and light construction work and also for firewood and charcoal. Leaves can be fed to stock. Various parts of the tree have medicinal uses and the tree can also be grown for shade. References Deschodt 1976, Coates Palgrave 1983, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Mbuya et al. 1994, Venter & Venter 1996, I CRAF 1998, Msanga 1998, van Wyk & Gericke 2000, Dlamini & Sisulu 2004, Lovett et al. 2006 97 Elephantopus scaber subsp. plurisetus (Asteraceae) Common names Prickly leaved elephant’s foot Description A coarse erect herb growing up to 1.3 m from a rosette of stalked basal leaves 7 – 62 cm long and 1.5 – 10 cm wide. Stem leaves clasp the stem. All parts are covered with a mat of long hairs. The inflorescence is a tightly clustered stalkless greyish head with pinkish flowers. Ecology Found in wooded grassland, often on rocky hillsides. Altitude range 850 - 2050 m. Also present in Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Angola and D.R. Congo. Uses E. scaber has been shown to have antimicrobial properties. Ground roots are used to treat ulcers. A decoction of the aerial parts is used to treat fever in Rwanda and a leaf tea is drunk for stomach pain and digestive disorders. Leaf sap is swallowed for fever accompanied by dysentery. References FZ 1992, FZ 2000, Neuwinger 2000, Burrows & Willis 2005, Agnew 2013 98 Eleusine coracana (Poaceae) Common names Uwulezi (Malila), mwimbi, mbege, ulezi (Swahili), finger millet Description A tufted annual grass, growing 40 – 170 cm tall, and taking between two and a half and six months to mature. I t has narrow grass like leaves and many tillers and branches. The head consists of a group of finger like spikes. Ecology A traditional food crop but probably grown less frequently now. I t is often planted on land cleared from Kotschya recurvifolia. Certain varieties are suited to upland areas, growing between 1000 and 2000 m. The plants require a well distributed rainfall throughout the growing season with the absence of long drought periods. I t will grow under a wide variety of soil conditions but prefers well drained, fertile sandy loams. I t will not tolerate water-logging. Heavy rain at flowering can affect grain setting and reduce crop yield. Propagation Either the bush is cut and burnt before sowing with the first rains or grassland is dug and the sods turned over and placed in heaps and burnt. Seed is usually broadcast in November. I t would reduce the labour needed for weeding, as well as the risk of erosion, if seed was planted in lines across the slope. A fine seedbed is required. Two crops a year can be grown if early maturing varieties are used. Seed germination drops to 50% after 2 years. There is no dormancy period. I f sown in lines, rows should be spaced 20 – 35 cm apart and plants thinned to a spacing of between 5 and 10 cm in the rows. Management I ndividual heads are cut with a knife together with some stalk. The heads are then usually dried out above the kitchen fire. Alternatively the heads can be piled in heaps for a few days. This encourages fermentation and the heating makes the seed easier to thresh. Uses Finger millet is one of the world's most nutritious crops being particularly rich in calcium, phosphorous and iron. The protein content is from 6.7 to 8% being especially rich in methionine. The stored crop is not attacked by insects though mice are a major problem. The grain is made into flour and used in the preparation of uji (liquid porridge) or ugali (stiff porridge). Sour milk and melted butter may be added to finger millet ugali. The flour can also be made into bread. Milling can be simplified using the "mini millet mill". The porridge tends to be gritty and is often eaten with a slippery vegetable like Corchorus olitorius L. The seeds may also be germinated and made into malt, an easily digested food for infants and elderly people. Much of the crop is used for beer making. Finger millet straw is strong and used for thatching and making baskets and food containers. I t also makes good fodder containing up to 61 % total digestible nutrients. Remarks The main problem with finger millet is the time taken for weeding, harvesting and threshing. A wild relative of finger millet is hard to differentiate in the field making weeding particularly dif ficult. The crop is subject to Quelea and other bird attack and can sometimes be attacked by a serious fungal disease. References Acland 1971, Purseglove 1972, FAO 1988, BOSTI D 1996, Maundu 1999, de Wet 2006 99 Embelia schimperi (Primulaceae) Common names Lisyamo (Malila), igalilonji (Nyiha) Description A straggling bush or climber up to 6 m long with long trailing branches and short stiff side shoots. The leaves are up to 8 x 4 cm with a rounded tip and red midrib on a stalk up to 2 cm long. Flowers are fragrant, very small, green-white and cream coloured. The numerous round fruits, 6 mm across, turn red to purple when ripe. Flowers are fragrant but it is not known whether bees visit them. Photo above: Robert von Blittersdorff: eastafricanplants@senckenberg.de Ecology Grows along roadsides, in thickets, on the edges of forest in medium to high altitude areas, 1000 – 3200 m. The bush grows in a wide range of soils but is not common. I t is found across central Africa and north to Ethiopia. Right: a bush growing near I tare forest Uses Young leaves, which have a salty taste and are rather like sorrel, may be eaten raw in small amounts. The plants can also be used as a livestock fodder. Leaves are chewed to relieve a sore throat in Umalila. The fruit is widely used as an anthelmintic in Ethiopia, central and eastern Africa, particularly for tapeworms. References Staner & Boutique 1937, Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962, Beentje 1994, Burkill 1997, Neuwinger 2000, White et al. 2001, Ruffo et al. 2002, Burrows & Willis 2005, Mergo et al 2013 100 Englerina inaequilatera (Loranthaceae) Common names I sheshero Description A parasitic shrub, growing on a wide range of host plants, producing spreading stems up to 1 m long. The twigs are slightly compressed, either having some short hairs or glabrous. Leaves dull pale green, often coppery reddish when young 3 – 12 cm long and 0.5 – 4.5 cm wide on a stalk 1 – 7 mm long. Flowers, 4 – 12 per umbel, are yellow, orange or red and produced in most months with the main flush after the rains from April to August. Berries are red to red-purple, sometimes partly white, 4 – 5 mm diameter. Ecology Common at forest edge. Widespread in mountain and midaltitude rain forest and adjacent bushland. Also present in Malawi, Mozambique and eastern Zambia. mainly at edge of montane forests; 1500 – 2700 m. Englerina inaequilatera growing at the edge of I soho forest Uses Englerin has possible use in cancer treatment. References FTEA 1999, White et al. 2001, Burrows & Willis 2005 Photo: Robert von Blittersdorff www.eastafricanplants@senckenberg.de 101 Ensete ventricosum (Musaceae) Synonym E. edule Common names I gawo (Malila), mabangala (Nyakyusa), tochi (Fipa), lilimbili (Hehe), ndizi mwitu (Swahili), false banana Description A giant herb arising from a short upright rhizome. Plants are usually from 4 to 12 m tall. The edible pseudostem is formed from the overlapping bases of leaves. Leaf blades are erect or spreading, forming a large rosette. The mid-rib is red or green. The flower appears from the centre of the rosette and hangs down when mature. The fruits resemble small bananas, and are arranged in clusters. The hard black seeds, 15 - 20 mm in diameter, are embedded in orange pulp. Once the seeds become ripe the whole plant dies. Ecology Common in the Southern Highlands where it is found in disturbed places in upland forest, often in ravines and on steep slopes, or in swamps and on river banks, but also sometimes in drier Ensete ventricosum in forest in Umalila lowland forests. Rainfall range 900 – 2250 mm. The plant can be found growing wild in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa. I t thrives in the cool tropics between 1700 – 2450 m and grows well on deep, well drained soils of volcanic origin with a pH of between 5.6 and 7.3. The plant can grow in wet and weed infested soils. Propagation Can be grown from seed or from buds which are produced by hollowing out the central bud at the top of the corm and packing it with soil and manure. Squeezing out liquid from a section of stem. This can be drunk Management I n Ethiopia where the plants are grown for food the stems are normally harvested just before flowering, which occurs 3 - 9 years after planting, depending on altitude, system of growing, number of times transplanted, soil and rainfall. Left: Seed being used to play the game of bao or bao la mtaji 102 Uses The leaves, slightly wilted, are used for wrapping foods. The stem and leaves are used as a cattle fodder during the dry season and the stem produces a brown dye. The liquid squeezed from sections of the stem is drunk for refreshment when no water is available (see photo). I t is also splashed into a beehive, apparently to encourage bees to build comb. Bees visit the flowers for nectar. The fruit is occasionally eaten in Umalila but elsewhere is used only as a famine food. Leaf strips are used for binding material. The leaves are also used to make up bee smokers for harvesting honey (see below). The black seeds are used for making necklaces and in the game of bao (see photo). The plant is grown for shade and as an ornamental. I n Ethiopia it is an important traditional food being cultivated for the flour obtained from the fermented pseudo-stem and Ensete ventricosum in flower corm. Occasionally the young flowers are cooked and eaten. The corms can also be cooked unfermented. The young plants produce leaves which are used as a vegetable and mature leaves are used for thatching in Kenya. Pieces of stem are boiled and the liquid is drunk for the treatment of liver problems. Juice from the stem is drunk by Meru women to protect them from childbirth problems. A white powder is made from the seeds and used to treat wounds. I n Malawi the fibre from the outside of the leaf stalk is used to make a strong string. References Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962, Purseglove 1972, Williamson 1975, Kokwaro 1976, FAO 1988, Peters et al. 1992, FTEA 1993, Beentje 1994, Raemaekers 2001, Ruffo et al. 2002, Schippers 2002, Lovett et al. 2006, NRC 2006 Ripe fruits (imbidio) have poor taste and contain large seeds Left: Making up a smoker from split bamboo stems wrapped in leaves from Ensete ventricosum, for use when harvesting honey. photo 103 Entandrophragma excelsum (Meliaceae) Common names I hale (Malila), mwovu (Fipa), mahogany Description A deciduous forest tree with a clear trunk up to about 24 m and having a large crown. The base of the trunk is buttressed up to 4 – 5 m. Bark thick grey and smooth when young, becoming brown with pale pink-orange patches. Leaves, up to 60 cm long, or more, are compound with 5 – 7 pairs of leaflets. Each leaflet is 18 cm long and 8 cm wide. Flowers are tiny, white in stiff heads about 30 cm long and 10 cm across. Fruit is a cylindrical woody capsule, dark brown black, 12 – 20 cm long, pointed and breaking open into 5 parts, starting at the base but falling together. Winged seeds are about 7 cm long. Seed is produced every 2 years. Ecology Grows in mountain rainforest between altitudes of 1500 and 2000 m. Also present in Uganda, D.R. Congo and Malawi. Propagation Can be grown from seed or wild seedlings. Soak the seed in cold water for 12 hours. Seeds should be stored in wood-ash but no longer than for 2 months. Germination of fresh seed can reach 95% . Right: Seeds and fruit in I lomba forest. Management Shade seedlings until well established. Seedlings can be planted out as an avenue or in pure stands. I n Rwanda the tree is planted around buildings, in fields and banana plantations and along water courses. Uses An important timber tree, though the timber warps and twists unless well seasoned. The wood is used for heavy construction, carpentry, tools, firewood and charcoal. The tree is used for soil stabilization and to provide shade. The fallen leaves produce a good mulch and are used medicinally in Rwanda. Root bark ash is rubbed into scarifications made when a person coughs up blood. At I lomba the flowers were reported to be visited by bees. References Williamson 1975, Egli & Kananganire 1988, Katende et al. 1995, Neuwinger 2000, White et al. 2001, Vande weghe 2004, Burrows & Willis 2005, Lovet t et al. 2006 104 Erigeron bonariensis (Asteraceae) Synonym Conyza bonariensis Common names I pekeso asthma weed, hairy fleabane (Malila), Description An erect, softly-hairy, annual herb up to 120 cm tall. Stems are semiwoody at the base, ribbed, hairy and often not branched below the inflorescence. The leaves are variable with the upper ones alternate on the stem, while the lower ones are in a rosette at the base. The leaves are sessile, hairy, spear-shaped, 4 8 cm long and 1 - 2 cm wide, sometimes deeply serrated. The inflorescence is a long leafy, axillary panicle with clusters of numerous small, dull-yellow to brown florets about 6 mm long on ascending stalks. Large quantities of wind borne seed are produced. Ecology A common weed of cultivated fields, open waste places and roadsides and widely found in the tropics. Uses I n Umalila the young leaves are used to treat wounds and sores and also to treat unspecified sickness in poultry. The dried plants are used for lighting fires and to smoke beehives when harvesting honey. I n East Africa the leaves are crushed and used to treat fever, an infusion of the leaves is given to children as a laxative, for stomach ache and as an antidote for the bite of a puff adder. Ash from burning the whole plant is used as a salt substitute in Uganda. References Akobundu & Agyakwa 1987, Katende et al.1999, Kokwaro 2009, Kindi (personal information 29.10.14). Photo: Altavista 105 Eriobotrya japonica (Rosaceae) Common names I nsongwa loquat (Malila), Description A compact tree growing up to 7 m high and branching close to the ground. The bark is grey and rough. Leaves are up to 35 cm long. Flowers are cream to white, scented, in pyramid like tufts at the ends of branches. The flower buds are covered with golden-brown hairs. The tree flowers profusely after rains. Fruit is yellow, egg shaped to 3.5 - 6 cm with brown-black seeds. The flesh is acid-sweet. Ecology Originally from China, Japan and northern I ndia. The tree is grown occasionally in home gardens and does well in the Tanzanian highlands from 1500 – 2400 m. I t is drought resistant once established and prefers an acid, well-drained soil. The best fruit is produced in sheltered areas. Propagation Usually direct sown, or by transplanting seedlings or wild seedlings. No treatment is necessary but the seed should be sown as soon as possible. I mproved varieties are propagated by layering or grafting. Management Fairly fast growing. Trees start producing 2 – 3 years after planting but should be pruned to increase the size of fruit as they tend to overbear. Pruning should be done immediately after fruit is between 16 and 20 kg per annum. harvest. Normal yield of fruit per tree Uses The fruit is normally eaten fresh but can be made into an excellent jelly. I t is rich in vitamin A, having a high Carotene content, but the quality of the fruit is very variable. The fruit is a good source of acid and pectin. Because of the long flowering period the tree is a valuable bee forage. Bees collect both pollen and nectar. Nectar secretion is moderate to good but is reduced during dry periods, especially if dust is carried onto the flowers. Sugar concentration of the nectar is high, from 30.5 to 65% , and pollen yield is also good. Honeybees are probably the main pollinators. The wood is used for firewood, poles and carving, and the tree is planted as a boundary marker in Arusha and Kilimanjaro areas. The tree provides shade, mulch and makes a good windbreak. Remarks I f improved grafted trees are available, they make stronger growth, remain smaller, and mature and produce fruit faster. Always remove seeds before cooking as they are poisonous. References FAO 1982, Crane & Walker 1984, Crane et al 1984, Macmillan 1991, Nguyen Tien Hiep & Verheij 1991, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Mbuya et al 1994, I CRAF 1998 106 Erythrina abyssinica (Fabaceae) Common names I seve, esebe (Malila), mtiti (Fipa), muhemi (Hehe), kihere (Kinga), mwamba ngoma, (Swahili), red-hot poker tree, lucky bean tree Description A small deciduous tree from 5 to 15 m high with deeply grooved bark. Leaves are compound with 3 alternate leaflets, each 5.5 – 15 cm long and 6 – 14 cm wide. The terminal leaflet is the largest. Flower heads, up to 5 cm long, appear before the leaves during the dry season. Seeds are shiny red. Ecology Normally found in warm temperate and tropical areas of Africa. I t grows best on well-drained soils between 1250 and 2400 m altitude. Trees can be planted near the home and around field boundaries without affecting crop yields. The tree tolerates fire and is moderately termite resistant. Propagation Grows easily from cuttings, after removal of the leaves. Plant 50 cm cuttings at the start of the rain season or just before flowering. Germination rate of seed is low, though this can be improved by rubbing seed on sandpaper. Alternatively seed can be soaked in water for several hours before planting. Management Trees are slow-growing and can be coppiced or pollarded. Uses The tree produces flowers over a long period and is a valuable source of nectar and pollen for bees at the end of the dry season. Wood is used for carved items (kitchen utensils mortars, stools, guitars and drums) and sometimes for firewood. Though it does not split when being nailed it does not hold nails well. The bark and leaves are used medicinally. Traditionally the leaves were sometimes used instead of spoons. The leaves provide fodder for sheep and goats, Erythrina abyssinica flowering in October and also make good mulching. The tree is nitrogen fixing and therefore useful for soil improvement. Cut branches are used for making hedges. A brown dye is extracted from the bark. The tree can provide good shade. References Egli & Kalinganire 1988, Mbuya et al. 1994, Van Wyk et al. 1997, I CRAF 1998, Bakenga et al. 2000 107 Eucalyptus saligna (Myrtaceae) Common names I longoti (Malila), mkaratusi, mtimbao (Swahili), Sydney blue gum, saligna gum Description The tree can grow from 30 to 50 m high. The straight trunk may be clear of side branches from half to 2/ 3 of the total height. Bark is rough, brown, peeling in strips near the base, but smooth, green-white on branches. Young leaves are at first opposite then alternate. Adult leaves are curved, 9 – 17 cm long and 2 – 3 cm wide. 7 to 11 flower buds are produced in the leaf axils. Ecology This is the dominant gum tree grown in the highlands of Tanzania. I t is widely planted throughout Africa, though see ‘Remarks’ below. I t will grow on all sites other than those infested with termites. I t grows best on sandy loams which are moist and well drained. Propagation Seed should be planted in nurseries and then transferred to plastic sleeves before planting out. The young plants should be grown in full sunlight and kept clean weeded for the first two years. Seed remains viable for a long time if kept dry. Trees start bearing seed from 7 – 8 years of age. Management The tree is fast growing and can be coppiced. Uses The flowers of various Eucalyptus species are an important, though erratic, source of nectar. A fine extra light amber honey is produced from Eucalyptus in combination with Olea sp. The tree is often planted for firewood. The timber is used for making furniture and in general construction work, for veneers, plywood, poles and posts. I t is also used for charcoal, medicine, shade and windbreaks. Remarks I n Africa many of the early plantations were actually of E. grandis not E. saligna as the former was not named until 1918. Before that seed of both species were exported under the name of E. saligna. Hybrids of the two species are also present. References Smith 1960, Nightingale 1983, Crane & Walker 1984, Crane et al. 1984, Mbuya et al 1994, Brooker & Kleinig 1996, I CRAF 1998, Bakenga et al. 2000 108 Eulophia streptopetala (Orchidaceae) Description A robust plant, 50 – 100 cm tall, growing from green pseudo-bulbs. About 5 pleated leaves, up to 60 cm long and 8 cm wide are produced as the plant starts to flower on the upper part of a long erect unbranched stalk. Flowers are 3 – 4 cm across. The orchid is in flower between November and January. Ecology Widespread in the Southern Highlands between altitudes of 2000 and 2600 m. Found in grassland, in dry meadows in hollows in open grassland and on the margins of thickets. Found from Yemen and Ethiopia south to South Africa. Uses Tubers of some orchid species are made into a paste after being cleaned, peeled and mashed. This is then mixed with a banana ash extract, made from dripping water through the ash. Peanuts and other ingredients are then added and cooked. I t is then made into a pudding like cake. However the over-collection of tubers has led to some orchid species becoming rare. References Cribb & Leedal 1982, FZ 1998, Davenport & Ndangalasi 2003, Malaisse 2010, Agnew 2013 109 Euphorbia nyikae (Euphorbiaceae) Common names I langali, irangari Description A shrub or more often a tree from 3 to 12 m high. Branches are succulent, in segments and are winged with 2 - 4 spiny wings. The spines are 0.3 - 3 cm long. Leaves are deciduous. Flowers and fruit are yellowgreen. Ecology Grows in bushland and woodland on rocky hills and outcrops between altitudes of 550 and 2000 m. Propagation Cuttings root easily when the soil is dry, but great care should be taken not to get sap into the eyes. Uses Bees visit the flowers but the honey produced is reported to be bitter. E. abyssinica and E. candelabrum are also visited by bees for the abundant nectar and some pollen. These trees are very helpful in strengthening colonies and maintaining brood rearing in the dry season. However the yellow honey produced from E. abyssinica is said to be poisonous, though this is not normally a problem, as bees collect nectar from other sources at the same time. The wood is used for construction work and the trunk for making beehives. I t is also sometimes grown as a hedge (see below). The root or fresh latex is used medicinally in eastern Tanzania to treat epilepsy, inflammation of the urinary tract and blood in the urine. References Beentje 1994, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Neuwinger 2000 Euphorbia nyikae planted as a hedge 110 Faurea saligna (Proteaceae) Common names Vunda vunda (Malila), msega (Fipa), mhenyi, mwemba (Hehe), sense (Nyiha), beechwood, red beech Description A deciduous shrub or slender tree growing up to 17 m high with a dense crown. The trunk is often twisted and the bark is grey to black and deeply fissured. Leaves are up to 16 cm long and 3 – 3.5 cm wide. Flowers are 12 - 15 cm long and 2 - 3 cm wide, greenish-creamy white, and smell of coconut or honey. Seed is dispersed by wind. Ecology. Found in both low and high altitude forest. Common around forest edges in Tanzania. Trees are often left standing in crop-land. The tree is commonly associated with poor, sandy or rocky soils. Propagation Use fresh seed but trees are not easy to grow. Management Trees grow rather slowly. They can withstand some fire damage but not very fierce grass fires. Uses Photos: Rotational (Wikipedia) windbreak. The bark can be used for tanning and dyeing. The wood is resistant to termites and borers. References Watt & BreyerBrandwijk 1962, Wild et al. 1972, Williamson 1975, Coates Palgrave 1983, Crane et al. 1984, FTEA 1993, Beentje 1994, Mbuya et al. 1994, Burkill 1997, I CRAF 1998, SEPASAL 1999, van Wyk & Gericke 2000, Kihwele et al. 2001 111 An excellent bee forage producing plenty of nectar. Sometimes however, although the tree may flower, little nectar is produced. There is normally a heavy flow every 5 years. Honey flavour is toffee-like, strong and malty. The honey is black and solidifies fairly quickly. The timber is used for furniture and construction work. The hard, yellow-brown heartwood has an attractive, net-like patterned grain, and is valued for panelling, ornaments, utensils and furniture. Stems are used for poles and posts. The wood is also used for firewood or charcoal. The roots and bark are used medicinally. I n Zimbabwe the leaf and root are used for ear troubles and in East Africa the root is used to treat diarrhoea and indigestion. The leaves make good mulching. The tree can be grown as a Ficus lutea (Moraceae) Common names I ndolo, indola (Malila), mtsombe (Hehe), mkuyu (Swahili), giant leaved fig Description A large spreading, buttressed tree, often having a short trunk, but which may grow up to 20 m high. The tree may have aerial roots and is sometimes epiphytic. Bark is dark brown to grey and smooth. Cuts in the bark produce latex freely. Leaves have clear yellow veins and are 7 – 25 cm long and 3 – 12 cm wide, simple, alternate and in a spiral. The leaf stalk is 1.3 -13 cm long. Flowers are produced in leaf axils or just below. Fruit is stalk-less, round, 1 – 2.5 cm, yellow orange or brown when ripe. Pollination is carried out by a wasp. Ecology Although this tree normally grows beside rivers in the lowland tropics, it is also present in some highland situations. I t grows in eastern and southern Africa and in Angola and D.R. Congo. Propagation Short branches up to 60 cm long strike easily and grow fast in warm moist conditions. I t can also be grown from seed. The ripe figs should be opened and dried for a day or two. Cover seed lightly and keep moist and in sunlight. Germination takes place from 10 days to one month. Right: Cuts made in the trunk to extract latex. Uses The stakes are used for cattle bomas. The tree makes a good shade tree. The bark was formerly used for making bark cloth in Tanzania. This is still done in Mozambique. I n Tanzania the latex is used to stop blood loss and to dress wounds. Fruit is sometimes eaten by children. I n southern Africa the wood ash is used to make soap. Leaves can be fed to livestock. References Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962, Coates Palgrave 1983, Berg & Wiebes 1992, Burkill 1997, Dharani 2002, Burrows & Burrows 2003, Burring 2004, Lovett et al. 2006 112 Ficus sur (Moraceae) Synonym F. capensis Common names Mutsombe, msombe (Hehe), mdzombe (Bena), unku (Fipa), mkuyu, mkuju (Swahili), Cape fig, broom cluster fig Description A medium sized, fast growing, sturdy tree up to 20 m tall, with a rounded crown. Bark is smooth at first becoming rougher and darker with age. Abundant latex is produced from any damaged part. Leaves are 4 – 20 cm long and 3 – 13 cm wide. Fruits are borne in branched, leafless trusses which may have from 10 – 100 fruits per truss. Figs are produced mostly low down on the trunk and can even appear at ground level, arising from the roots. Pollination is carried out by wasps. Ecology Present in a wide variety of habitats and distributed from Ethiopia to South Africa and across to West Africa. Grows on river banks and in montane forest but can also be found in drier woodland. Propagation Seed is washed and sown without covering. Germination is fast and seedlings grow quickly. Transplant into containers and plant out when 1 m tall. Cuttings and truncheons can also be used for propagation. Avoid planting the tree close to buildings or where the roots can get into drainage pipes. Uses The figs are widely eaten when they turn pink and soft. Those forming on the roots are said to be the sweetest. Wood is soft and white and used for mortars, beehives and drums. The tree is often used as a shade tree. The inner bark can be used to make rope. The Hehe soak the bark in water and the liquid is taken by women breast feeding. The liquid is also rubbed on the breasts to improve lactation. The latex is used to make balls. Bees may collect the juice from the fruits. Remarks The tree appears to trap water and other moisture loving plants grow in its shade. I t does not compete with agricultural crops. References Deschodt 1976, FAO 1988, Berg & Wiebes 1992, Katende et al. 1999, Dharani 2002, Ruffo et al. 2002, Burrows & Burrows 2003, Hankey 2003, Lovett et al. 2006, Lumbile & Mogotsi 2008 113 Ficus thonningii (Moraceae) Common name I vum (Malila), mrumbapori (Swahili) Description A very variable evergreen tree up to 30 m high, with a dense crown. The tree sometimes grows as an epiphyte and may strangle the host tree. Bark is smooth, pale brown or grey. When cut it produces a white latex, which often turns pinkish. Figs, enclosing many small flowers, are borne in the leaf axils. These are pollinated by a small wasp living inside. Ecology The tree is widespread in tropical Africa and South Africa. I t grows on a variety of soils but favours rich, deep loamy soils and is relatively drought resistant. Propagation Stem cuttings, 20 cm long, root easily, sprouting after 7 - 9 days. Remove most of the leaves, leaving only a few at the top. Larger cuttings, 2 m long, can also be planted for hedges, but should be left in the shade for a few days before planting. Root cuttings can also be used. Management Protect the tree from browsing when young. I t should not be planted near buildings as the roots may damage the foundations. Uses Stems are used for livestock enclosures, boundary markers and as a goat fodder. In particular livestock relish the dry leaves. A decoction of the leaves is used to treat mental disorders, stomach-ache, coughs and abscesses. A wash is made from the pounded leaves to treat haemorrhoids. The bark is pounded, soaked in water and used to treat rheumatism. Jam can be made from the fruit. The latex can be used instead of glue. References Cobbina & Reynolds 1988, Keay 1989, Berg & Wiebes 1992, Mbuya et al. 1994, Venter & Venter 1996, I CRAF 1998, Maundu et al. 1999, Neuwinger 2000, Lovett et al. 2006 114 Flacourtia indica (Salicaceae) Common names I sugwa (Malila), mwanga (Fipa), mgola (Hehe), mchongoma, mgo, mgovigovi, mkingili (Swahili), governor’s plum, I ndian plum, Madagascar plum Description A deciduous shrub or small tree, up to 10 m tall. The trunk bears straight or sometimes branched spines, up to 12 cm long. Branches may also have large spines. Bark is rough, powdery, pale yellow-grey. Leaves, red or pink when young, are variable in size, up to 12 cm long with toothed edges. The tree bears small, cream, fragrant male and female flowers. Fruits are reddish-purple to black, round and juicy but rather acid, up to 2.5 cm diameter, containing up to 10 seeds. The fruits remain on the bare tree after the leaves turn bright red-purple and fall. Ecology The tree is fairly common and grows well in mountain woodland and at forest edges, on a variety of soils, from sea level to 2400 m. Present throughout Tanzania and sometimes left on farms or cultivated. I t is sometimes grown as a hedge. I t is widespread in tropical Africa, Madagascar, Seychelles and Malaysia. Propagation The tree cannot Branch of a tree growing near Yalenga be vegetatively propagated but is grown from seed, which however needs to be cracked, nicked or pierced before planting. Germination may take up to 9 weeks. Wild seedlings can also be used. Management The tree is slow growing. I t can be grown as a hedge, tolerating frequent trimming. I t can also be coppiced. Uses The fruit is eaten raw and has a pleasant flavour. I t is also used to make jam and jelly. I t is sometimes sold in markets. Fruits are sometimes dried for later use and then soaked in water before eating. The branches can be cut for livestock fodder. The leaves are used medicinally to relieve wind and are astringent, causing contraction of the body tissue and blood vessels. They are also used to treat asthma and as a tonic for anaemia. The roots are used to treat indigestion and stomach pains, snakebite and infertility. Roots are used to treat sore throats and coughs. The wood is Photo: Ken Love, University of Hawaii white and tough and used for firewood, charcoal, spoons, beds and for building. The tree can be grown as a hedge or windbreak. Bees are reported to visit the flowers. References FAO 1988, Macmillan 1991, Verheij & Coronel 1991, Burkill 1994, Leakey & Newton 1994, Mbuya et al. 1994, Maundu et al. 1999, SEPASAL 1999, van Wyk & Gericke 2000, Ruffo et al. 2002, Lovett et al. 2006 115 Fuchsia magellanica (Onagraceae) Common names Fuchsia Fuchsia hedge round a home in I lembo town Description A shrub growing from 2 to 3 m high. The leaves are in opposite pairs or whorls of 3. Flowers are produced in large numbers over a long period. They are 4 – 5 cm long and borne on stalks which arise in the axils. They have a crimson tube and sepals and purple petals with protruding stamens. Ecology Best grown in well drained soil. The plant will tolerate some shade. Propagation Use 5 - 10 cm long softwood cuttings from the tips without flowers. These should be planted early in the rain season. Space 90 – 120 cm apart. Management The plants should trimmed back to form a thick hedge. be Uses Sometimes used as a hedge plant around homes. Flowers have a high nectar content, the nectar being protected from rain by the drooping nature of the flower. The honey is of light colour and has little flavour. Another species, F. excorticata, is reported to be an important honey source in New Zealand. References Jex-Blake 1957, Hay 1978, Howes 1979, Crane et al. 1984 116 Galiniera saxifraga (Rubiaceae) Common name I liepwa (Malila), mmafimafi (Hehe) Description A shrub or small tree up to 14 m tall with smooth grey bark, and often having long downward curving branches. Leaves are simple, opposite, on short petioles, 8 – 18 cm long and 3 – 7 cm wide, often with reddish veins. Triangular stipules are present between the petioles. Flowers are fragrant and white with pink tips. The fruits are red and round, 7.5 – 9 mm diameter. Ecology The tree grows in moist forest, often near water, between altitudes 1850 and 2400 m. I t is present from Sudan and Ethiopia through eastern D.R. Congo and Rwanda and into Malawi and Zambia. Uses Bees forage for both pollen and nectar. The tree is grown to provide shade and as an ornamental tree. The wood is used for firewood, tool handles, spoons, walking sticks and stirring sticks. The fruits are used medicinally in Ethiopia. References Beentje 1994, Fichtl & Adi 1994, White et al. 2001, Burrows & Willis 2005, Lovett et al. 2006 117 Galinsoga parviflora (Asteraceae) Common names I kuvengwa, kapunika (Malila), Kew weed, gallant soldier Description A small annual much branched herb up to 20 cm high but it may grow to 60 cm in fertile soils. Leaves are opposite and simple, up to 6 cm long with a pointed tip. The tiny flowers are produced all the year round in heads, up to 1.8 cm in diameter, and have many yellow tubular florets in the centre. There are 5 outer female florets composed of small white petals which have 3 lobes. Ecology A notorious weed, originally from South America. Often present in vegetable gardens. I t thrives in well drained sites and is difficult to eradicate because uprooted plants tend to reestablish themselves easily. Uses Bees collect nectar and pollen. The young stems and leaves are used as a vegetable in several countries in central Africa. I n Kenya and Uganda the young leaves are chopped up and cooked as a vegetable with simsim or groundnut paste. They are also eaten in I ndonesia and can be fed to chickens, rabbits and pigs. 100 g fresh plant contains 3.2 g protein. The herb has strong cardio-vascular properties and is used occasionally for dressing wounds. Stems and leaves are chewed to cure colds. Reference Uphof 1968, Kokwaro 1976, Burkill 1985, Goode 1989, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Katende et al. 1999, Maundu et al. 1999, Neuwinger 2000, Schippers 2004, Agnew 2013 Khatanta forest near Maendeleo village 118 Garcinia kingaensis (Clusiaceae) Common names Penausiku, mpukuso (Malila), mfilafila, msilasila (Hehe), kisongwe (Kinga), mpekesho (Swahili), northern forest Garcinia, African mangosteen Description A small to medium, often slender, tree up to 15 m high. I t has numerous, regular, horizontal branches. Bark is brown and smooth. Young branches are grooved and square in cross section. The dark green, thick leaves are 6 – 16 cm long, with a prominent tip. Orange-yellow fruits are up to 2.5 cm in diameter. Ecology The tree is common and often grows as an understorey shrub in evergreen forest, beside rivers and in open woodland. I t is also present in Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Uses Fruits are edible and have a refreshing acid-sweet taste. Extracts of the leaves and flowers have been found to have antibiotic properties. Wood is used for general purpose carpentry but is difficult to saw. An aqueous extract from the roots is drunk to relieve chest pains in Malawi. Remarks Reported as a bee forage. Bees are known to collect nectar from G. livingstonia in Tanzania. References Williamson 1975, Coates Palgrave 1983, Ruffo et al. 2002, Lovett et al. 2006 Garcinia kingaensis in flower at Sheyo in October 119 Gladiolus dalenii (I ridaceae) Common names I shirungu, shilungu Description A robust plant, 50 to 150 cm tall, growing from a corm, 3.5 cm in diameter, with leaves 40 to 120 cm long and 0.7 to 3 cm broad. Flowers 3 - 9, very variable in size and colour, 3.5 to 6 cm long, white, yellowish-green, orange, pink, red or brown often flecked with red or brown. Flowers are produced throughout the rainy season. Ecology The plant is common in damp grassland above 2000 m in the Southern Highlands. I t is widespread throughout tropical and southern Africa and prefers a well drained, fertile soil. Propagation Small corms can be separated from the parent plant and should be planted out 12 cm deep, spaced at 12 cm. Deep planting helps the plants stay upright. Photo left: David Watson Uses The corm is used as a soap substitute in Umalila. Children suck the base of the flowers for the nectar. I n South Africa a decoction of the corm is used to treat colds and dysentery. The powdered corm is taken for dysentery. Smoke from burning the corm is inhaled to treat a cold. The plant is also used medicinally in Sudan, eastern D.R. Congo, Benin, Togo, Rwanda and Ethiopia. Also grown as an ornamental. Remarks Porcupines may dig up and eat the corms. References Jex-Blake 1957, Watt & BreyerBrandwijk 1962, Cribb & Leedal 1982, Hessayon 1984, Philips & Rix 1997, Neuwinger 2000, Agnew 2013 120 Gloriosa superba (Colchicaceae) Common names I tindi (Malila), mkolwe (Fipa), vitosambili (Hehe), kukuliko (Nyiha), mwana funzi, msafari (Swahili), gloriosa lily, flame lily Description A scrambling or climbing herb with stems up to 4 m long arising from a deep-seated Vshaped rhizome which elongates each year. Leaves are spear-shaped, 8 – 20 cm long and 1 – 5 cm wide, most ending in a coiled tendril. Flowers are large solitary, usually yellow, red or purple, 4 – 9 cm long and 2 – 3 cm wide; the ovary and stamens stand out prominently. Fruit is oblong, 6 cm long. Flowers appear in the dry season or towards the end of the rains. Photo: David Watson taken at Shilanga Ecology The plant is widespread in the Southern Highlands up to 2700 m, being found in grassland, forest edges, thickets and in cultivated land. Propagation Can be grown from seed though these may take up to 4 months to germinate. Seedlings should be planted straight out in an equal mix of garden soil and compost. Small tubers can also be planted. Handle them carefully as they are brittle and fragile. Only split or move them in the dormant season. Provide shrubs or a trellis for the plants to scramble over. Uses The Ulanga people use tuber juice to treat earache. There are a number of other medicinal uses but the roots are known to be highly poisonous. I n I ndia the bulb is known for its tonic properties, and is also used to treat intestinal worms. The plant is widely cultivated as a garden ornamental. The flowers attract butterflies but not bees. The seeds, and to a lesser extent, the tuber contain colchicine which is used to treat gout. Sap from the leaf is used for pimples and skin eruptions in South Africa. References Leedal 1975, Burkill 1995, Mutshinyalo 2001, Pousset 2004, Dounias 2006, Agnew 2013 121 Gnidia glauca (Thymelaeaceae) Common names Suwaji, isuwaji (Malila), balsam tree Description A shrub up to 3.5 m tall or, less commonly, a small tree with a spreading crown up to 13 m tall with fibrous bark. Leaves are alternate, 3 – 6.5 cm long and 0.8 - 1.6 cm wide, appearing as a rosette towards the ends of the branches. The flower head is 3.5 - 5 cm across with between 20 and 50 yellow or orange slightly fragrant flowers surrounded by bracts. Ecology Common throughout the Southern Highlands above 2000 m and often associated with Hagenia and Kotschya species. Widespread in tropical Africa from Sudan and Ethiopia to Malawi and Zambia. Management The plant regenerates quickly after fire. Uses The bark produces a strong fibre which is used for making thread and ropes. The flowers, produced from June to October, are reported as a bee forage. The roots are boiled and the liquid drunk to treat indigestion. References Kokwaro 1976, FTEA 1978, Cribb & Leedal 1982, Beentje 1994, Burkill 2000, White et al. 2001, Burrows & Willis 2005 122 Gnidia involucrata (Thymelaeaceae) Common names Suwaji Description An erect perennial herb with green to reddish stems, growing from a creeping, woody rhizome. Stems may also be brown. A very variable species, especially in the degree of branching, which appears to be related to variations in the weather and the intensity of burning. The hairless and commonly un-branched stems are up to 40 cm tall, but may branch and reach 2 m in plants growing at lower altitudes. Leaves are 1.2 to 1.5 cm long and 1.5 to 4 mm wide. 25 – 40 yellow or creamy-yellow, (sometimes orange-red or pinkish to red) flowers are produced each about 1.5 cm long and having large reddish or brown bracts, 8 – 10 mm long. The plant usually flowers from September to January though this photo was taken near Yalenga in April. Ecology The plant is common in the seasonally burnt grasslands above 1500 m in the Southern Highlands. Also found in open and wooded grassland and in deciduous bushland and woodland between 1000 – 2700 m altitude, in Ethiopia, Sudan, Uganda, and south to Mozambique. Uses Bees were reported to visit the flowers. I n Marakwet, Kenya the stalk is chewed to help clear mucous from the respiratory system. References Cribb & Leedal 1982, Blundell 1987, Neuwinger 2000, Agnew 2013 Photo: Robert von Blittersdorff www.eastafricanplants.senckenberg.de 123 Gouania longispicata (Rhamnaceae) Common names Lihambako Description A creeper up to 20 m long which climbs by means of coiled tendrils with reddish hairs. Leaves are simple, alternate, 8.5 cm long and 7 cm wide, with toothed margins. Flowers are small, greenish or yellowish white in long racemes. The plant flowers after the rain season. Fruits are light brown and have three wings. Ecology Grows in gaps in Bart Wursten, www.zimbabweflora.co.zw the forest and on forest margins in mountain areas between 1100 and 2050 m altitude. Also present in southern Nigeria and widely distributed in eastern Africa from Sudan to Mozambique. Propagation Can probably be grown from seed. Uses Reported as an important bee forage. Bees are known to collect nectar and pollen in Ethiopia from this plant. Gouania species are known as bee forage in equatorial and dry savannah areas of Africa. G. lupuloides and G. polygama are reported to be important honey sources in tropical Central America. The leaves are eaten in Morogoro district. A root decoction is taken to treat hard, pus filled abscesses. I n Tanzania the stems are used for tying. References FZ 1966, Crane et al. 1984, Beentje 1994, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Burkill 1997, Hepburn & Radloff 1998, White et al. 2001, Burrows & Willis 2005 124 Grevillea robusta (Proteaceae) Common names Grevillea, silk oak, silver oak Description A fast growing, deep rooted tree reaching 20 m in 15 - 20 years on good sites. Ecology Originally from Australia but now grown throughout the subtropics. Mature trees can withstand occasional light frost but not young plants. I t grows at a wide range of altitudes, from sea level to above 2300 m. Can be grown where annual rainfall is only 400 - 600 mm, with 6 - 8 dry months. I t will grow in many types of soil, including sandy soils, loams of medium fertility and mildly acid soils but deep soils are preferred. I t does not tolerate water logging. The roots are able to extract phosphorus from soils very low in this mineral. The tree is sometimes grown as a coffee shade tree in the Mbeya region. Propagation Use seed or cuttings. Seed is difficult to collect as there are only 2 - 3 days between seed maturity and dispersal by wind. Only mature seed can be used which remains viable for up to 3 months. Germination rate is between 30 and 90% . Seed should be put out in sunlight for a few hours before sowing. Natural seeding is fairly common in cultivated land. The seedlings can be transplanted when 60 cm tall. Management Moderate to fast growing. Young, but not mature trees, can be coppiced. The tree can also be pollarded. When grown with food crops, branches are pruned and pollarded and lateral roots may also be pruned to reduce competition with the crop. Uses A valuable timber tree, suitable for cabinet making, as well as for firewood and charcoal. The tree can be planted in farm land, generally around fields, as it has little effect on shallow rooted crops. The flowers are a valuable pollen and nectar source for bees. The nectar secretion is abundant with high sugar concentration and the pollen yield is heavy. Bees forage all day and, when flowering is heavy, a surplus of honey is produced from areas with many trees. The honey is reddish black, has a strong flavour and granulates rapidly. Remarks Although this tree is not grown widely farmers are interested in it and it is likely to become more commonly planted in future. ADP I sangati have a small plantation at Santiliya. References Leloup 1956, NAS 1980, Egli & Kalinganire 1988, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Mbuya et al. 1994, Skene et al 1996 125 Guizotia scabra (Asteraceae) Common names I nzumba Description A very variable, erect, usually rough, perennial herb which can grow up to 2 m high. I t has a wiry rootstock. Leaves are opposite, simple, have no stalk and clasp the stem. They are often toothed, 5.5 – 10.5 long and 1 – 3 cm wide. The yellow flowers are borne in terminal heads and are produced throughout the year but most abundantly after the rains. Ecology Fairly common in upland grassland. Also found in abandoned fields. I t is widespread in Tanzania between the altitudes of 1520 and 2780 m in all regions except Tanga and Morogoro. Also present in Nigeria, Cameroon, D.R. Congo, Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabwe. Uses The young leaves are eaten as a vegetable in Tanzania. Bees were seen gathering nectar. I n Ethiopia bees gather significant amounts of pollen and nectar from the subspecies scabra, and the subspecies schimperi is a very important honey source. G. abyssinica, which is grown to produce Niger oil, is one of the most important honey sources in Ethiopia. I n Uganda the stalks with ripe seeds are also harvested and put on a platform until dry and the seeds are shed. These are then roasted, ground up and made into a simsim like paste, which has a mildly bitter taste. This is eaten with vegetables, beans or peas and is an important source of protein and oil. The plant is widely used medicinally in a number of countries in Africa. References Goode 1974, Crane & Walker 1984, Crane et al 1984, Blundell 1987, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Katende et al. 1999, Ruffo et al. 2002, Bosch 2004, Agnew 2013 126 Gynura scandens (Asteraceae) Common names I wozya Description A weak creeper which may grow to 12 m long. The plant has an unpleasant smell. Leaves are fleshy and toothed, 2.5 – 12 cm long and 1.5 to 8 cm wide. The flower heads are composed of many orange-red flowers, 11 mm across. Flowers are produced in October. Ecology Grows in hedges, at forest margins and in clearings, often near water, up to an altitude of 2100 m in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, D.R. Congo, Malawi and Zambia. Uses Reported to be visited by bees. The plant is used by the Haya people in Tanzania to treat high fever in both babies and adults. Leaves are crushed, mixed with butter and rubbed on the whole body which causes perspiration. The body may alternatively be washed with hot water in which the leaves have been soaked. A hot decoction is used for indigestion. Leaves are also used for fever in eastern D.R. Congo. An extract of leaves is drunk and rubbed in for sciatic pain in Rwanda. I n Umalila it is believed that growing the plant in the compound protects the home from thieves. References Kokwaro 1976, Blundell 1987, Neuwinger 2000, Burrows & Willis 2005, Agnew 2013 127 Hagenia abyssinica (Rosaceae) Common names I liogoti (Malila), mtulenya, mturunga, nturunga (Nyakyusa), mfoono (Bena), mdobole (Hehe), mkumburu, mturunga (Nyiha) Description A tree up to 20 m high with a short trunk and thick branches. The twigs are covered with silky brown hairs and ringed with leaf scars. Leaves are compound, 40 cm long, composed of 6 – 8 pairs of leaflets, each up to 15 cm long. The male and female flowers are produced on different trees in large hanging bunches, up to 60 cm long and 30 cm wide. Female flowers are pinkish-red, male flowers are orange-white and more feathery in appearance. Flowers may be produced throughout the year, other than in the coldest months. Ecology Grows in East Africa and Ethiopia. Common in the mist belt, often above the bamboo zone, in mountain areas, from 1850 – 3700 m where mean annual rainfall is between 1000 and 1500 mm. Adapted to most soils as long as they are well drained. Propagation Can be grown from seed or transplanted wild seedlings. Seed can be stored for up to 6 months. No treatment is necessary before planting. Uses Bees collect pollen from the male and nectar from the female flowers and the tree is an important honey source. The tree is valued for its leaf litter being associated with greater crop production and faster fallow recovery. The timber makes good firewood and charcoal. I t is dark red and hard and widely used for furniture, flooring, beehives and carving but may be attacked by borers. The tree can be used for soil conservation planted at 2 to 3 m intervals along the contours. It does not compete with crops if managed to prevent shading. The dry female flowers are used as a deworming treatment. References Staner & Boutique 1937, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Mbuya et al. 1994, I CRAF 1998, East & Thurow 1999, Lovett et al. 2006 Hagenia abyssinica flowering in October at Shilanga 128 Halleria lucida (Stilbaceae) Common names Mkuka (Hehe), tree fuschia Description A small tree growing up to 15 m tall with a crooked and branched trunk. Bark pale grey. Leaves simple, opposite, and 4.5 – 10 cm long and 2 – 6.2 cm wide, on a stalk from 0.4 – 1.2 cm long. Flowers are often borne in clusters on the trunk or branches and are orange-yellow with a curved tube. The fruit is a dark purple berry with sweet gelatinous flesh. Halleria lucida in flower in the Southern Highlands in October Ecology Grows in dry mountain forest, on forest margins and in secondary forest growth and riverine forest at altitudes between 1400 – 2450 m. Found from South Africa to Angola, Ethiopia and Yemen. Propagation Easily propagated by layering but can also be grown from seed. Dry the seeds in the shade after extracting them from the fruits. Seed germinates after 4 – 8 weeks. 10 cm cuttings can be planted in sandy soil at the beginning of the rains. Uses The wood is yellow, hard and tough and is used for firewood and tool handles. The flowers are rich in nectar and visited by bees. An infusion is made from moistened dry leaves and roots and poured into the ear to relieve ear ache. Thin sticks can be used as fire-sticks. The fruit is edible but has a sickly sweet taste and tends to dry out the mouth. I t is usually only eaten in times of food shortage. Unripe fruits can be ripened by burying them in sand. The plant is sometimes grown as an ornamental bush. References Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962, Deschodt 1976, Coates Palgrave 1983, Beentje 1994, Johannsmeier & Allsopp 1995, Venter & Venter 1996, Hepburn & Radloff 1998, White et al. 2001, Burrows & Willis 2005, Lovett et al. 2006 129 Haumaniastrum venosum (Lamiaceae) Common names I nuha, inuka (smelling strongly Malila), African mint Description An erect herb to 50 cm tall. The mauve to blue flowers are produced in dense terminal heads. Ecology A normally infrequent herb found in high altitude bush/ grassland flowering in June and July. I n some localities, for example around I tundu, it is fairly common. Found from West Africa to Zimbabwe and in Mozambique. Uses Bees were seen collecting nectar in July at I tundu. I nuha growing in bush on Mt. Mbogo References Cribb & Leedal 1982, Paton 1997, Agnew 2013 A large clay jar used for water storage, cooking or beer making 130 Helianthus annuus (Asteraceae) Common names Amabangayeye (Malila), alizeti (Swahili), sunflower Description An annual plant with large flowers. The common sunflower can grow to 150 - 240 cm tall with flower heads up to 35 cm across. Dwarf varieties grow to 120 cm high. Sunflowers are deep rooted. Ecology An extremely adaptable plant. I t thrives in the tropics at medium and high elevations. I n East Africa it is grown from sea level to 2590 m provided rainfall is more than 750 mm annually. A dry period is necessary during the later stages of ripening. Dwarf varieties are hardier and give reasonable yields under less than 25 cm rain per annum but rainfall should be evenly distributed during the growing season. Sunflower grows on many soil types of moderate fertility. Does well on light, rich, calcareous soils with pH range from 6 - 7.5. The crop requires fertile soil and is best planted with fertilizers if available. Propagation and management Seed is planted Sunflower growing near I zumbwe 2 - 3 cm deep in November. Birds can cause considerable damage to the maturing crop. To avoid loss of seed the flower heads can be cut before the seeds are quite ripe and exposed face up to dry. Uses Sunflowers are an important bee forage and worth planting for this reason. The honey tends to granulate rapidly and has a mild but characteristic taste, similar to butter. Bees are important for pollination and have been found to increase yields of seed. Seed set is often poor where the number of bees is low. I t is recommended that there should be 1 – 2 hives per ha. Spraying for bollworm infestation Heliothis armigera caused losses of honeybees in East Africa. Dried green stems and leaves make good bee smoker fuel. The large seeds can be roasted, salted and eaten. They are also used as poultry food. The crop is grown mainly to produce seed for edible oil extraction. Oil content may be 40 52% of shelled seed. Poor grades are used for making soap. The petals yield a yellow dye. References Smith 1960, Watt & Breyer- Brandwijk 1962, Morton 1964, Godin & Spensley 1971, Acland 1977, Howes 1979, Crane et al 1984, Crane & Walker 1984, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Jones 1999, Raemaekers 2001 131 Helichrysum foetidum (Asteraceae) Common names Enzumba (Malila), straw flower Description An erect, hairy biennial having a strong smell and growing from 30 cm to 1 m tall. Stem may be single or have a few branches. Leaves are spear shaped to oblong 4 - 9 cm long and 1 – 2.5 cm wide. The plant bears golden yellow flowering heads with glossy papery flowers. Growth is rapid. Ecology Common in open grassland. Also present in disturbed places in dry upland forest, on forest margins and in damp sites along streams from South Africa to East Africa, Sudan, Ethiopia, Congo and Nigeria. Also present in Spain and Arabia. Photo: Robert von Blittersdorff www.eastafricanplants.senckenberg.de Propagation Helichrysum species can be grown from seed or shoot cuttings, 7 cm long, preferably with a heel. Uses Reported to be visited by bees. Bees collect pollen and nectar from other Helichrysum species. Elsewhere in Tanzania the roots are used to treat eye troubles and the leaves are used to treat influenza. I n South Africa the leaves are applied to circumcision and septic wounds. References Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962, Kokwaro 1976, Blundell 1994, Fichtl & Adi 1994, van Wyk & Gericke 2000, Kihwele et al. 2001, Burrows & Willis 2005, Nonkululeko 2005, Agnew 2013 Heavy loads! A woman carrying water and a boy carting un-burnt building bricks in I lembo 132 Helichrysum odoratissimum (Asteraceae) Common names Enzumba Description A rather straggling, woody herb, 30 – 120 cm tall, with erect stems bearing dense heads of yellow flowers. Large clumps may be formed and the flowers are persistent. The leaves have a smell of curry. The plants below were photographed in June. Ecology Grows on grassy or rocky slopes, often colonizing bare areas. I t is common throughout Tanzania between 910 – 2100 m and is also present in Kenya and Uganda, D.R. Congo, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique and South Africa. Propagation Use seed or stem cuttings and plant out in a light well drained soil with adequate compost. Uses The smoke from burning the plant is sedative and reported to repel insects and parasites. I t is burnt in huts in Lesotho to fumigate them. I t is also mixed with fat to make a pleasant smelling ointment used by women. I t is inhaled to treat coughs and colds in South Africa. The plant is also boiled and applied as a facial ointment to treat pimples. The plant is also boiled in water or in milk to treat coughs and colds. Some Helichrysum species are important bee fodder. References Burkill 1985, Blundell 1987, van Wyk et al. 1997, Hepburn & Radloff 1998, van Wyk & Gericke 2000, Nonkululeko Swelankomo 2004, Burrows & Willis 2005, Kokwaro 2009, Agnew 2013 Photo: Bart Wursten 133 Helichrysum schimperi (Asteraceae) Synonym Achroline schimperi Common names Enzumba Description A low growing creeping soft shrub up to 8 m long. Leaves c. 7.5 x 4.5 cm, ovate, white below. I nflorescence a rather loose head of tightly packed yellowish, pinkish or white heads. The photo on left was taken in October. Ecology Edges of montane rain forest and in transition woodland at lower altitudes. Present in eastern Africa from Ethiopia to Mozambique. Uses Leaves are chewed or the roots are pounded, soaked in water and the liquid drunk with beef fat as a cough remedy in Tanzania. As with other Helichrysum the flowers are likely to be important honey bee forage in dry southern savanna and afromontane zones. References Hepburn & Radloff 1998, White et al. 2001, Kokwaro 2009, Wedekind & Sutton 2009, Agnew 2013, Flora of Zimbabwe (Accessed 6.112.14). Brick making near I lembo 134 Photo: David Watson Heteromorpha arborescens var. abyssinicus (Apiaceae) Synonym H. abyssinica Common names I lelengu (Malila), parsley tree, parsnip tree Description A straggling, open-branched shrub or small tree up to 7 m high. Bark is reddish brown to purplish brown, smooth, waxy in appearance, peeling in papery flakes. Leaves are alternate, compound, glossy, light green or grey green, becoming yellow to red, having 3 – 9 leaflets arranged in an unusual and variable manner. Flowers are small, greenish white or yellowish, often strong smelling, in dense round heads, up to 5 cm in diameter. Fruits are formed in two parts which split away from each other. These are flattened, somewhat heart shaped, 5 – 7 mm long, drying to creamy brown. Ecology Occurs at medium to high altitudes and frequently found at the edges of evergreen forest, wooded ravines, on hillsides and rocky outcrops from Sudan and Ethiopia to southern Africa and into Angola and Namibia. I t grows to a tree in high rainfall areas. Found in moist plateau or mountain grassland in Malawi. Uses Bees were active at midday on a tree near Maendeleo during April. The plant is used in Tanzania to expel intestinal worms. An infusion of the root mixed with other plants is drunk to cure colds and also to treat venereal disease in Malawi. I n South Africa an infusion of the leaves is prepared as an enema to treat abdominal disorders and given as a remedy for mental and nervous conditions. A leaf preparation is given to children for intestinal worms. The smoke from burning wood is inhaled to relieve headaches. A decoction of the peeled root is used to treat breathlessness, coughs and dysentery. The fruits contain a volatile oil. This has shown definite anti-bacterial and anti-fungal activity. References Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962, Wild et al. 1972, Williamson 1975, Coates Palgrave 1983, Blundell 1987, Van Wyk et al. 1997, Neuwinger 2000, Van Wyk & Gericke 2000, White et al. 2001 135 Hibiscus diversifolius (Malvaceae) Common names I wawa (Malila), mhang’ana (Hehe) Description A shrub up to 3 m high. The hairy stems are covered with short red thorns. Flowers may be deep purple or yellow with a red or purple centre and about 5 cm in diameter, flowering in June and July. The woody, shrubby habit distinguishes this plant from Hibiscus cannabinus. Ecology Found in field margins and on roadsides. Grows in scrub or forest in West Africa and is widely dispersed throughout Africa. Hibiscus species grow best between altitudes of 1800 and 2100 m. Propagation Cultivated ornamental species grow easily from cuttings. For shrubby species take 10 cm cuttings having a heel. Hibiscus diversifolius flowering in June Uses The flower petals are used as a vegetable, called ukurugwa in Malila. They are eaten with beans, after the black base has been removed. Elsewhere in Tanzania the bitter leaves are wilted then cooked with peas or beans. The plant is sometimes grown as a hedge. The stem is a source of hemp or jute fibre for mat making. Bees collect nectar and are known to forage for pollen and nectar from the flowers of many species of Hibiscus. The woody parts are used as fire sticks in Malawi. Bruised leaves are used to ease the pain from stings. A tea made from leaves and twigs is taken for bronchitis and chronic coughing. The sap of leafy twigs is drunk for yaws. The Swati people use a decoction of the root and flower for pneumonia. Sheep and goats eat the leaves. References Jex - Blake 1957, Hibiscus diversifolius grown as a hedge Neuwinger 2000, Ruffo at al. 2002, Agnew 2013 136 Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962, Wilson 1967, Williamson 1975, Hay 1978, Wilson 1978, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Burkill 1997, Hibiscus ludw igii (Malvaceae) Common names I wawa Description Usually a small shrub up to 3 m high, with erect branches but sometimes grows larger producing trailing branches. The plant is covered with sharp irritating hairs that break off in the skin. Leaves are alternate. The pale yellow flowers are large and usually borne singly. They have a purple base. The flowers droop and sometimes never open fully. The closed flower is about 6 cm long. Flowers are produced in April. Ecology Common between altitudes of 1520 and 2440 m in cleared forest grassland throughout Tanzania, except Songea, and also present in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Malawi, Zimbabwe and in the highlands of Cameroon. Uses Bees are reported to visit the flowers. Bees collect pollen and nectar from this plant in Ethiopia. The stem fibre is used in Uganda. A preparation of the root is used in Rwanda to treat anthrax. References Blundell 1987, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Burkill 1997, Neuwinger 2000, Agnew 2013 137 Hypericum quartinianum (Hypericaceae) Common names Tandankwari Description A shrub growing to 4.5 m tall. The lower stems are woody and tawny brown while the young shoots are 4 angled. The glossy green leaves are opposite, up to 8 cm long by 2.2 cm wide and when young are tinged with red. They have black dots on the edges and glands on their upper surface. The yellow flowers are borne in a cluster and are 5 – 8 cm across. Flowers are produced from May to September. Ecology Usually found in rocky places, gulleys and on river banks in deciduous woodland or in upland grassland. Grows up to an altitude 2800 m. Present from Ethiopia to northern Malawi. Photo: Robert von Blittersdorff www.eastafricanplants.senckenberg.de Propagation Can be grown from root suckers and 12 cm cuttings. Seed germination is poor. Uses Reported as a bee forage. I n the upland forests of Kenya and in Ethiopia Hypericum species are important bee forage plants, especially for pollen as they flower over a long period. Branches are used for fuel in some areas. References Smith 1956, Cribb & Leedal 1983, Nightingale 1983, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Hepburn & Radloff 1998 138 Hypericum revolutum subsp. revolutum (Hypericaceae) Synonym H. revolutum Common names Giant St. John’s wort, curry bush Description A much branched shrub or small tree 1 – 6 m tall. The plant has an open crown and the branches often droop. Bark is dark brown and corky and often fissured. Leaves are opposite, pale green, narrowly elliptic to lance shaped up to 20 - 30 mm long and 2.5 - 6 mm wide. They are, produced in dense clusters on short shoots, with many scattered, transparent oilglands. Leaves have a curry-like smell after rain or when crushed. Flowers are solitary, terminal, up to 4 - 5 cm in diameter with petals 25 – 30 mm long. Fruits are woody 5 valved capsules, containing many small black seeds. Flowers are produced all year round. Ecology Widespread in the Southern Highlands. A characteristic plant of the Afromontane rain forests and evergreen bushland, found from 1800 – 2900 m, especially along the upper tree limit and often associated with Hagenia- Schefflera forest. Present from Cameroon to Ethiopia and to South Africa and also in Saudi Arabia, Comoro islands and Madagascar. I t is an early invader of fire protected grassland in Malawi. Propagation Can be grown from root suckers and 12 cm cuttings. Seed germination is poor. Uses Wood is dark red-brown, fairly hard but flexible and popular for making house poles and yokes for ox-ploughs in Ethiopia. The flowers are an important bee forage. Bees collect both pollen and nectar and the honey produced is of good quality. The tree is recommended for planting for bees. I n East Africa the powdered dried leaves and stems are used to treat diarrhoea and rheumatism. The plant has a number of medicinal uses in Burundi and in Ethiopia the leaves are cooked and eaten with meat to safeguard against stomach upsets. The shrub is sometimes planted as an ornamental. I t has also been used as a source of balsam. Remarks When in flower it colours the hillsides yellow in a similar way to Kotschya recurvifolia. References Smith 1956, FZ 1961, Wild 1972, Brummitt 1973, Leedal 1975, Nightingale 1983, Blundell 1987, Burkill 1994, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Bryant 1996, Hepburn & Radloff 1998, Neuwinger 2000, White et al. 2001, Dharani 2002, Burrows & Willis 2005 139 Hypoestes triflora (Acanthaceae) Common names I nswina ilinsi Description A straggling annual herb, very variable in size, but often growing to a height of 50 cm. Leaves are borne on short stalks. The pale mauve or white flowers are produced in groups of three and are 2.5 cm. long; each flower has two stamens. Flowering occurs in October and November. Ecology Grows in forest shade and beside footpaths and waterways at altitudes between 1200 and 3050 m in East Africa, Rwanda, Ethiopia and Malawi. Above photo: Cameron McMaster www.eastafricanplants.senckenberg.de Uses Reported as a good bee plant. Bees frequently collect pollen and large quantities of nectar in Ethiopia. The plant is used as a wound dressing for livestock in Ethiopia. A leaf extract is drunk to treat jaundice in Rwanda. References Blundell 1987, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Neuwinger 2000, Agnew 2013 Pitsawers at work near Maendeleo 140 I lex mitis (Aquifoliaceae) Common names I sangati (Malila), pofwe-honsi (Fipa), African holly, Cape holly Description An evergreen shrub or more usually a tree growing up to 30 m or higher. Bark is grey and fairly smooth with dark spots. Leaves are simple and alternate, the edges saw toothed, shiny dark green, 3 – 14 cm long and 1 – 5 cm wide, borne on dark red stalks. Flowers are white to cream coloured, fragrant and arise in the leaf axils. Fruit is a round fleshy berry, glossy red when ripe. Ecology Common in forest reserves and beside water. Found in moist to dry upland forests and thickets, also in woodland beside streams between altitudes of 900 and 3000 m. I t can be found from Ethiopia to South Africa. Propagation Grows easily from seed. Collect fresh seed and dry in the shade. Sow in a seedbed in a mixture of 1: 1 river sand and compost and cover lightly. Seed germinates after 8 20 days. Management Transplant seedlings into plastic sleeves when they have two leaves. Seedlings grow easily and fairly fast. Plant out, preferably beside running water, and protect from fire and livestock. Uses The timber is used for making good quality, lasting furniture. The wood darkens with age, after many years of oiling. I t is also used for tool handles and for firewood and charcoal. The flowers are an important source of honey. Beekeepers recommend that honey should be collected after flowering has finished or that the honey should be stored for some time to improve the flavour. The trunk is used to make beehives. An edible mushroom grows on the rotten trunks of this tree during the rains. Leaves form a lather when rubbed in water. The fruits are eaten and can vary from being slightly sweet to bitter. The boiled roots are also reported to be edible. The bark is used as a mild purgative in South Africa. References Watt & BreyerBrandwijk 1962, FTEA 1968, Wild et al. 1972, Bekele-Tessema 1993, Beentje 1994, Venter & Venter 1996, Hepburn & Radloff 1998, Forrester 2004, Lovett et al. 2006 141 I mpatiens gomphophylla (Balsaminaceae) Common names I mbogwa Description An erect herb, 1 m tall occasionally up to 1.5 m. Stems become red and are usually unbranched. Leaves are toothed and spirally arranged. Flowers are borne in clusters in the leaf axils and vary in colour from pale yellowish-green to greenish-orange. Flowers with a yellowish spur and orange or reddish petals are most common. I n the Southern Highlands the plant flowers all year round Ecology The most widespread and common I mpatiens species in the Southern Highlands. I t often grows in large clumps in grassland. The specimen photographed was growing in an old maize field. I t grows in moist, open or semi shaded places in grassland or scrub between 1200 and 2650 m. Widely distributed in Malawi, Zambia and southern D.R. Congo. Left: I mpatiens I lembo in May. gomphophylla near Uses Bees were seen collecting nectar in June. The honey produced is reported to be of good quality. Other species e.g. I . glandulifera are useful bee plants elsewhere. References Moriarty 1975, Howes 1979, Cribb & Leedal 1982, FTEA 1982, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Burrows & Willis 2005, Salter & Davenport 2011 Honey labels used to sell honey from Umalila beekeepers 142 I ndigofera hedyantha (Fabaceae) Synonym I . goetzei Common names I vizi (Malila) for all species of I ndigofera I ndigofera hedyantha photographed near Yalenga in April Description A straggling, erect rather woody herb, up to 150 cm tall. Branches are rather densely covered with short white, brown or black hairs. Leaves are composed of 7 – 11 leaflets, up to 15 mm long and 3 mm wide. The inflorescence is a raceme having 5 – 17 flowers. The black fruit pods are cylindrical, up to 4 cm long and contain up to 8 seeds. Pollination The bisexual flowers of I ndigofera arrecta are cross-pollinated only by bees. Ecology Found in forest edges and in grassland subject to burning. Present in Mbeya and I ringa regions in Tanzania and also in Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique and South Africa between 1400 and 2600 m altitudes. Propagation Seed of other species is soaked overnight to soften the hard coat before planting. Seed can be sown broadcast or transplanted from a nursery. Uses Bees are reported to visit the flowers. Bees are known to collect pollen and nectar from I . zavattarii in Ethiopia. I t is an important bee forage in the northern dry savanna zone in Africa. Remarks There are over 60 species of I ndigofera in the Southern Highlands. One of the most frequent is I . atriceps. References Cribb & Leedal 1983, Crane & Walker 1984, FTEA, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Hepburn & Radloff 1998, Agnew 2013 143 I nula stuhlmannii (Asteraceae) Synonym Duhaldea stuhlmannii Common name Uwutupwa, isasami, ikusa Description A vigorous creeper which scrambles over other plants. Flowers are produced in October. Ecology Grows at the forest edge at around 2000 m altitude. A rare plant previously known only from the Usambara and Uluguru mountains (Personal communication - Vollesen 2001). Uses Reported as a good bee forage though the honey produced is said to be rather bitter. The plant is also used as a fish poison. References Soil erosion is a serious problem in some parts of the Southern Highlands. Planting crops or fodder grasses, such as Napier or Guatemala grass, along the contour can reduce soil erosion considerably. 144 I pomoea batatas (Convolvulaceae) Common names I mbatata (Malila), sweet potato Description A perennial, creeping plant, up to 4 m long, which is usually grown as an annual. Ecology Plants are usually grown on hill slopes rather than in valley bottoms. Planting is done in June and December. Growth is restricted by cool weather. Low humidity is needed as the crop nears maturity. Though the plant is drought tolerant there must be sufficient moisture for 50 - 60 days after planting for tuber development. Sweet potatoes grow best in sandy loams, reasonably high in organic matter. Propagation I t is best to use cuttings taken from the growing tip of the vines as they grow faster and give a higher yield than cuttings taken from the base or middle. Cuttings should be 20 - 45 cm long and have 7 nodes. They should be left to wilt for 24 48 hours and then 10 - 20 cm of the cutting should be planted below the soil level at an angle. Space at 30 - 60 cm in the rows, and 90 - 150 cm between rows. Management Harvest the crop when the leaves turn yellow and the tuber can be cut without the sap rapidly turning black. Tubers cannot be stored so are best dug when required. Uses Tubers are baked, boiled or fried. Chips may be dried in the sun and then ground into flour. There are three main types 1) Dry and mealy when cooked. 2) Soft and watery. 3) Coarse fleshed. The young shoots and leaves of the last t wo are eaten as vegetables. Vines are also used as a livestock feed. Bees sometimes collect nectar from the flowers. Reference Purseglove 1968, Acland 1971, Kay 1973, Bakenga et al. 2013 145 I pomoea cairica (Convolvulaceae) Common names Nyakapulikilo (Hehe), kiazi pori (Swahili), railway creeper Description A perennial herb which grows up to 5 m long from a tuberous rootstock. Stems twine up other plants or grow along the ground. Leaves are divided into 5 – 7 lobes, 3 – 10 cm long on a petiole 2 – 6 cm long. The leaf lobes are narrow and are up to 4 cm long. Outer lobes often split again. Flowers are funnel shaped, usually pale pink to mauve but can be white with a darker throat. Fruit is a round capsule up to 1.2 cm across, papery brown, containing several black, hairy seeds. Ecology The plant was seen in hedgerows at I zumbwe village. I t also grows in clearings in forests, swampy grassland and on lake shores and waste or cultivated land from 750 – 1890 m. I t is found throughout East Africa and from Ethiopia to Zimbabwe. I t is present in many countries throughout the tropics and is an invasive plant. Propagation Can be grown from seed or rooting stems. Management Can be trained on a trellis and used as a screen. Uses Bees were seen collecting nectar and pollen. I pomoea species are known to produce important amounts of nectar and pollen. Elsewhere in Tanzania the leaves are collected, partially dried in the sun, and then cooked alone or mixed with other vegetables and served with the staple food. The leaves can be fed to pigs, guinea pigs, cows, goats and rabbits. The dried leaves can be stored. I n Ghana stem fibres are used to make sponges. The tubers and stems are used as food in Hawaii but are both slightly cyanogenic. Seeds are used as a strong purgative in Nigeria and I ndia. The plant has considerable antibiotic action though this varies between plants. I n I ndia an essential oil, extracted from the plant, was found effective in controlling several species of mosquito. The plant is grown as an ornamental. References Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962, Crane et al. 1984, Burkill 1985, Blundell 1987, Phillips & Rix 1997, Ruffo et al. 2002, Llamas 2003, Thomas et al. 2004, Agnew 2013 146 I pomoea involucrata (Convolvulaceae) Common names I sindu Description A slender but vigorous, sprawling or twining annual or perennial herb. The slender stems grow to 8 m long. Leaves are up to 9 cm long, occasionally 11 cm, and 7 cm wide, hairy on both surfaces. Flowers are funnel shaped with a purple, rose, white or white-pink throat. Ecology Found in grassland, woodland and in abandoned cultivation; altitude range 100 – 2700 m in East Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe. I pomoea involucrata in cleared forest at Songwe Propagation Soak seeds for 24 hours before planting. The plant can also be grown from softwood or semi-ripe cuttings. Uses Fibre from the stems is used to make string and the bitter root is used to relieve wind. The plant has a number of other medicinal uses. Bees were seen collecting pollen and nectar from this plant and from I . wightii. Some I pomoea species flower nearly all the year round. These produce pearly white honey with a fine flavour. Leaves of this and some related species are edible. I n Nigeria the plant is used as a ground cover and can be grown as a screen over a suitable frame. References Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk FTEA 1963, Hay 1978, Crane et al. 1984, 1985, Blundell 1987, Brickell 1994, Fichtl 1994, Martin et al. 1998, Bakenga et al. Neuwinger 2000, Agnew 2013 1962, Burkill & Adi 2000, Left: A basket made from bamboo strips tied together with fibre from I pomoea involucrata. 147 I pomoea tricolor (Convolvulaceae) Common names Lusisia (Malila), morning glory Description A stout, perennial, twining plant growing up to 2.4 m or more. The thin stems carry pale green, heart shaped leaves. This species flowers freely, the flowers opening in the morning and fading in the afternoon. Ecology The plant is often found in recently cleared forest land and in hedgerows. I t originates from Mexico. This is the most commonly cultivated Morning glory in many countries. Propagation As for I pomoea involucrata. Uses A useful bee forage and widely grown as an ornamental. The stems are used for tying. References Hay 1978, Burkill 1985 148 I soglossa eliasbandae (Acanthaceae) Common names I nswina ipete Description A robust herb with markedly ribbed leaves growing up to 2 m tall. Flowers have two lips. I t is an uncommon plant. Ecology An under-storey shrub in woodland. Also present in Malawi. Left: I soglossa eliasbandae in flower in July near I lembo. Uses Reported as a bee forage plant producing good quality honey. A related species, I . deliculata, produces a heavy nectar flow over a short period in South Africa. Honey produced is mild but has a characteristic flavour. Two other species yield nectar and pollen in Ethiopia. Elsewhere in Tanzania the leaves of I . lactea are cooked with coconut milk or pounded groundnuts and eaten with the staple food. References Crane et al. 1984, Fichtl. & Adi 1994, Ruffo et al. 2002 Tabia and Mwaji collecting leaves of Cleome gynandra in a garden in I lembo 149 Jasminum abyssinicum (Oleaceae) Common names I sanzo Description A climbing shrub with stems growing up to 7 m long. Leaves are opposite, dark green and shiny and composed of 3 leaflets. The terminal leaflet is larger than the other two, being 2 – 7.5 cm long and 1.5 – 5.5 cm wide. Flowers are produced in large numbers and are white or yellow-white, sometimes pink on the outside. They are borne at the ends of branches or on lateral shoots, and are either solitary or in clusters of a few flowers. They have a strong sweet smell. Photo: Bart Wursten Ecology Found at the edges of upland evergreen forest and in mountain bushland, especially near running water. The plant sometimes grows over fences around compounds. Propagation Jasminum species can be grown from seed or semi-ripe cuttings. Plants can also be grown by layering. Uses Stems are used for tying the frame in hut construction. The Maasai use the roots to make soup. Bees have been reported visiting the flowers. I n Ethiopia bees are reported to visit occasionally. The roots are used to dress wounds in animals in Ethiopia. I n Rwanda the leaf extract is drunk for constipation. I n Burundi a leaf decoction is used to wash with for dizziness and a decoction of leafy twigs is drunk for insanity or possession. I n East Africa the roots or leaves are steeped in water and the liquid drunk to treat snake-bite. References Hessayon 1993, Beentje 1994, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Bown 1995, Hepburn & Radloff 1998, Neuwinger 2000, Agnew 2013 Grain stores on a farm at I zumbwe. The store on the left was for maize and that on the right for finger millet. 150 Jasminum odoratissimum subsp. goetzeanum (Oleaceae) Common names I wovi, impyuyu Description A much branched, usually evergreen shrub at the edges of forest, though becoming a strong woody climber inside the forest, 2 – 6 m tall. Leaves are spirally arranged, compound, being composed of 5 leaflets. The flowers are borne terminally and are composed of up to 12 yellow, scented flowers. Ecology Found in upland grassland and in mountain forest between 1440 – 2430 m. Also present in Kenya, D. R. Congo, Zambia and Malawi. Uses Bees are reported to visit the flowers. Jasmine species are known to be visited by bees in some dry areas. References FTEA 1952, Hepburn & Radloff 1998, White et al. 2001, Burrows & Willis 2005 151 Justicia diclipteroides (Acanthaceae) Common names I nswina Description A variable trailing herb which roots at the nodes. Leaves up to 8 cm long. I t has scattered purple to pink flowers about 8 mm across in the upper leaf axils. Ecology Common at the edges of evergreen forest between altitudes of 1220 and 2130 m. Uses Bees were active on the flowers collecting nectar in the early morning. Justicia species are known to be important bee forage plants in several climatic zones in Africa. The plant is eaten by livestock. Left: Justicia diclipteroides flowering in May near Maendeleo. Remarks Three species of Justicia are useful bee plants in Ethiopia. The young leaves of a further three species are used as vegetables in Malawi. References Williamson 1975, Blundell 1994, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Hepburn & Radloff 1998, Agnew 2013 Neema Yisambi with her favourite heifer Samboya. I f stall fed with Napier or Guatemala grass in the dry season, when grazing is hard to find, improved dairy cattle could provide the family with much more milk. I f fodder grasses were planted on the contours this could reduce the amount of soil lost through erosion. Cattle manure appears to be seldom used in Umalila but could improve yields of vegetables and fruit trees around the home. Photo 152 Kalanchoe densiflora (Crassulaceae) Common names I tivwa (Malila), itifya (Ndali), mbokaboka (Kinga), inyongabembe (Nyakyusa) Description A variable succulent perennial plant growing up to 1.5 m tall, having fleshy leaves, the lower ones up to 12 cm long and 10 cm broad but the upper ones smaller. The inflorescence is up to 20 cm long, composed of many tubular bright red or yellow flowers each about 1.2 cm long. The flowers appear in the dry season between August and November. Kalanchoe densiflora growing in forest Ecology Widespread above 1800 m, and particularly common on roadsides and forest margins. Also found near rivers and lakes, edges of swamps, mostly on rocky ground and common in disturbed places. Propagation Stem cuttings, offsets or leaf cuttings root easily. Uses The warmed leaves are applied to bruises. The juice from dried leaves is applied to septic wounds. The leaves are also used for massaging swellings. The flowers of other Kalanchoe species are occasionally visited by bees for nectar. References Cribb & Leedal 1982, FTEA 1987, Neuwinger 2000, Gachathi 2007, Kokwaro 2009, Agnew 2013, CJB (Accessed 12.12.2014) Photo: Colin Reid 153 Kalanchoe lateritia (Crassulaceae) Common names I vata Description A succulent perennial, from 20 cm to 1.5 m high. Leaves are simple and borne on short stalks on the main stem. They are up to 16 cm long and 8 cm wide. Flowers are borne in small terminal heads and may be red, reddish orange, salmon pink or pale yellow. Each flower is about 15 mm across. Ecology Plants were seen growing beside a track and in woodland near Shilanga. Present in deciduous and semi deciduous bushland, thicket and scrub, on sandy soil, rocky ground or on rocks up to an altitude of 2000 m throughout Tanzania and in bushgrassland in western Kenya, D.R. Congo, Rwanda, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Propagation Stem cuttings, offsets or leaf cuttings root easily. Left: Plant in flower at the end of October near Shilanga. Uses The leaves are heated and placed on painful swellings. The juice is squeezed from the dried leaves of Kalanchoe species and applied to septic wounds. References Kokwaro 1976, Cribb & Leedal 1983, Blundell 1987, FTEA 1987, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Agnew 2013 Selling Solanum umalilaense in I lembo 154 Keetia gueinzii (Rubiaceae) Common names Nyongampembe (Malila), climbing Canthium Description A scrambling shrub or climber, from 3 to 25 m tall. Bark is dark to almost black and the branches are long and trailing. Young branches may be densely covered with golden to rust covered hairs. Leaves are opposite, entire, oblong 5.5 – 13.5 cm long by 3.5 – 6.0 mm wide, slightly hairy above and more densely below. Flowers are sweet smelling, creamy white, and borne in dense clusters of 20 to 50 flowers. Fruit is black when ripe and has one seed. Ecology Grows in forest and woodland often on swampy ground. Altitude range 90 – 2450 m. Found from Cameroon to Ethiopia and south to the Eastern Cape in South Africa. The plant is widespread in Malawi. I n Kenya it is found at the coast on moist forest margins, secondary bushland and in riverine forest. Right: The unripe fruit on a bush growing beside the road. Uses Fruit is edible but rather sour. Bees are reported to visit the flowers. References Coates Palgrave 1983, FTEA 1991, Beentje 1994, White et al. 2001, Burrows & Willis 2005 155 Kniphofia princeae (Xanthorrhoeaceae) Common names I susumba (Malila), tindi (Nyiha), red hot poker Description An evergreen plant, from 1.3 to 3 m tall, growing from a rhizome. I t forms clumps of tough, narrow, tapering leaves, which are 1.8 – 2 m long. The flower head is borne on an erect stem, up to 2.5 m tall, above the leaves. The small tubular flowers are orange and long lasting and are borne towards the end of the rain season. Left: Knipofia princae flowering beside a stream in May Ecology Grows in grassland or mountain scrub, on forest margins and in damp areas, often beside running water. Altitude range is from 1800 to 2300 m. The plant often grows in partial shade. Also present in northern Malawi. Propagation By seed or more usually by division at the start of the rains. Divided plants come into flower much more quickly. Uses Bees visit the flowers. I n Ethiopia bees collect only pollen from several Kniphofia species. I n Umalila the leaves are formed into a cushion for carrying head loads. I n Malawi the leaf fibres are used to make a strong cord. Other species are used medicinally in South Africa. The flowers are sucked for sweetness by children. References Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962, Leedal 1975, Williamson 1975, Brickell 1987, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Johannsmeier & Allsopp 1995, Stern 2002, Burrows & Willis 2005 156 Kotschya recurvifolia (Fabaceae) Common names I ntenga, ntenga (Malila), ntenga, lufunye (Nyakyusa), matenga (Bena & Kinga), iwelesi (Hehe), ndenga (Ndali) Kotschya recurvifolia is often found in dense clumps in grassland. Photo taken near I nyala. Description A very variable, erect, much branched, aromatic shrub up to 4 m tall. The plant is covered with yellow to whitish, sticky hairs. Leaves are compound with 8 – 18 leaflets which are curved at the tips. The golden yellow flowers are borne in dense masses and are covered with golden bristly hairs. The pods are hairy and the seeds greenish to dark red-brown. Ecology I t is one of the dominant plants of upland grassland above 1800 m in Umalila. Also present in moorland, bamboo forest, forest glades, at forest edges and in secondary thickets. Present in Ethiopia and south to Malawi and Zambia. Uses A valuable bee forage, yielding nectar throughout the day during the dry season from May onwards. The stems make good firewood which does not produce much smoke. Finger millet is commonly planted on land cleared from Kotschya recurvifolia as it is reported to improve soil fertility. References Leedal 1975, Cribb & Leedal 1982, Beentje 1994, FZ 2000, Burrows & Willis 2005, Agnew 2013 157 Kotschya uguenensis (Fabaceae) Common names Mwerete (Hehe) Description An erect shrub 1.8 – 4.5 m tall. The plant has an unpleasant smell. Stems are covered with sticky, bristly, yellow hairs. Kotschya uguensis in flower in October at Maganga farm, near Mufindi Ecology Found at the edges of upland forest, upland evergreen bushland and moor land and also recorded from Syzygium swamp forest between altitudes of 1000 and 2010 m. Also present in Mozambique, Malawi and Zambia. Uses As with K. recurvifolia this plant is likely to be a good bee forage. References FTEA 1971, Brummitt 1973, Hepburn & Radloff 1998, FZ 2000, Burrows & Willis 2005 158 Lagenaria sphaerica (Cucurbitaceae) Synonym Luffa sphaerica Common names I tungururu (Malila), wild calabash Description A perennial herb with a woody rootstock and annual climbing or trailing stems, up to 10 m long or longer. Leaves are rather rigid, palmate, 5 - 18 cm across, with toothed margins. Both surfaces have rough, short hairs. The tendrils split in two. The flowers are large, fragrant, and open in the evening. They are velvety or creamy-white with green veins and rounded petals, 2.2 - 6 cm long. Male and female flowers are on separate plants. Male flowers are in groups of 2 – 10. Female flowers are solitary and stalked. The fruits, which are found throughout the year, hang from a stout stalk and are 6 -10 cm across. They have a hard shell and whitish flesh and have a unpleasant smell when ripe. Seeds are 1 – 1.5 cm long. The flowers are pollinated by bees, ants and flies. Ecology Grows over hedges in villages. Found naturally in tropical and southern Africa from Somalia down to the Western Cape in South Africa. The plant grows in full sun and semi-shade in forest margins, on river banks and in dry river beds. The flowers are produced throughout the year, but mainly from December to May. Propagation Can be grown from seed. Management The plant requires support often growing over trees, shrubs or fences. Uses I n Umalila the fruit is skinned, cut up and used as a soap substitute for washing clothes. I n Malawi the leaves are sometimes cooked and eaten as a vegetable. The plant has various medicinal uses. The fruit is used to treat glandular swellings. A decoction of the pounded root is used for treating swellings thought to be caused by blood disorders. References Watt & Breyer- Brandwijk 1962, Williamson 1975, Neuwinger 2000, Welman 2004, Agnew 2013 159 Landolphia buchananii (Apocynaceae) Common names I lonji (Malila), liwungowungo (Hehe), (Swahili), rubber vine mbungo Description A woody shrub or climber, 6 - 20 m long, the stem being deeply furrowed and dark brown. Hooked tendrils may be present, which branch at the tip. Leaves are glossy green above, opposite, 5 – 12 cm long and narrow, with an elongated blunt tip. Flowers are fragrant, yellow to white with touches of red or orange in terminal heads of 5 – 10 flowers. Petals overlap to the left. Fruit is a round green berry, 4 – 10 cm in diameter with a hard white spotted skin. Ten or more seeds are embedded in the juicy pulp. Left: Plant flowering in November near Sasyaka village. Ecology Common in rainforest, normally at medium altitudes up to 1600 m. Plants produce more fruits on the forest edges. Present in West Africa, the Congo basin and to Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia and south to Zimbabwe. Propagation grown from cuttings. Can seed be or Uses The fruits are collected from the tree or from the ground, cut open and the seeds and pulp eaten. Bees are reported to visit the flowers. Young stems are used for tying, and are particularly used when constructing the roof of a house. References Beentje 1994, White et al. 2001, Ruffo et al. 2002, Burrows & Willis 2005, Agnew 2013 160 Lantana viburnoides (Verbenaceae) Common names I sawi Description A lemon scented shrub or woody herb up to 1 m high. Ecology The plant above was growing beside the road at approximately 2000 m. but is most commonly found in the drier parts of tropical and sub-tropical Africa and also present in Arabia and I ndia. Uses Bees were collecting nectar in April. Other Lantana species are visited by bees in Ethiopia. Fruit and leaves are edible. I n Tanzania the leaves are soaked in water which is then taken to relieve coughing. Leaves are also pounded to a paste and rubbed on the stomach to relieve stomach-ache. Cooked leaves, after cooling, are applied to sores on the legs. I n Kenya the presence of this plant is thought to indicate a good millet growing site. References Peters et al 1992, Burkill 2000, Neuwinger 2000 161 Leonotis ocymifolia (Lamiaceae) Common names I fipa (Malila), inyunyu (Kinga), nakafundo (Fipa), infwonfwo (Nyiha), linyominyomi (Bena), lisanzauki (Hehe) Description An erect plant, commonly growing 2 – 3 m high, in large clumps. The stems are covered with short hairs and the leaves, up to 14 cm long, are densely felted underneath. The flowers are in compact heads, 6 - 8 cm across, and produced in the upper nodes of the stem. The flowers are reddish or orange-red and palecream. Each flower has 4 stamens, the uppermost being the longest and arching under the upper lip of the flower. The plant flowers from June onwards in southern Tanzania. Ecology Commonly grows in bushland or in open areas in woodland above 1950 m. Also found in eastern Uganda, Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Uses Leonotis species are known to be a source of nectar and pollen. The flowers are often sucked for their nectar by children or, in Uganda, are cooked as a vegetable. A leaf tea is used medicinally in Namibia to treat coughing and to purify the blood. I n South Africa the leaf tea is used to relieve hypertension and to treat colds and headaches. I n Sudan a warmed decoction of the leaves is drunk to relieve fever and gastrointestinal pain. Pounded roots and leaves are added to the drinking water of cattle and poultry to treat gall bladder problems and general sickness. References Watt & Breyer-Bradwijk 1962, Goode 1974, Cribb & Leedal 1982, Blundell 1987, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Neuwinger 2000, van Wyk & Gericke 2000, White et al. 2001, Ruffo et al. 2002, Burrows & Willis 2005 Left: L. myricifolia is also present and bees were seen collecting nectar on a windy day in July. 162 Lobelia gibberoa (Campanulaceae) Common names I woti, piriti, idudwi (Malila), malonge (Kinga), izyunzyu (Safwa), ibuto (Nyakyusa), ndelelengu (Ndali), cardinal flower Description A perennial herb growing up to 9 m tall, when in flower, with erect, usually unbranched stems, though they are sometimes branched near the base. A white latex is present in the stem which has an unpleasant smell. Leaves are narrow, spear shaped with a pointed tip, 25 – 90 cm long and 4 – 19 cm wide. Flowers are greenish with a purple or blue tinge on stalks up to 2 m long. The plant flowers after several years’ growth. Ecology Grows on the margin of primary and secondary forest, in swamp or riverside forest, and at the edges of bamboo thicket. I t prefers partial shade and adequate moisture. Also present on Mt. Kilimanjaro and in Kenya, Burundi and Rwanda. Lobelia gibberoa growing in I tega forest near I lomba Propagation Can be grown from seed. Uses Bees collect nectar from the flowers. I n Rwanda the leaf extract is gargled for angina. I n Burundi a leaf infusion is used as a purgative enema. A leaf decoction or leaf sap is drunk for intestinal parasites but this is known to be very dangerous. A leaf decoction is also used as an enema for tapeworms. A root decoction is drunk as a tonic for pregnant women and to expel the placenta. Remarks The honey produced from this plant is known to be poisonous. The latex has a sharp nauseating smell and eating a minute amount causes violent vomiting. References Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962, Cribb & Leedal 1982, Beentje 1994, Neuwinger 2000, Burrows & Willis 2005, Agnew 2013 Left: Lobelia gibberoa in flower 163 Lopholaena dolichopappa (Asteraceae) Common names Popoti ndongo (Malila), liposa (Kinga) Lopholaena dolichopappa in flower in grassland near Shilanga Description A low growing, semi-succulent, shrubby herb from 30 to 60 cm high arising from a perennial woody rootstock. The stems are trailing to erect, becoming woody with age. The narrow leaves are sessile, 1.5 – 6.0 cm long and 0.3 – 1.5 cm wide. The solitary flowers are 1.2 – 7 cm long and borne in the leaf axils or terminally on lateral branches. They have 3 – 6 white florets, sometimes tinged lilac, which have purple anthers. Ecology Widespread in the Southern Highlands. Found in rocky grassland where it may be common after burning. Also in bushland with Protea sp. Present in Malawi and Zambia. Uses I n Umalila the roots are used to reduce temperature. The leaves are also put in water and the liquid drunk for the same purpose. Kinga people use the plant as a cure for snake bite. References Cribb & Leedal 1982, Burrows & Willis 2005, FTEA 2005 164 Maerua edulis (Capparaceae) Common names Utupa Photo: Petra Ballings Description A bushy shrub growing to 2.4 m, occasionally to 3 m high. Often several stems arise from the tuberous rootstock. Leaves are stalked, greyish-green, leathery, alternate, oval or round, and approximately 3 cm long. The solitary yellow or whitish flowers have a wavy, feathery appearance and arise in the axils of the upper leaves. They often close slightly during the heat of the day and are 20 mm across, on stalks as long as the leaves. The fruit is up to 3 cm long borne on a long stalk. Ripe fruits are yellow or orange, 20 mm in diameter. Ecology Found at altitudes up to 1850 m throughout East Africa. Also present in Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia and Zimbabwe. Found in dry bush-land and open areas in vegetation beside water. Common in sandy areas, on light clay soils and rocky sites in Kenya. Uses The fruit pulp and seeds are edible, as is the root, which is chewed as a stimulant and to quench thirst. The root is also used to control insect pests being washed, peeled, chopped and dried in the sun before being ground to powder. A pinch of powder is then put in the funnel of the maize plant to control stalk-borer. The dried root powder is also used to control maize pests in store. I n East Africa a decoction of the roots is drunk as a treatment for syphilis and gonorrhoea, the leaf pulp is used as a dressing for rheumatism and a decoction of the roots and bark is used to treat eye diseases. I n photo Kenya the roots are boiled and mixed with broth to promote health and strength. Freshly sliced pieces of root thrown into muddy water will make it clear. The foliage can be used as a fodder for goats in the dry season, if eaten sparingly. I n Ethiopia bees forage on a related species, M. angolensis. References Glover et al. 1966, Wild et al. 1972, Kokwaro 1976, Blundell 1987, Peters et al. 1992, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Maundu et al. 1999, Ruffo et al. 2002 165 Maesa lanceolata (Primulaceae) Common names I nkuti (Malila), mtelepa (Fipa), mtandu (Hehe) Description A straggling shrub or tree growing to over 20 m high. The leaves are simple and alternate and sometimes produce an orange-red resin when broken. The leaf stalk is 1.4 – 4 cm long. Leaves are from 6 to 22 cm long and 2 to 11 cm wide. Flowers are very small, white to pale yellow, sweet scented in branched axillary panicles. Fruit is a yellow-brown to red berry 0.3 – 0.6 cm in diameter. Ecology Grows in mountainous forested areas and at the edges of forest. Present in much of tropical and southern Africa and in Madagascar and the Arabian peninsula. Propagation The tree can probably be grown from seed. Uses The scented flowers are reported to be visited by bees. I n Tanzania the white, soft wood is used for firewood, charcoal and tool handles and in Kenya and Malawi as hut poles. The fruits or seeds are used as a medicine for stomach worms. Roots are used to treat stomachache, jaundice and sore throats. A decoction of boiled roots is taken for convulsions in children by the Hehe people. Fruits are used to treat guinea worm in Malawi. I n Uganda the shrub is sometimes grown as a hedge in damp places. The bark has a sharp taste and is used in Kenya to Both photos: Geoff Nichols make a stimulating drink. Fruits are reported to be sweet. I n South Africa slightly warmed leaves are rubbed on wounds and sprains. A decoction of the decorticated root is used as an emetic to treat biliousness and the powdered fruit or seeds are used to prepare a remedy for intestinal worms in humans and livestock. References Bally 1937, Williamson 1975, Kokwaro 1976, Coates Palgrave 1983, Beentje 1994, Burkill 1997, Glen & Ngwenya 2005, Lovett et al. 2006 166 Maytenus undata (Celastraceae) Common names I zorote, mpwagili (Malila), chongalindi (Fipa), koko tree Description A shrub or branched tree up to 10 m high. Bark is grey-brown, smooth but later finely grooved. Branches have no spines or hairs. Leaves are alternate, often shiny above, oval to circular, 3.2 – 13 cm long and 1.2 – 7.5 cm wide with toothed edges. Fruits are yellow to red and 4 - 7 mm long. Maytenus undata in flower near I zumbwe in July Ecology Found in lowland and mountain savanna areas in East and West Africa and in dry upland forest, often associated with cedar or olive trees. I t is also found in degraded forests, in bush-land or in clumps of woodland in grassland. Propagation Grows easily from seed. No treatment is necessary. The tree can also be grown from cuttings. Uses The fruits are edible. Bees were seen very active collecting pollen and nectar at midday. Related plants are known to be visited by bees in Ethiopia. Timber is red, hard and heavy, used for tool handles, hut building and for firewood. The leafy branches are used as a livestock feed in times of drought. The bark is eaten as a relish in Kenya and a decoction of the bark is used as a tonic. A drink can be made from pounding the bark and steeping it in cold water. The plant is sometimes grown as a hedge. References Coates Palgrave 1983, Burkill 1985, Bekele-Tesemma et al. 1993, Beentje 1994, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Hepburn & Radloff 1998, Lovett et al. 2006 167 Melia azedarach (Meliaceae) Common names Mwarubaini nusu (Swahili), Persian lilac, syringa, China berry Tree growing in I lembo village Description A small tree up to 10 m tall which usually sheds its leaves. Bark is grey, becoming rough and brown. Leaflets are up to 8 cm long, shiny green, slightly toothed and having a long, pointed tip. Flowers are produced in pale lilac clusters, each flower having a dark purple centre. Fruits are oval, fleshy, yellow-orange when ripe, in clusters which persist on the bare tree. Each fruit contains 4 – 6 seeds. Ecology Native of western Asia and the Himalayas. Widely planted in the tropics and sub-tropics. I t will grow on most soils, both acidic and saline, up to 2000 m. I t is drought resistant and moderately termite resistant. Propagation The tree produces large numbers of seeds which should be stored in a cool place. The seed can be sown in a nursery or direct on site. Fruits should be soaked in water until the seed can be gently eased out and planted within 2 weeks of harvesting. Do not store seed in plastic bags. Management The tree grows quite fast and can be pollarded, lopped, coppiced or pruned. I t also produces suckers. When grown for timber remove lower branches up to a height of 6 m. Uses Although the tree was not in flower bees are known to collect both pollen and nectar from the flowers. Tea made from the leaves can be used to treat intestinal 168 worms and malaria. Fruits are known to be very poisonous to humans, livestock and poultry and especially to pigs. Wood is used for firewood, charcoal and tool handles. The bark is also used medicinally as a powerful anthelmintic. The tree is grown for shade and to produce building poles. I ts rapid growth make it suitable for firewood production. Aqueous and alcoholic extracts of leaves and seeds are reported to control many insect, mite and nematode pests. Aqueous extracts of the outer pulp of the fruit are used, for example, to control potato tuber moth (100 g per 10 litres water). Dried leaves and twigs are used to protect clothes, books and leather items. Leaves are placed between mats and supporting boards to control bed bugs in China. I n I ndia the leaves are fed to sheep and goats to free them from worms. The wood resembles mahogany and makes good construction timber durable in exposed situations and resistant to termites. The leaves can be used as green manure. Unripe fruits References De Wildeman 1903, Wild et al. 1972, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Mbuya et al. 1994, Ahmed & I dris 1997, Katende et al. 2000, Stoll 2000, Hirt & M’pia 2001, Dharani 2002 Melia azedarach in flower in D.R. Congo 169 Mikaniopsis tanganyikensis (Asteraceae) Common names I zeru Description A scrambling shrub or creeper which climbs by means of twining leaf stalks. Leaves are heart shaped. Mikaniopsis species resemble those of Senecio. Ecology The plant was growing at the forest edge. Uses Bees were seen collecting nectar in October near Shilanga. A related species, M. clematoides provides pollen and nectar to honey bees in Ethiopia. Remarks A rare plant, only the second collection from Tanzania (Kaj Vollesen – personal communication) References Fichtl & Adi 1994, Agnew 2013 Major Pepete with two women from Mbagara. Older people generally know the names and uses of many different plants and it is vital for future generations that this knowledge is not lost. 170 Millettia oblata (Fabaceae) Common names Mhafa (Shambaa) Description A tree, usually growing to 10 m, but may reach 30 m. Leaves alternate having 9 - 21 leaflets, rusty pubescent below, on a stalk up to 30 cm long. I nflorescence up to 35 cm long. Fruit pods brown 10 cm long. Millettia oblata in flower near Mufindi in October Ecology Present in submontane and montane forests in the Eastern Arc and Lake Nyasa areas of Tanzania and in Taita hills in south eastern Kenya. Propagation Millettia species can be grown from seed Uses Bees were seen collecting nectar in October. Millettia species are important honeybee forage in southern wet savanna and northern dry savanna. The wood is heavy, hard and used for building poles, firewood, charcoal, tool handles and pestles. The tree is used for shade and as an ornamental. I n Sukuma (Tanzania) and Meru (Kenya) the bark is pounded and the powder put in cold water. The liquid is strained off and drunk to relieve stomach-ache and coughing. The roots are boiled in soup which is then taken once or twice a day to treat swellings in the body. A root decoction is drunk to treat bladder troubles. References Kokwaro 1976, Beentje 1994, Hepburn & Radloff 1998, Lovett et al. 2006, FZ 2007 171 Momordica foetida (Cucurbitaceae) Common names I nyole (Malila), nyasalasala (Hehe), mnukia muuma (Swahili) Description A hairy climber or creeping herb growing from a perennial rootstock. Tendrils arise from opposite the leaves and are simple or forked. Young stems are spotted dark green. The plant has an unpleasant smell. Leaves are alternate, 8 – 12 cm across. Male and female flowers are on separate plants. Female flowers are borne on long stalks arising from the axils. They are pale yellow and have a black centre. 4 – 8 male flowers are borne together. Fruit pale yellow to bright orange, up to 6.5 cm long covered with soft orange bristles. The fruit bursts when ripe revealing the seeds in a red pulp. Ecology Found at forest edges and clearings, and on disturbed ground up to an altitude of 2400 m. Widespread in tropical Africa and also in South Africa. Management The troublesome weed. plant can become a Uses I n Umalila the roots are used to treat women with heavy periods. Leaves and roots are pounded, water added and the liquid is drunk for stomachache. Elsewhere in Tanzania, and also in Gabon, Sudan and Uganda, the leaves are gathered from the wild and eaten as a vegetable in times of hunger. The pulp of the ripe fruits is also eaten in these countries and in Ghana and Kenya. Plants are reported to be grazed by cattle in Sudan, though other reports say that the plant is poisonous to stock. The leaves are fed to rabbits in Kenya. References Blundell 1987, Ruffo et al. 2002, Bosch 2004 172 Morella salicifolia (Myricaceae) Synonym Myrica salicifolia Common names I siwiziwe (Malila), mdatsa, mwefi, ndaitsa (Hehe) Description An evergreen shrub or small to medium tree up to 15 m high with a compact crown and having large branches. Bark is thick, corky, pale-grey and deeply fissured. Leaves are simple, alternate, 1.5 - 17 cm long, dark green above and pale green beneath. There are small yellow glands on the under-surface of the leaves and the leaves have a spicy aromatic smell when crushed. Male and female flowers are separate. The small yellow flowers are fragrant. Young twigs are glandular and hairy. Fruit is a very small purple berry, having white waxy dots on the surface. Ecology Grows at the edges of dry mountain forests and in forest regrowth in Tanzania, often on rocky, shallow soils. Also present in Kenya, Malawi, Zambia, Ethiopia and in the Arabian peninsula. Altitude range 1600 – 3300 m. Propagation Can be grown from seed or root suckers. Germination rate is fast but few seeds germinate. Only fresh seed should be used. Management The tree can be coppiced but is slow growing. I t is fire resistant. Uses. The flowers are reported to be visited by bees. Morella species are recorded as being good bee forage in the Sahel. The leaves are eaten by an edible caterpillar variously called iungu, sambenze or isiwiziwe which is collected in March (see page 218). The gut is not removed. The caterpillar also feeds on izenya ( Agauria salicifolia) and mshesheru (unidentified). The wood is moderately hard and of poor quality. I t is used for local carpentry only and for firewood and charcoal. The tree makes a good shade. The bark is chewed for toothache and bark extracts are used to treat body pains and fatigue. Seeds and roots are used as an anthelmintic and to treat coughs. Roots are used as a slow acting medicine for stomach-ache and headaches. Roots are pounded and soaked in water or boiled and the infusion drunk for indigestion. A decoction of bark together with milk is given to children as a tonic. Pounded young leaves with ghee are rubbed on to treat skin infections. The tree is also reported to be used for making a dye and for basket work. References Kokwaro 1976, Mbuya et al. 1994, Hepburn & Radloff 1998, White et al. 2001, Burrows & Willis 2005, Lovett et al. 2006 173 Morus alba (Moraceae) Common names Mforsadi, mfurusadi (Swahili), mulberry Description A small fast growing deciduous tree, up to 8 m tall. The bark is pale-brown or pink-grey, smooth and yields a white or yellowish-white latex. Leaves are very variable, oval to heart shaped with 3 nerves from the base, 5 -15 cm long, but usually small and coarsely toothed. The small, green, male and female flowers are borne on different plants. Fruit is up to 2 cm long, pink to dark maroon, sweet and juicy. Ecology Grows in subtropical to mild temperate areas. The plant prefers a moist climate, up to an altitude of 2000 m and tolerates shade. I t grows best on a deep alluvial soil with adequate moisture. I t does not withstand drought. The tree is widely grown in Tanzania. Propagation Grown from seedlings or cuttings but seed germinates poorly. The tree can also be grown by layering. Management Fast growing when planted from cuttings. Fruit is produced after 3 years. The tree requires pruning to maintain its shape and to allow new shoots to develop. I t should be protected from livestock. Uses The sweet, juicy fruit is rather tasteless when eaten fresh but can be made into juice, jam or chutney. The tree can be used as a hedge or planted close together along the contours to stabilize steep slopes. Wood is suitable for house building, furniture, tool handles and makes a medium quality fuel. Leaves can be fed to livestock and are highly nutritious. I n some countries the leaves are eaten as a vegetable or used to raise silkworms. References Mbuya et al. 1994, I CRAF 1998, Najma Dharani 2002 fruit 174 Musa spp. (Musaceae) Common names I ndoki (Malila), banana Ecology Commonly grown around homes. Deep friable loams and soils which are not compacted are preferred. High organic matter and fertility assure good yields. Bananas require an adequate supply of water but high rainfall tends to encourage disease problems. Propagation By sucker. Remove old roots and diseased parts and place suckers in a sack and dip in boiling water for 30 seconds to control nematodes and borers. The best method of planting is to dig out a hole 60 x 60 x 60 cm, add 5 debes (20 litre tins) of manure and mix with top soil in the base of the hole. Plant the sucker in the pit at the beginning of the rains and add household waste and manure from time to time. Management Remove all dead leaves. There should be 6 to 8 healthy leaves remaining on the plant for adequate fruit development. Remove excess suckers. Cut out old stems below ground level after harvest and cover the exposed surface with soil to reduce borer/ weevil infestation. Chop up the stems to encourage them to dry out or rot down quickly. Uses The main use is for edible fruit. Bees forage for nectar and pollen from the flowers throughout the day, though not all nectar is available to them. Nectar secretion is increased by rain and damp soil. The flavour of the honey produced is sharp, similar to tamarind. References Crane et al. 1984, The small dessert bananas known as ‘Kambani’ are commonly eaten as a snack. ‘I siya’ is a larger type which can be eaten fresh or cooked. Nakasone & Paull 1998 175 Myrianthus holstii (Urticaceae) Common names I twiza, iswizya (Malila), mfutsa, mkwaliti, mvalambi (Hehe), mabagala (Kinga), mswiza, mskisya, msuisya (Nyakyusa), liwisha (Nyiha), giant yellow mulberry Description A tree up to 20 m high, but often less, with a short trunk and large branches. Bark is grey-brown producing a watery sap, which turns black on exposure. Leaves are 25 – 60 cm across, compound and palm shaped made up of 5 – 7 leaflets, the largest central leaflet being 20 – 30 cm long. Outer leaflets are smaller. Leaf edge is toothed, the upper surface being smooth and dark green. Lower side is greygreen and hairy, with clearly marked veins. Leaves are borne on a hairy stalk 7 – 35 cm long. Male and female flowers are on separate trees. Male flowers are greenish with orange anthers. Female flowers are in a stalked yellow head 2 cm in diameter. Fruit is usually round, 5 - 8 cm in diameter, hard and yellow when ripe with sections like a pineapple. A second species, M. arboreus, with fruits 6 - 10 cm in diameter (see below), is also present. The seeds are surrounded by an acid yellow pulp. Ecology Present in rain forest, and in mountain forests, sometimes at the edges or in forest regrowth and along rivers between altitudes of 900 and 2100 m. Occurs from Mozambique and Zimbabwe northwards to Zambia, and in D.R. Congo, Uganda and Kenya. Propagation The tree can be grown from seed, wild seedlings or root suckers. Crush the fruit to extract the seeds. Store in a cool dry place. Management The tree coppiced or pollarded. can be Uses Fresh fruits are collected and eaten, sometimes being sold in local markets. Timber is white and soft and used for firewood, torches and cups in Tanzania. Leaves make a good mulch, and the tree is useful for soil and water conservation. Honeybees are reported to visit the flowers. References FZ 1991, Mbuya et al. 1994, White et al. 2001, Ruffo et al. 2002, Burrows & Willis 2005, Lovett et al. 2006 176 Mystroxylon aethiopicum (Celastraceae) Synonym Cassine aethiopica Common names I tobero, insambwa (Malila), mlimbolimbo (Swahili), kooboo berry Description A very variable shrub or small evergreen tree up to 18 m high. Bark is black to dark brown and rough. Leaves 1.6 – 12 cm long and 0.8 5.6 wide, leathery, ovate to oblong, apex rounded, margins entire or finely toothed. Flowers are pale green/ yellow. When ripe the fruit is a red to purplish berry from 0.8 to 2 cm in diameter. Ecology Found in mountain and riverine forests between 0 and 2450 m altitude. Also common in woodland and on termite mounds. Present from Ethiopia to the Western Cape in South Africa, Madagascar and the I ndian Ocean islands. The shrub is drought hardy. Propagation Remove flesh from the berry and plant seeds in an equal mixture of sand and compost in a warm site. Keep soil moist. The seed takes 2 – 3 weeks to germinate. Keep seedlings in shade and then gradually expose them to more sunlight. Plant out in the following rain season. Photos: Robert von Blittersdorff www.eastafricanplants.senckenberg.de Uses The flowers are reported to be visited by bees. The fruit is edible and sweet and ripens in March and April. The thin sticks are used to sew up sacks as the wood is very hard and strong. I n South Africa the Xhosa people use the wood to make tool handles and as firewood. Zulus prepare a milk infusion from the bark as a drench for worm infestation in calves. Root bark is used to treat diarrhoea and dysentery. Bark tea is drunk by children for stomach pain. The bark is used for tanning leather. References Coates Palgrave 1983, Peters et al 1992, Venter & Venter 1996, Neuwinger 2000, Burrows & Willis 2005, Lovett et al. 2006 177 Neoboutonia macrocalyx (Euphorbiaceae) Common names I papama (Malila), pofwe (Fipa) Description A fast growing tree up to 25 m tall with a short trunk. Bark thin, fairly smooth, grey-brown. The under bark is green. Young leaves and shoots are covered with pale brown hairs. Leaves are large and rounded, 6 – 35 cm in diameter with prominent veins and on stalks 10 – 20 cm long. The yellow-green flowers are in terminal heads 50 x 30 cm. Fruit is a grey, three lobed capsule 12 13 mm in diameter. Ecology Grows on the edges and in clearings in upland forest. A quick growing pioneer tree where moist forest has been disturbed or cleared. Left: Neoboutonia macrocalyx in flower in June beside a forest track near I lembo Propagation Can be grown from seed or wild seedlings. Harvest the capsules just before they open. Spread out on polythene sheeting and collect the seeds when the capsules open. Seed can be stored in sealed containers in a cool place but must be sown within two months. Uses The wood is soft, white and fibrous and suitable for firewood, carving and paper pulp. The tree can be planted along contours to conserve soil. Bees were seen collecting nectar in June. The root, bark and leaves are used medicinally in Burundi and eastern Congo. References Beentje 1994, Katende et al. 1995, Neuwinger 2000, Lovett et al. 2006 178 Neorautanenia mitis (Fabaceae) Common names I hole Description A very variable erect shrubby herb, climbing and scrambling, with stems up to 2 m long, or more, arising from a large tuberous rootstock which may weigh 12 kg or more. Leaves are alternate, trifoliate and on stalks. I ndividual leaflets are round and 3 lobed, 5 – 19 cm long and 4 – 19 cm wide. The mauve, purple or sometimes whitish flowers are in dense racemes 10 - 50 cm long. Fruit pods are 10 – 13 cm long and 1.5 - 1.8 cm wide, leathery, releasing black or blackish-red seeds. Ecology Found in grassland, bushland, open woodland, sometimes in rocky places with an altitude range between 1200 and 1450 m. The plant is widespread across tropical Africa from Sudan to south western Africa. Uses I n Umalila the root is washed, peeled, chopped and dried in the sun before being ground to powder. A pinch of powder is then put in the funnel of the maize plant to control stalk-borer. However this should be done during the rain season to avoid the risk of burning the plants. The dried root is sometimes used for firewood. The flowers are reported to be visited by honeybees. The powdered root is sometimes sprinkled on to bees to make them quiet while harvesting honey. However as the root powder is used by the Wahehe and Sukuma people as an effective protection for stored maize against insect attack, this practice is not recommended. The cooked leaves are used medicinally, bound onto areas affected by scabies or pounded and applied as a repellent for sand fleas. I n Rwanda the powdered root, mixed with butter, is used to treat calves with mange. The root is poisonous and reported to contain the chemical rolvarine. I t can be used to rub on furniture to protect against borers. The root serves as an emergency source of fluid for people in the deserts of south western Africa. They slice off the top and pound the flesh. The sap separates and is then removed for use. The fruit is also used as a food by the Sukuma people in times of famine. The plant is effective in killing bilharzia carrying fresh water snails. Sap is used as a soap substitute in Zimbabwe. References Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962, Wild et al. 1972, Williamson 1975, Kokwaro 1976, Burkill 1995, van Wyk & Gericke 2000, Raemaekers 2001, Agnew 2013 179 Nicandra physalodes (Solanaceae) Common names I fuate, ifoti (Malila), nyasongwe (Hehe), apple of Peru Description A much branched, erect annual herb growing to 1.2 m high. Leaves are alternate with irregularly and deeply toothed margins. Flowers pale blue to purplish with white centres. Stamens 1.5 to 2.5 cm long. The plant can be found flowering when only a few cm tall. Widespread and flowering during most of the year. Ecology An introduced weed from Peru and Central America. Grows in arable land up to an Photo: David Watson altitude of 2400 m. Now present in Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and South Africa. I t is sometimes the dominant weed in maize. Propagation The plant spreads by seed. Uses Young tender leaves are collected in the rain season and used as a vegetable in Tanzania. They are sometimes sold commercially. Flowering takes place nearly all year round and bees are reported to collect pollen and some nectar. Right: Nicandra physaloides in cropland near Sasyaka References Moriarty 1975, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Ruffo et al. 2002, Agnew 2013 180 Nicotiana tabacum (Solanaceae) Common names I ntumba (Malila), tumbako (Swahili), tobacco Description An annual or short lived perennial herb growing 1 – 3 m high. Ecology Tobacco thrives in a warm climate and needs sufficient rainfall while the plants are young. I t does not grow well on water-logged soils or soils with a high salt content. Propagation Seed is long lived and should be sown thinly in a fine seedbed. One teaspoon is sufficient for 30 sq. m. Sowing is best carried out using a watering can. Place the seed in the can, add water, stir and then use a fine spray. Uses The plant can be used as a spray to control insects. The highest concentration of nicotine is in the stalks and leaf ribs. Sprays are most effective when the temperature is above 30°C. Food crops should not be eaten until 4 days after spraying. The plant also acts as an insect repellent and a fungicide. Nicotine spray is effective against aphids, cabbage worms, caterpillars, flea beetles, grain weevils, leaf miners, mites, stem borers, thrips and rust disease in beans. Soak 1 kg crushed tobacco stalks and leaves in 15 litres water for one day. Add some grated soap (this will help the liquid stick to the sprayed plants). Filter out the solid material. Spray immediately using a fine nozzle. Clean out all utensils carefully after use. Nicotine is a very toxic organic poison. I t is important not to allow the spray to come in contact w ith the skin during application. Tobacco is also a useful bee plant providing both pollen and nectar. Though the honey from tobacco is unpalatable by itself it is normally brought in with nectar from other plants, which masks the unpleasant taste. References Purseglove 1968, Crane et al. 1984, Stoll 2000 181 Nuxia congesta (Stilbaceae) Common names I mbaza (Malila), mongwa (Fipa), mungogo (Hehe), brittlewood, common wild elder Description A shrub or small tree often with many stems, up to 10 m high or 25 m in closed forest. The trunk is often twisted, corrugated, and the lower branches often hang down. Bark is grey to brown, flaking lengthwise in long strips. Young branches are 3 – 6 sided with thicker nodes where the leaves arise. Leaves are 7 - 11 cm long and 2 - 5 cm wide, leathery, dull green, in groups of 3 at the ends of branches. They have short stalks, sometimes with a few coarse teeth near the apex, or with a rounded or notched tip. Flowers are heavily scented, small, white, cream or mauve, in dense terminal flat or rounded heads. Ecology Grows in the lower storey vegetation in forest edges and in drier evergreen highland forests. Altitude range is from 1500 to 3100 m. Present across central Africa, north to Eritrea and in southern Africa. Propagation Can be grown from seed or wild seedlings. Collect the fruits when mature. Seed can be stored. Management The tree is slow growing and can be coppiced or pollarded. Uses A good bee forage. Bees collect abundant nectar and pollen throughout the day. The flowers are known to be a valuable source of honey at higher altitudes. Other Nuxia species are reported to be good honey producers. I n East Africa the bark or leaves Photo: Bart Wursten are chewed or boiled in water and the liquid drunk to cure indigestion. Bark is used in Uganda to treat toothache and impotence. References Wild et al 1972, Kokwaro 1976, FZ 1983, Bekele-Tesemma et al. 1993, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Katende et al. 1995, Hepburn & Radloff 1998, Hyde & Wursten 2002-6, Lovett et al. 2006 182 Nymphaea nouchali (Nymphaeaceae) Common names Maleve (Nyamwezi), lombo (Bena), lubehe (Hehe), myungiyungi (Swahili), water lily Description A robust water plant growing from a tuberous rhizome. Leaves are from 25 – 40 cm across and usually have wavy rather than toothed edges. The fragrant flowers are white to bright blue or mauve with a mass of long yellow stamens and remain open all day. They are up to 20 cm across and are borne well above the water. Ripe fruit 2 - cm in diameter. Ecology Mostly found in water 30 – 90 cm deep, in pools, lake edges, swamps with papyrus. Altitude range 0 – 2700 m. Propagation Can be grown from seed. Uses I n Tanzania the tubers are either boiled and eaten or sliced, dried in the sun, then pounded to a flour and made into porridge. References Cribb & Leedal 1982, Phillips & Rix 1997, Katende et al. 1999, Ruffo et al. 2002, Lebrun & Stork 2003, Malaisse 2010 183 Ocimum gratissimum (Lamiaceae) Common names I songwa, ishiomwe (Malila), East I ndian basil, tea bush, tree basil, fever plant Description An erect, branched, woody shrub from 30 to 250 cm tall. Ecology Widespread in open sites in central and eastern Africa and in tropical Asia. Common in disturbed ground in upland forest areas, with an altitude range of 600 – 2400 m. Left: Ocimum gratissimum in grassland at I tundu in July. Uses The plant is widely known as an aromatic, antiseptic herb and as a stimulant. I t is an important medicinal plant, particularly in western and central Africa. I n eastern Tanzania a root decoction is drunk and leaf pulp is rubbed on the body to treat convulsions and epilepsy. The leaves can be infused to make a tea and the oil is used in perfumery. The plant is burnt as a mosquito repellent in southern Africa. plant The strongly scented leaves are rubbed between the palms and snuffed as a treatment for blocked nostrils. The leaves and oil are used to treat fevers, headaches, impotence, diarrhoea, dysentery and worms in children. They are also rubbed on to the skin to treat rheumatism and lumbago. This and other species of Ocimum are frequently rubbed onto hives, especially around the entrance, to attract bees. Other species are known to be important bee forage plants which flower over long periods. References Watt & Breyer - Brandwijk 1962. Kokwaro 1976, Howes 1979, Blundell 1987, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Bown 1995, Burkill 1995, Hepburn & Radloff 1998, Neuwinger 2000, Paterson 2006, Agnew 2013 184 Ocimum lamiifolium (Lamiaceae) Common names I sawi Description An erect, robust, branching shrub up to 3 m high. Leaves are opposite and covered with fine hairs. Flowers are white or very pale purple in compound or simple terminal flower heads. Ecology Sometimes grown as a hedge plant. Locally common on mountain forest edges and in disturbed ground. Altitude range 1500 – 2700 m. Present in Maasai, Tabora, Mbeya and I ringa regions in Tanzania and also in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, eastern D.R. Congo and Ethiopia. Left: Ocimum lamiifolium growing in wasteland near Yalenga. Propagation Can be grown from seed. Uses A hedge plant. Bees were collecting pollen and nectar in April. The plant has a long flowering period. Ocimum species are known to be important bee forage plants. I n Ethiopia the leaves are reported to have value in reducing fever. References Blundell 1987, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Hepburn & Radloff 1998, Agnew 2013 185 Olinia rochetiana (Penaeaceae) Synonym O. usambarensis Common names I wobe (Malila), mlandege (Hehe), mlyanku (Fipa) Description A shrub or tree up to 20 m tall. Bark is light grey-brown, flaking in thin yellow-brown flakes. When cut the branches have a characteristic unpleasant burnt smell. Small branches are square in cross section. Leaves are bright red when young, opposite, up to 7 cm long and are wider towards the tip. Leaves have toothed edges. The leaf stalk is grooved and often pinkish. Flowers are cream white fading to pink-red, strong smelling, very small and in dense round heads up to 7.5 cm diameter. Fruit is in heavy bunches, red-brown when ripe, and 0.5 - 1 cm in diameter. Ecology The tree is found in grass and bushland. I t is also found on the margins of evergreen forest, near streams, in gallery forests and rocky outcrops. The tree is present in D.R. Congo, Rwanda, Kenya, Angola, Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe and South Africa. Propagation Can be grown from seed or transplanted small wild seedlings. Soaking the seed in cold water for 24 hours may hasten germination. Management The tree can be coppiced or pollarded. Uses The tree is reported to be visited by bees and is known to be an important bee forage being worked for pollen and nectar in Ethiopia. The tree is commonly used for firewood though, in Umalila, it is reported to make poor firewood and is better made into charcoal. The stems are used for house building, farm tools and walking sticks. The leaves are eaten by goats and cattle. I n Uganda the tree is planted for soil conservation, the timber is used for firewood and charcoal and the roots and bark are used as medicine. The roots, bark and young leaves are used medicinally in Kenya to treat fevers, tapeworms, rheumatism, bronchitis and indigestion and as a stimulant. The tree is also planted for ornamental purposes. References Kokwaro 1976, FZ 1978, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Hepburn & Radloff 1998, Katende et al. 1999, Neuwinger 2000, Burrows & Willis 2005, Lovett et al. 2006 186 Photo: Reinhard Fichtl Oreosyce africana (Cucurbitaceae) Common names I nyuli Oreosyce africana growing in a hedge at Shilanga village Description A perennial climbing or trailing plant, producing annual stems 3 – 4 m long, having tendrils. Stems are rough and covered with brown hairs. Leaf blade is hairy, slightly 3 – 5 lobed and may be roughly triangular in outline, 2 – 10 cm long and 3 – 8 cm wide. Lobes are triangular with central lobe the largest. The leaf stalk has brown hairs and is 2.4 – 11 cm long. Male flowers are in groups of 2 – 5, having pale yellow or cream petals, which are rounded and united at the base. Female flowers are solitary on short stalks. Both sexes are on the same plant. The green to greenish white fruit is borne on a stalk up to 2 cm long, is roughly oval, 1.5 – 3 cm long, bearing tubercles of different lengths. Ecology Found in upland grassland, also on the edges and in clearings in forest and bamboo thicket . Altitude range 900 – 3000 m. Also present in Uganda, Kenya, Malawi, Angola, Cameroon, eastern D.R. Congo, Ethiopia and Madagascar. Uses Bees were seen collecting nectar near Shilanga village. Elsewhere in Tanzania the plant is cooked with Justicia heterocarpa and the soup taken to accelerate childbirth. The leaf is rubbed on areas affected by ringworm. References FTEA 1967, Burkill 1985, Burrows & Willis 2005, Agnew 2013 187 Osyris lanceolata (Santalaceae) Synonym O. quadripartita Common names I weya (Malila), mbula (Nyakyusa), mkaisya (Fipa), lidunula, mdunula (Bena), mdunula (Hehe), msandali (Swahili), African or East African sandalwood Description An evergreen shrub or small tree from 1 to 6 m tall. Bark is smooth and grey later becoming thick and rough. Leaves are simple and alternate, crowded along the stems, grey, blue or yellowgreen, slightly fleshy, becoming tough and leathery, 1 – 7 cm long with a sharp tip. The edges are tightly rolled under, the short petiole runs down the stem forming a ridge. Male and female flowers are separate but on the same plant. Male flowers are short and greenish in loose, few flowered clusters. The female flowers are usually solitary. Fruits are waxy, oval to round berries, about 1 cm long, greenyellow ripening to shiny red, fleshy and edible, containing one seed. Ecology Grows on well drained soils as an under-storey shrub in highland forests and forest remnants and on rocky ridges and mountain slopes from 1500 to 2500 m altitude. Found in Kenya, Ethiopia, Burundi and South Africa. Also present in southern Europe and Asia. Propagation Can be grown from fresh seed or suckers. I t is best to nick the base of the seed to increase germination speed which is normally 60% after 6 weeks. Management Very slow growing and requires shade in the early stages. Uses Reported to be used as a salt substitute in Umalila. Elsewhere in Tanzania the leaf, roots and bark infusions are drunk as a tea and as a tonic. The fruit is found from July to December and is eaten raw. The roots and bark are sold locally and also exported to make perfume. The wood is very hard, strong and heavy and used for carvings, mortars, firewood, pestles, pegs, beds and building poles. The roots are used to make a red dye. The shrub can be planted as an ornamental and for soil conservation. Flowers are produced throughout the year and bees collect pollen and nectar. Root fibres are used to make baskets. Remarks The tree is endangered in Tanzania due to over-exploitation for cosmetics. I n South Africa O. compressa is regarded as a separate species and grows as a partial parasite on other trees. I t is restricted to coastal dunes. Fruit References Watt & Breyer - Brandwijk 1962, Wild et al.1972, Coates Palgrave 1983, Peters et al. 1992, Beentje 1994, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Mbuya et al. 1994, Neuwinger 2000, van Wyk & Gericke 2000, White et al. 2001, Ruffo et al. 2002, Burrows & Willis 2005, Lovett et al. 2006 188 Parinari curatellifolia (Chrysobalanaceae) Common names I yula, iwula, ihula (Malila), msaula, msawulwa, musaulwa (Bena), mwula (Fipa), msaula (Hehe), mbula, umbula (Nyakyusa), ibula, ikusu (Nyiha), mbula, mbura (Swahili), mobola plum Description An evergreen shrub or small tree with a dense rounded crown. Bark rough, dark greybrown. Young shoots have yellowish woolly hairs. Leaves oval and alternate, leathery, 3 to 8 cm long. Flowers are small, white-pink and scented. I n Tanzania flowering occurs over a long period between August and November. Fruit oval, up to 5 cm long, containing one seed with two fatty kernels. Ecology Grows in most areas of Tanzania, from 0 to 2100 m in grassland often persisting in secondary bushland and cultivated land. The tree is also present in Uganda, Kenya, Zimbabwe and Parinari curatellifolia near Shilanga South Africa and from Senegal to Cameroon. Propagation Grow from seed or use wild seedlings or root suckers. Collect fresh seed from fruit on the tree. Clean the flesh away and dry the seed in the shade. I mmerse in boiling water for 15 minutes, allow to cool, then soak for 24 hours. Sow in sandy soil and cover with a thin layer of sand. Take care not to damage the tap-root when transplanting, which should be done at the 3 leaf stage. Plant out after 2 years. The young trees grow quite fast. Germination of seed may be poor and very slow , taking up to 6 months. I t should also be possible to use root suckers, which are produced after cutting or damaging the root. Management The tree is often protected in Tanzania. Uses The flowers are a valuable bee forage, providing abundant nectar and pollen. The fruit is usually eaten fresh and has a sharp taste. The taste is improved if fruits are stored for several days until completely ripe. They are sometimes dried for later use. A tasty syrup can be made by peeling the ripe fruits and soaking them in warm water or boiling the fruit in water. This is then diluted. The fruits can also be made into jam or cooked and eaten with porridge. Cooking oil can be extracted from the seeds. Fruit flesh is rich in vitamin C and the seed kernel is rich in oil. The seeds may be eaten fresh or dried, roasted and crushed and made into a paste. The wood is used for charcoal, poles and tool handles. The timber is hard and heavy and used for building rafters and for furniture. I t tends to blunt saws quickly. The tree makes an attractive, shady tree. The leaves and fruit can be used as livestock fodder. Bark can be used for tanning. A bark extract is used to bathe a person suffering from pneumonia. The mouth is rinsed with a root infusion to ease toothache. Young shoots are used as toothbrushes in Zanzibar and Pemba. References Williamson 1975, Coates Palgrave 1983, FAO 1983, Burkill 1985, FAO 1988, Mbuya et al. 1994, Venter & Venter 1996, I CRAF 1998, Msanga 1998, van Wyk & Gericke 2000, Kihwele et al. 2001, Ruffo et al. 2002 189 Passiflora edulis (Passifloraceae) Common names I pokhola (Malila), passion fruit Description A vigorous woody perennial vine, up to 15 m long. Tendrils arise from the leaf axils and are spirally coiled. Leaves are 3 lobed, 10 – 15 cm long and 12 - 25 cm wide, but are often undivided on young plants. Flowers are solitary, fragrant and 7.5 - 10 cm in diameter. Fruits become deep purple when ripe. Seeds are black and surrounded by yellowish, juicy pulp which has a sharp but pleasant flavour. Ecology The plant is native to Brazil. I t is widely grown over hedges, fences and on trees. I t prefers a cool highland climate, between altitudes of 1200 and 1500 m, where plants continue to produce for up to 8 years. The plant requires a well distributed rainfall but rain should be minimal during the flowering period. Propagation Seeds should be washed to remove the pulp and then dried in the sun. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 months. Sow in a seed-bed. Germination takes approximately 2 weeks. Young plants are usually transplanted into polythene tubes and grown in semi-shade until they are 25 - 50 cm high. They should be hardened off in full sun for 1 or 2 months before planting out. Management Pinch out the top shoot and allow 2 - 4 leaders to grow. Tie the new shoots to the fence or trellis. Pruning should be light and carried out after the crop has been harvested. I t encourages new growth and maint ains high yields. Remove all vines that touch the ground. Always cut growth a few nodes away from the main stem. Do not throw long vines over the fence but thin out some vines growing on top of the fence and leave them there to dry out and fall naturally. Uses Grown for its edible fruit which can be used fresh or made into a juice. The juice is highly nutritious and has good mineral content. I t is a digestive stimulant and has been used as a remedy for gastric tumours. Seeds are oily and have potential for soap making. Bees collect pollen and nectar and, together with carpenter bees, are the most important pollinators for the plant. Preparation of juice . Fruit is washed and diseased or damaged fruit is removed. Juice extractio Remove stalk and cut fruit in half. Remove flesh. Seeds are separated from pulp with a centrifugal extractor or can be sieved out. Water and sugar are then added to taste. Filter again. Sterilize and bottle after cooling. Juice can be stored for 3 months at 25 - 28°C. Consume within 24 hours of opening the bottle. References Purseglove 1968, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Johannesmeier & Allsopp 1995, Burkill 1997, Nakasone & Paul 1998, Bakenga et al. 2000 190 Passiflora ligularis (Passifloraceae) Common names Sweet passion fruit, sweet granadilla Description A vigorous woody climber with entire leaves, 10 – 20 cm long and greenish-white flowers, 7 – 10 cm in diameter. Fruit is an oval berry, 7 – 8 cm in diameter, orangebrown when ripe and having a hard shell. The fruit pulp is white with black, flat, pitted seeds. Leaves are large and undivided. I mmature fruits are green with a slight purple sheen at first but then turn orange. Pulp is clear and sweet. Ecology Grows in mountainous regions, 900 – 2700 m altitude in the tropics or at lower altitudes in the sub tropics. The plant originates in tropical I mmature fruit and foliage America, where it is also cultivated. Elsewhere it is occasionally cultivated, particularly in Hawaii, New Zealand and New Guinea. Propagation The plant can be grown from seed or cuttings. Management The plant needs to be supported off the ground and can be grown over a tree or trellis. Uses The pulp from the fruits is eaten fresh. I t is also made into drinks and ice creams. References Purseglove 1968, Verheij & Coronel 1991, Nakasone & Paull 1998, van Wyk 2005 191 Pavetta sp. probably abyssinica (Rubiaceae) Common names I zenya zenya Description Pavetta abyssinica is a forest under-shrub or tree 2 – 8 m tall. Leaves are opposite, glabrous, 4 – 16 cm long and 1.5 – 6 cm wide, often drying black. Leaves of Pavetta species often have bacterial nitrogen fixing nodules, visible as black or pale dots or stripes. Flowers are borne terminally on leafy branches or short leafless shoots. Fruits are black and up to 1 cm across. Ecology Present in highland forests, between 1050 and 2500 m altitudes. Also present in Kenya, Uganda and Malawi. Propagation Pavetta species can be grown from seed. Seedlings prefer being grown in some shade. They can be transplanted fairly easily. Seedlings and young plants require adequate water but once established can be grown in the sun and tolerate dry conditions. The plant grows slowly at first. Management Some Pavetta species can be grown as a hedge or screen. Uses Many bees were seen visiting the flowers in October. Pavetta species are known to be important honey plants. Remarks There are known to be 70 species of Pavetta in East Africa. The identity of this species, determined from the photographs, is likely to be P. abyssinica (H. Beentje – personal communication). References Blundell 1987, FTEA 1988, Beentje 1994, Mabberely 1997, Hepburn & Radloff 1998, White et al. 2001, Herman 2006, Lovett et al. 2006 192 Pavonia urens (Malvaceae) Common names I wawa, ibaba (Malila), mwaje (Nyakyusa), mchokochole (Swahili) Description A very variable erect shrub, 1.5 to 3 m tall. Usually the stems and leaves are covered with dense golden-brown hairs that may cause a slight skin irritation. Leaves are also variable in size, the lowermost up to 15 cm long, but the upper much smaller, borne on stalks 2.5 to 11 cm long. The flowers, 3 - 5 cm in diameter, are bright rose pink to mauve with a darker base, and have a central pink column of stamens 1.5 to 2.5 cm long. In southern Tanzania flowers are produced from towards the end of the rain season, April, and into the dry season, July onwards. Ecology Common in forest edges, secondary forest and scrub from 600 to 2000 m altitude. Widespread in tropical Africa but most common in the drier regions. Pavonia urens in flower near I lembo in June Uses Bees were seen collecting nectar in the early morning. Bees are known to collect pollen and the abundant nectar frequently in Ethiopia. The flowers may be cooked as a vegetable. String, made from the stems, is used widely. The leaves are browsed by sheep and goats. I n Kenya they are sometimes used for cleaning the hands and utensils. A decoction of the root is drunk to treat abdominal disorders in Pare, Tanzania. References Leedal 1975, Williamson 1975, Kokwaro 1976, Cribb & Leedal 1982, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Burkill 1997, Agnew 2013 193 Peddiea polyantha (Thymelaeaceae) Common names Gamboruguga Description A shrub or small tree 2 – 6 m high. Branches are light -brown and smooth. Leaf stalks are 3 – 6 mm long. Leaves are alternate, spear shaped, 9 – 14 cm long, and 2.5 – 4 cm wide. They are often clustered at the ends of the branches. The flower head has 10 – 18 yellowish green flowers with a slight violet tinge on the outside. Ecology The tree was photographed in Khatanta forest. I n Tanzania it is found in upland rainforest, from 1500 to 2200 m. Uses Bees are reported to visit flowers though, with the long corolla tube, they may have difficulty getting to the nectar. Other species of Peddiea are known to have useful fibres. References FTEA 1978 Left: Jelimaya Kanini lighting up a smoker at Yalenga. Only 30 of his 60 hives had bees. 194 Peponium vogelii (Cucurbitaceae) Common names I lomba Description A creeper up to 8 m long, normally possessing rough hairs. The tendrils divide into two. Leaves are 5 – 18 cm long and 7 – 26 cm wide and are 5 lobed. The leaf edge has sharp pointed teeth. Flowers are bright yellow, opening at night and only seen in the early morning. The fruit is bright red, hairy, thin-skinned, 15 cm long, and borne on a stalk 7 cm long. The fruit has a beak and contains small dark seeds in fleshy pulp. Ecology Found in upland and lowland rainforest, particularly at the edges and where there is a high water table, in upland bamboo thicket, woodland and in bush near open water. Also present in rocky places. Altitude range is from 100 to 2400 m. Also present in western and central Africa and south from Ethiopia to Mozambique and in the Seychelles. Uses The ripe fruit pulp is sweet and eaten raw. The unripe fruits are very bitter. The fruits are also fed to pigs and rabbits. I n Tanzania the dried powdered leaves are rubbed into scratches made in the skin to treat leprosy. I n Kenya the leaves are used as a medicine for menstrual problems. The pulped leaves are used to mature abscesses and furuncles in D.R. Congo. The ripe fruits are eaten for stomach-ache in Ethiopia. I n Burundi the leaf ash is inhaled for chest pains and for pain in the side. A leaf decoction is drunk or given by enema as a purgative. To mature boils, leaf pulp is applied as a dressing. Photo: Hanno UK Remarks The plant can become a problem weed in cultivated land. References Kokwaro 1976, Burkill 1985, Peters et al. 1992, Neuwinger 2000, Ruffo et al. 2002 195 Periploca linearifolia (Apocynaceae) Common names I ngururusi, ngurusa Description A climbing herb or woody creeper up to 10 m long. A white latex is produced from the cut stems. Leaves are narrow and pointed, 4 – 9 cm long and 0.2 – 1.2 cm wide. The flowers are cream or greenish yellow, in bunches up to 15 cm long. Fruits are cylindrical up to 15 cm long and contain many seeds with numerous white hairs attached at one end. Ecology Grows in hedges, on forest margins, in riverine forest and secondary bushland derived from forest, where it scrambles over other plants. Altitude range is from 1700 to 2400 m. Also present in Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Ethiopia. Uses The stems are used for tying. I n Marakwet, Kenya the latex is applied to skin diseases and ulcers. I n Burundi the leaf sap is drunk by pregnant women to stop vomiting. A leaf decoction is drunk for diarrhoea and insanity. A root bark infusion or decoction is drunk or administered as an enema for tapeworm. A leaf or root decoction is drunk or used for bathing for skin diseases. Leaves are soaked in water and used as a dressing for the treatment of mastitis. References Brummitt 1973, Beentje 1994, Neuwinger 2000, Burrows & Willis 2005 Near I tebera 196 Persea americana (Lauraceae) Common names I takapera, katapera (Malila), mparachichi, mwembe mafuta (Swahili), avocado pear Ecology Originally from Central America but now grown throughout the tropics and subtropics. I t is fairly common in the Southern Highlands. Mexican and Guatemalan x Mexican hybrids are most resistant to cool climates. Avocados can be grown in a wide range of soils but are sensitive to poor drainage and waterlogging. I n areas subject to high winds the trees should be protected by being grown in mixed stands with other trees. Left: Avocado flowering in May near Mbawi Propagation Young, vigorously growing seedlings, are used for rootstocks and the ends of leafy shoots for scion material. Guatemalan and West I ndian races produce the best rootstocks but Mexican rootstocks have the best resistance to cold. However they are not compatible with West I ndian scions. Seed remains viable for 2 - 3 weeks and seed coats should be removed for better germination. Plant in a nursery with seeds 35 cm apart and cover with no more than 1 cm of soil. Young plants should be side grafted with terminal tips 6 cm long, older stocks may be shield budded. Budded and grafted plants can be transplanted with a ball of earth round the roots after about 18 months. They start yielding fruit after 2 or 3 years compared with 8 – 10 years for trees grown from seed. Uses Mainly grown for its edible fruit which is rich in fat, protein and vitamins. I t is the most nutritious of all fruits. I t is reported that satisfactory crops of fruit are set only if honeybees are present in sufficient numbers throughout the flowering period. Nectar secretion is affected by climate and soil conditions being abundant when humidity is high. Honey produced is dark with a strong flavour. Though not particularly common it is said to be an important honey source locally. The wood is brittle and attacked by termites. The tree has various medicinal and antibiotic uses. Extracts of leaves and fresh shoots have shown anticancerous activity. The seed can be ground up and made into an ointment to treat various skin problems such as scabies, infected wounds and dandruff. References Purseglove 1968, McGregor 1976, Crane et al. 1984, Mbuya et al. 1994, Burkill 1995, I CRAF 1998, Bakenga et al. 2000 197 Phaseolus coccineus (Fabaceae) Synonym P. multiflorus Common names Tandawala (Malila), multiflora bean, runner bean, scarlet runner bean Description A climbing and branching, slightly hairy perennial up to 4 m tall, which is frequently grown as an annual. I t has thick, fleshy, branched tuberous roots. The stems twist and are slightly ribbed. Leaves are trifoliate with ovate leaflets, 7 – 12 cm long. Flowering starts 40 – 60 days after planting with flowers opening at sunrise and closing at sunset. Flowers are normally scarlet but white forms also exist. Pods are 10 – 30 cm long, often slightly curved and plump. Ecology Runner beans are grown widely in temperate areas. They require deep, well prepared, well drained loamy soils of a light to medium structure with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Acid soils should be avoided as they reduce the activity of the Rhizobium nitrogen fixing bacteria. The plant can only be grown at altitudes between 1950 and 2550 m in the tropics because the flowers, which are insect pollinated, are not fertilized at lower altitudes. Propagation Grown from seed. These germinate after 10 – 14 days Management Runner beans are normally grown with the maize crop so that maize acts as the support and no stakes or trellises are required. The beans can be grown without support if the leading shoots are pinched out. This encourages a bushy growth. Pollination and seed production can be increased up to 5 times by honeybees. Uses Grown for dried seeds. The fleshy fibrous roots are eaten in Central America though these may contain toxic chemicals. Runner beans are grown for green pods in Europe. Bees visit the flowers for nectar. A good flow of honey is obtained when there is adequate soil and air moisture during flowering. The plant fixes nitrogen which benefits the accompanying maize crop. References Johannesmeier 1975, Kay 1979, Tindall 1983, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Brink 2006 198 Phaseolus vulgaris (Fabaceae) Common names I mbonzo (Malila), mharagwe (Swahili), French bean, snap bean Description Dwarf or bush types are grown. These are early maturing and 20 - 60 cm in height. The taproot is well developed. Leaves are alternate on stalks 15 cm long, comprising 3 ovate leaflets 7.5 – 14 long and 5 – 10 cm wide. Flower heads are up to 15 cm long. A number of varieties are grown. Left: Maize is often inter-planted with beans. Ecology Beans are frequently planted in March and April. Some varieties do better than others if rain is very heavy. Beans are sometimes planted between lines of maize in August. The plant has a wide range of tolerance. Most varieties are adapted to growing up to 2000 m in soils with a pH range between 5.5 and 6.5. Acid soils should be avoided as they reduce the activity of the Rhizobium nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Moderately heavy loam soils are suitable. Pole beans give better results than dwarf varieties in the rain season. Propagation The seed is planted direct, 3 - 4 cm deep with 4 - 5 seeds per site, spaced 20 – 25 cm in the row and 80 - 100 cm between rows. Rows should run across the slope to limit erosion. Fertilizers are rarely used in Umalila. Mrs Mwampamba with mixed beans (left), Maini (centre) and Masusu (right). Varieties in the mixed group include Sunga wa pene, I nyangwa, Magwargwanje (has very good taste), I njeru, Kambani, Kigoma, Ndirema and Kabarengete. Management Weeding is important Leaves being dried for later use as vegetables until the plant flowers. Beans can be harvested from 70 - 90 days after planting and should be picked before the pods split open. Aphids are an important problem and can be controlled either by treating the seed prior to planting with a systemic insecticide or with a tobacco solution spray (see p 181). Uses Grown mainly for dried seeds though the young leaves are eaten as a vegetable. The leaves are also dried and stored for later use. Bees are reported to collect nectar from the flowers. References Tindall 1983, Bakenga et al. 2000, Stoll 2000, Raemaekers 2001, Messiaen & Seif 2004 199 Phragmanthera usuiensis (Loranthaceae) Common names Ulimbo Description and Ecology A robust parasitic plant with large leaves. Flowers yellow to orange. Fruits blue-green. I t grows on many cultivated and indigenous trees. This specimen was seen on Dodonea viscosa in I lomba forest, Umalila. Uses The sticky latex from the fruits is used as a bird lime. The fruits are opened and smeared round a long stick which is then set up and watched to trap birds. Kumbikumbi (termites) are fixed on the top to attract birds. The ash of burnt twigs is licked with salt to treat diarrhoea in D.R. Congo. Heated stems are applied to treat pneumonia and general pain by the Maasai. Remarks Loranthaceae depend on birds for pollination and have rather firm, often red or orange flowers. There are 98 species of Loranthaceae in East Africa. Loranthaceae are not pollinated by insects and often flower in the dry season. References Blundell 1987, Fichtl and Adi 1994, Neuwinger 2000, Vande weghe 2005, Agnew 2013 200 Physalis peruviana (Solanaceae) Common names I nzungu, ithungu (Malila), Cape gooseberry Description A trailing to erect herb up to 80 cm tall. Leaves are alternate and entire. Flowers are small, yellow and borne in the leaf axils. Fruits are round orange berries, 1 – 2 cm, enclosed in a papery calyx. Ecology Originally from Peru but is now widely grown, particularly in South Africa. I t grows wild on waste land, at forest edges at altitudes between 2000 and 2600 m. I t thrives in full sun, is fairly drought resistant and does not like waterlogged conditions. I t should not be grown in ground previously used for tomatoes or potatoes but can be intercropped with maize. Prefers a sandy, well-drained soil with a pH of about 6.5 but will grow in a wide range of fertile soils. Propagation The berry is crushed, dried out in the sun and the seeds extracted. Seeds should be stored in a cool place. Sow seeds 0.5 cm deep in a seed-bed choosing seed from strong plants with large fruits. This is normally done at the beginning of the dry season. Germination takes 10 - 15 days. Transplant seedlings to 10 cm apart in the nursery when they have developed 2 - 3 leaves. Cuttings also take very easily. Transplant into the field after 2 - 3 months, with a ball of soil around the roots. Management Plant out 80 - 100 cm apart and, if possible, provide support stakes 1 m tall. I f the plants have not produced flowers by the time they are 30 cm tall pinch out the growing point to induce branching. The fruits are ready to pick when they turn golden yellow and the calyx has a papery texture. Ripe fruits can be left on the plants for 2 - 3 weeks. This improves the flavour. Fruits can be stored unwrapped in their husks for several months. The plants should be well weeded. Cut them down at the beginning of the rain season as rain causes the fruit to rot. Plants can be grown for 2 - 3 seasons. I t is useful to provide mulch to avoid rain splash damage to the lower fruits. Uses The fruit has a sweet, slightly acid distinctive taste and has a high vitamin C content. I t can be eaten raw, cooked or preserved. I t is often eaten with ugali (maize porridge). Each plant will produce 500 gm - 1 kg fruit. The fruit makes a very good jam. Bees collect pollen and small amounts of nectar during the long flowering period. Flowers are produced from February to April. Leaves are used fresh as a vegetable and are not normally dried for storage. The plant has several medicinal uses. References Watt & Breyer Brandwijk 1962, Martin et al. 1975, Moriarty 1975, FAO 1982, Baker 1986, FAO 1988, Dupriez & De Leener 1989, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Katende et al. 1995, Bakenga et al. 2000, Raemaekers 2001 201 Phytolacca dodecandra (Phytolaccaceae) Common names I bozya Description A fast growing shrubby or woody climber to 7 m high or 15 m long. Nodes are up to 10 cm apart and stems can be 9 mm in diameter. Leaves are usually hairless, 4 – 15 cm long and 2 – 10 cm wide, oval to elliptic and have slender stalks, 1 – 5 cm long. The central flower stalk may grow 40 cm long with the scented flowers being red, white, yellow or green. Phytolacca dodecandra growing beside a footpath near Shilanga Ecology Frequently found on waste ground and in hedges. Also present in closed forest, wooded savanna and on cultivated land up to an altitude of 2000 m. Originally from tropical America but now widespread from Guinea to East Africa and present in South Africa. Propagation Can be grown from seedlings or from cuttings. Uses Where the plant is common, both pollen and nectar are collected by bees. The plant is reported as a bee forage in Ethiopia and Gabon. The roots are used in small quantities as a purgative and as a remedy for round- and tape-worms. Young leaves are coarsely cut, cooked and used as a vegetable in D.R. Congo, though elsewhere they are regarded as being highly poisonous. The fresh leaves have a protein content of up to 6% . Leaves are also reported to be poisonous to livestock but are used to treat scabies in D.R. Congo. Dried leaves are applied to cuts and swellings. The fruits are a good soap substitute and are especially used for this purpose in northern Kenya and Ethiopia. They can be collected when still unripe and dried for later use. They contain saponin, producing a good lather, which acts as a poison to snails. I t has been noticed that water snails carrying bilharzia are reduced downstream from where people wash their clothes with these berries. The juice can also be used for killing mosquito larvae in ponds. Leaves are the source of a yellow dye. Remarks The older leaves and berries are very poisonous. References FAC 1951, Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962, Wild et al. 1972, Leedal 1975, Kokwaro 1976, Blundell 1987, Ambougou 1991, Konda et al 1992, Mbemba & Remacle 1992, Bekele-Tesemma et al 1993, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Burkill 1997, Bakenga et al. 2000, Latham & Konda ku Mbuta 2014a 202 Pinus patula (Pinaceae) Common names Msindano (Swahili), Mexican weeping pine, patula pine Description An evergreen tree growing to 35 m with light green foliage. I t normally has a straight trunk producing horizontal branches with the ends turned upwards. Bark is grey to dark brown, papery and red-brown on young branches. Leaves are long slender needles 15 - 23 cm long in groups of 3. Trees begin to bear fruit after 5 years. Female cones, in clusters of 2 – 5, mature in two years to a shiny brown and are 10 cm long, with an oblique base. The yellow male catkins are formed on the same tree at the end of branches and produce clouds of pollen. Seeds develop below the cone scales and are released over a long period. Ecology Originally from Mexico, it is the most commonly planted tree in the Southern Highlands. I t is grown in large commercial plantations in Mbeya and other regions. Suitable for high altitude areas with moderate to high rainfall. I t grows well when planted in grassland and on deep soils and even where the rainfall is only 700 mm per annum. Rainfall however should normally be 1000 mm per annum for good growth. Altitude range 1000 – 3000 m. Propagation Collect seeds by shaking the mature cones into a basket, rub off the wings with wet hands and sieve out the debris. Seed can be stored for 6 months. Dry the seeds in the sun. Seeds germinate between 35 and 60 days after planting. Seed should be planted in trays in fertile soil and then planted out after 8 to 10 months. Growth stops if nursery techniques are not good and once checked plants take a long time to recover. Many seedlings grow after felling, particularly after burning the cut branches. Management Space at 2.4 to 2.75 m, though wider spacing should be used on poorer sites. The tree is fast growing and will produce mature timber in 30 – 40 years. Uses Timber is soft, easily worked, fairly light, and pale brown in colour. I t can be used for rough carpentry, firewood and posts if treated with wood preservative. I t is suitable for paper manufacture. A good ornamental and shade tree. Remarks Susceptible to Diplodia disease, especially if damaged. More susceptible to Armillaria than cypress. References Leloup 1956, Mbuya et al 1994, I CRAF 1998, Dharani 2002 203 Piper capense (Piperaceae) Common names Umupapa, mafundo Description An evergreen shrub or tall herb up to 3 m high. The stems are soft, green and often trailing. Stem nodes may be swollen. Leaves broadly ovate, glossy, deep green, with the upper surface distinctly marked and the lower surface more or less hairless. Flowers are borne on a single whitish spike 3 cm long. Leaves and fruit are strongly spicy-aromatic when crushed, with a peppery taste if chewed. Ecology A common plant of forest undergrowth in the wetter highland forests. Present throughout Tanzania between altitudes of 1500 and 2750 m. Also present in Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, D.R. Congo, West Africa and south to the Cape. Uses I n Umalila the plant is grazed by cattle and used to treat swollen feet in livestock. The fruit is used as a substitute for pepper and to stimulate digestion. I t is sometimes eaten raw but can also be cooked. I t is reported to cause sleepiness. I n Kenya the seeds are used as a cough medicine and a decoction of the roots as an intestinal worm remedy. References Kokwaro 1976, Blundell 1987, Peters et al. 1992, Burkill 1997, FZ 1997, Neuwinger 2000, van Wyk & Gericke 2000, Burrows & Willis 2005 Detail of flowers. Photo: H.J. Ndangalasi (Tanzania Plant Collaboration) 204 Pisum sativum (Fabaceae) Common names I syababa (Malila), njegere (Swahili), pea Description An annual, climbing herbaceous plant, growing from 20 to 30 cm tall, showing very considerable variation in form and habit. The tap root is well developed and can grow to a depth of 100 cm. Leaves are alternate having 1 – 3 pairs of leaflets and ending in a branched tendril. The flowers are white to purple, usually self-pollinated. Fruit is an oblong pod 3.5 – 15 cm long. Ecology Peas are planted from April to June, after the rains. A cool but not cold climate is required. Best growing conditions range from 13 - 21° C. An evenly distributed rainfall of 800 – 1000 mm is required. Soils should be free draining with a pH of from 5.5 – 7.0. Propagation Seed remains viable for 1 2 years and if possible it should be treated with a fungicide before planting. Peas should not be grown on the same land more than once in 3 - 5 years. I n Umalila they are planted direct after burning the residue from the previous crop. Because of their soil improving qualities they are often planted before a cereal crop such as wheat. However they are also planted after a fallow period. They require a firm, weed free soil. Plant 5 - 7.5 cm deep. Seeds are usually broadcast but better erosion control is achieved by planting double rows 10 cm across the slope allowing 60 cm between the double rows. Allow 3 to 5 cm between plants. Seed rate is 60 – 200 kg/ ha depending on variety. Left: Peas growing with sweet potatoes near Khatanta forest. Management Weeding is very important, particularly from 3 to 8 weeks after germination. The pea aphid may be a problem in warm weather, causing stunted growth and also be a vector of Peas virus diseases. Some varieties are resistant but effective control can be obtained using nicotine spray (see page 181). The crop may also be affected by fungi if grown on wet, poorly drained soil. 2000 kg/ ha is a good yield. Uses Mainly grown for dry seed but young shoots are also eaten. They are generally cooked separately. Peas are a nutritious food crop with a protein content of approximately 21% . They are best picked while still soft and green and cooked, or they can be harvested when dry, soaked in water and then cooked. There are at least two local varieties - Mbagayeye (takes 3 months to maturity) and I haya (2 months to harvest). Some varieties can take several hours to cook References Hadfield 1960, Kay 1979, Bakenga et al. 2000, Messiaen et al. 2004 205 Pittosporum viridiflorum (Pittosporaceae) Common names I liova (Malila), mpeeta (Hehe), mpande (Swahili), cheesewood Description A shrub or small tree to 20 m tall. I t has a dense rounded crown. Bark is grey and smooth, seamed crosswise on older branches. The tree has a faint smell of liquorice. Leaves are shiny above, alternate, usually crowded at the ends of the branches. They are 5 – 18 cm long and 2 – 4.5 cm wide, the tip being rounded, the base narrows to a grooved stalk. Flowers are small greenish white, sweet smelling, in terminal heads. Fruit is a yellow capsule less than 10 mm in diameter opening out to reveal a sticky resin surrounding the red seeds. Ecology Grows in well drained upland areas, in forests and wooded grassland, and along stream banks. Found throughout Africa from Guinea to Sudan and Somalia and south to South Africa. Also present in Madagascar and I ndia. Pittosporum viridiflorum in I soho forest Propagation The tree is most easily grown from seed. Seeds should be lightly covered and kept moist. They take 8 – 12 weeks to germinate. Seedlings transplant easily. The tree will grow in full sun or light shade and is fairly tolerant to drought. Management The tree can be pollarded, lopped or pruned and can also be grown as a hedge. Uses Bees are reported to visit the flowers. The wood is soft and mainly used for firewood, spoons etc., though in South Africa it is used for kitchen furniture and Photo: Ben-Erik van Wyk, shelving. Cattle, sheep Medicinal Plants of South Africa, Briza Publications and goats browse the leaves. The bark is used as a dye and as a medicine for anaemia and for preventing abortion. A fibre, used to make baskets, is extracted from the roots. I n South African an infusion of the roots is taken for chest complaints and as an enema to treat dizziness. A decoction or an infusion of the bark is used as an emetic or as an enema for treating stomach and abdominal pain, malaria and fevers. References Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962, Wild et al. 1972, Deschodt 1976, Coates Palgrave 1983, Bekele-Tesemma et al. 1993, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Venter & Venter 1996, Van Wyk et al. 1997, White et al. 2001, Mutshinyalo & Reynolds 2002, Lovett et al. 2006 206 Platostoma rotundifolium (Lamiaceae) Synonym Geniosporum rotundifolium, G. paludosum Common names I shumwa Description A very variable, erect perennial herb, growing from a woody rootstock, up to 1.3 m high. The plant flowers at the end of the rains, from May to July. Ecology Widespread in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania, often beside tracks and roads, especially at the base of hedges. The coarse form is found in rocky sites while the more slender form is found in seasonally wet areas. Also found on grazed hilltops, riverine forest and arable land; altitude range 1150 – 2775 m. Widespread in tropical Africa. Coarse form flowering in July Uses A very useful bee forage. Bees collect both nectar and pollen over a long period during the dry season. I n Rwanda an extract from the aerial parts of the plant is used to treat liver inflammation and an extract from the leaves and twigs is drunk to treat epilepsy. The plant is used in a variety of ways in Burundi, for example, the leaf ash is eaten to treat vomiting, nausea and coughs and a decoction of leafy twigs is made into a vapour bath to treat general weakness and also used as an enema to treat diarrhoea. References Blundell 1987, Neuwinger 2000, Agnew 2013 207 Slender form flowering in May Plectranthus defoliatus (Lamiaceae) Common names I vuguvugu Description A shrub up to 2 m tall, with woody, densely hairy branches. Leaves are small and circular. I nflorescence is a long, lax panicle, several branches being produced in a whorl. Calyx is bell shaped, densely covered with short hairs, having unequal teeth and being as long as the tube. Corolla 1.5 cm long. Ecology Fairly common on forest edges and often associated with Eucalypts. I t grows well in semi shade and in cool conditions. Propagation Plants can be grown from stem cuttings or by division. Uses Likely to be a bee forage but probably unimportant. The Washambaa use the plant to treat diarrhoea. I n Burundi a leaf infusion of P. defoliatus is used to treat diarrhoea and the dried pulverized root bark is used to remove internal parasites. I n Kenya the plant is grown along boundaries. References Lukhoba et Agnew 2013 208 FTA al. 1900, 2006, Plectranthus esculentus (Lamiacae) Synonyms Coleus esculentus Common names I numbu, ivumbu (Malila), viazi maji (Swahili), Livingstone potato, scrambled eggs, wild potato Description A perennial Plectranthus esculentus growing in a home garden at I lembo plant with stems up to 90 cm tall growing from a tuberous root. Stems are square, hairy and have pairs of opposite almost stalk-less, toothed leaves. Yellow flowers appear in erect clusters before the rains and before the leaves appear. The tubers which grow in a cluster at the base of the stem, are soft, hairy and sometimes branched. They measure about 10 cm long and 2 cm across. Ecology Native to tropical Africa. The plant is highly adaptable, able to grow in any climatic zone, provided the rain is evenly distributed over the growing season and the soil is well drained. Minimum rainfall requirement is 1000 mm. Propagation is normally by stem cuttings 10 - 20 cm long or using sprouted tubers. Seeds can also be used but they develop slowly. Small tubers are stored in a cool place until they sprout and then planted flat on mounds or ridges or in rows 50 - 100 cm apart allowing 30 - 100 cm between plants and 5 - 10 cm deep. I n Umalila they are normally planted in October. Management The plants are earthed up, once they are growing, to avoid greening of the tubers. The crop takes 180 - 200 days from planting to harvest. Yields vary from 2 - 25 t/ ha. Tubers can be briefly dried and stored for winter use Uses The fresh tubers are eaten and contain approximately 30% carbohydrate and 7.5% crude protein. I n Umalila the variety in the top photo is normally eaten raw whereas a second variety is cooked in stews or fried. Some people cook the tubers with wood ash to reduce the bitterness. I n the past boiled and very soft tubers were given to children at weaning and they are appreciated by people too ill to eat any other food. The tubers can be pickled or dried for later use. They are scraped, washed and boiled or roasted and have a rather watery taste. Remarks Cultivation of this crop is declining in spite of potential yields of between 13 - 25 tonnes / ha. Nematodes can be a problem. Harvesting takes place from March onwards. References Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962, Harlan et al 1976, Tindall 1983, Crane et al. 1984, Tredgold 1986, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Burkill 1995, van Wyk & Gericke 2000, Dhliwayo 2002, Schippers 2002 209 Plectranthus scutellarioides (Lamiaceae) Synonym Coleus scutellarioides Common names I shinda (Malila), Coleus Description A perennial, aromatic herb 0.5 – 1.5 m tall. Stems are semi-succulent, and finely hairy. Leaves are brightly coloured or blotched, variable, sometimes toothed, diamond shaped to ovate 1 – 5 cm long and 1 – 10 cm wide, on a stalk 1 – 5 cm long. I nflorescence irregularly branched, 5 – 10 x 3 – 5 cm with flowers 2 – 2.5 mm long. Corolla boat-shaped, blue or violet, tube whitish, upper lip often paler than lower one, 0.8 – 1.3 cm long, lower lip exceeding upper; stamens in 2 pairs, united at the base. Fruit is a nutlet, broadly ovate, 1 – 1.2 mm long, brown, shiny. Ecology A hedgerow plant. Originally from South East Asia and Malaysia where it is found on stream sides, hills, forests and open areas. Propagation Can be grown from seed or cuttings. Uses I n Umalila it is used as a medicinal plant. The leaves are soaked in water with the pounded leaves of Acanthus uelensis and Physalis peruviana and the liquid is drunk to relieve stomach ache. Also grown as an ornamental. References Fayaz 2011 210 Plectranthus spp. (Lamiaceae) Common names I kwitwa Description Evergreen, trailing or bushy perennials. Leaves are fleshy, simple, with soft to coarse hairs, aromatic when crushed, and often patterned. Flowers are tubular, 2 lipped, the upper lip being 3 – 4 lobed. There are 53 species of Plectranthus in East Africa. Plectranthus masukensis Ecology Commonly found growing in grassland and on roadsides. Some species have a very limited range. Though shallow rooted, they are drought resistant being able to store water in their leaves. Propagation Use stem cuttings or plants can be divided. Remove lower leaves of cuttings which should have at least two nodes. Right: Plectranthus caninus grown as an ornamental Uses Bees were seen collecting nectar from P. masukensis from March to May and from P. punctatus in March and April. Plectranthus species are also known to be important sources of both nectar and pollen in Ethiopia. Other species are important honey sources in Pakistan. Plectranthus species have fly repelling properties. The leaves of P. caninus are chewed to relieve toothache in Pare, Tanzania. A number of species are grown as ornamentals. References Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962, Kokwaro 1976, Crane et al. 1984, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Hankey 2001, Llamas 2003, Burrows & Willis 2005, Agnew 2013 211 Plumbago zeylanica (Plumbaginaceae) Common names Naluhalo (Malila), white plumbago, Ceylon leadwort Description A straggling shrub from 1 – 2 m high, occasionally climbing to 4 m. Leaves alternate, widest about or below the middle, 70 x 25 mm. White flowers are borne at the ends of the branches. The flower calyx is cylindrical, over 10 mm long, and covered with long glandular hairs. When the fruit is ripe the glands become very sticky, the calyx breaks off easily and clings to fur, clothing and even skin. Ecology The plant in the above photograph was growing in a home compound at Yalenga. I t is normally found in dry bushland throughout East Africa up to 2000 m, where rainfall is below 400 mm per annum. The plant is widespread throughout the tropics. Propagation Can be grown from seed, cuttings or division. Uses Sometimes grown as a medicinal plant and also as an ornamental. The active chemical is plumbagin, an antispasmodic. I t contains vitamin K and has antibiotic properties. I t is sometimes used to treat tuberculosis and leprosy, but its high toxicity makes it difficult to use. The flowers are reported to be visited by bees. References Watt & BreyerBrandwijk 1962, Wild et al. 1972, Kokwaro 1976, Blundell 1987, Burkill 1997, van Wyk et al. 1997, Neuwinger 2000, Agnew 2013 Photo: Colin Reid 212 Polygala virgata (Polygalaceae) Common names Baziwanga (Malila), pride of Manicaland Description A fast growing hardy shrub, 1 – 3 m high, with a short life-span. This is the largest and most attractive species of the genus found in the Southern Highlands. The stems are slender and without hairs. The alternate, bluish-green narrow leaves are up to 5 cm long and 0.6 – 1.5 cm wide. Young leaves are hairy. The flowers, which resemble those of the pea family, are borne in a terminal inflorescence 10 to 20 cm long, and are bright purple with a dark purple tuft on top. The corolla is usually reduced to 3 petals with the lowermost often saucer shaped. Flowers are produced from March to November. Ecology Widespread in tropical Africa and in South Africa. The plant grows on the lower slopes of bushy hillsides and along stream Polygala virgata flowering in October banks. Common at most altitudes in high rainfall areas of Zimbabwe among scrub and on forest margins. I t is sometimes grown as an ornamental. Propagation Can be planted from seed or use cuttings with a heel. Seedlings often appear below an existing plant and can be transplanted. Uses I n Umalila the plant is reputed to give strength for work. Bees are reported to visit the flowers in South Africa. Other Polygala species are known to provide both pollen and nectar to honeybees in Ethiopia, though the honey flow may not be significant. An aqueous extract of the green parts is used against infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus. References Jex-Blake 1957, Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962, Wild et al. 1972, Howes 1979, Cribb & Leedal 1983, Fichtl & Adi 1994, van Wyk et al. 1997, Hepburn & Radloff 1998, White et al. 2001, Jodamus 2004, Burrows & Willis 2005 213 Polyscias fulva (Araliaceae) Common names I mpembati (Malila), mnyumaji, namata (Fipa), mdeke (Hehe), mpembati (Nyakyusa), parasol tree Description A fast growing deciduous tree to 30 m, often with a straight slender trunk to about 9 m before developing branches, like spokes of an umbrella. The tree has a flat topped crown. Bark is grey and smooth and the leaf scars are prominent. Leaves are compound, up to 1 m long, with 6 - 12 pairs of leaflets plus one at the tip, each leaflet oval and leathery, 9 - 20 cm long, base rounded, covered with creamyellow hairs below. Flowers are very small, green-yellow, honey scented and in loose heads up to 60 cm long. The main stalks have red brown hairs. Fruit is small, black, more or less oval and often ribbed. Ecology Found in the wetter highland forests and in the bamboo zone in Tanzania. Widely distributed throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Altitude range 1180 – 2500 m, with an annual rainfall of 1500 – 2000 mm. Propagation Most commonly grown from wild seedlings, though the tree is also planted using large cuttings. Seed can also be used. Collect fruits immediately they turn purple-black on the tree. Allow them to mature in shade for 1 - 2 days then extract the seed by soaking in cold water for 4 - 6 hours. Squeeze out the seeds which will float in the water, then dry in the shade. Seed can be stored for up to 2 years. 75% of seed normally germinates after 35 - 45 days. Uses Bees visit the flowers from April to July. The abundance of nectar and pollen make the tree very attractive to them. Beekeepers use the regular and wide branching habit of the tree for placing beehives. Firewood is of poor quality. Timber is light and soft, pale in colour, but is tough and odourless so is used for food containers. Also used for making mole traps and beehives. Leaves make a good mulch. I n Umalila the bark from small roots is pounded in water and drunk to relieve stomach-ache. The tree can be grown to provide shade. Remarks The tree can be grown with crops as the high crown lets in sunlight and the leaves produce a good mulch. This species is becoming rare in its natural habitat. References FTEA 1968, Egli & Kalinganire 1988, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Mbuya et al. 1994, I CRAF 1998, Lovett et al. 2006 214 Protea gaguedii (Proteaceae) Synonym P. abyssinica Common names I nsega (Malila), sugar bush photo Description A shrub or tree from 2 to 8 m tall. Young branches are thick, hairy and orange-yellowish. Older branches expose a rusty inner surface. Leaves are narrow and spear shaped, 10 – 15 cm long and up to 2 cm wide. The tip of the leaf is blunt or rounded, the base tapers slightly. Flower heads are up to 10 cm diameter. Flowers are white with pinkish stamens and styles. Ecology Widespread and often grows in colonies on stony, infertile soil. Altitude range 2150 – 3350 m. Present from Ethiopia to Mozambique and in Zimbabwe. Protea species prefer a light neutral to acid soil. They do not grow well in red soils. Propagation Use seed or semi-ripe cuttings taken from thin branches from the previous year’s growth. Uses Bees are reported to visit the flowers during May and June. Proteas are known to be important nectar producers in South Africa. The plant has a number of medicinal uses elsewhere in Africa. Remarks P. welwitschii and P. heckmanniana are also present. References Jex-Blake 1957, Wild et al. 1972, Cribb & Leedal 1982, Blundell 1987, FTEA 1993, Hepburn & Radloff 1998 215 Prunus persica (Rosaceae) Common names Mafurisi (Malila), peach Description A small deciduous spreading tree growing to 8 m tall, but frequently pruned. Fruit is round and fleshy, rather hard, up to 7 cm across, though usually smaller, yellow and covered with short hairs. Ecology The peach is a tree of temperate climates so is most suited to altitudes between 1000 and 2000 m. Prolonged dormancy may be a problem in the lower Peaches growing in farmland at I zumbwe altitudes of this range. I t grows well on a wide range of freely draining soils. The variety grown is also common in Malawi, and is very hardy. Propagation Grown either from seed or large cuttings. The latter should be transplanted in the dormant season. Mulch young trees if possible and feed with liquid manure during the growing season. Management Once the tree starts to produce fruit the aim is to encourage plenty of strong new growth each year to carry fruit the following year. Prune only when the sap is rising, just as the young shoots appear, and before the onset of the rains. I t is sometimes necessary to cut back older wood which has become bare to young healthy replacements. Avoid making large wounds because these encourage disease. Several branches can be left in the centre of the tree. Trees start to bear after 3 - 4 years and 10 – 45 kg fruit can be produced per year from a tree. Fruit ripens in November. Uses the small hard fruits are eaten raw or cooked and are rich in carotene. Fruits are sometimes sold in local markets. This variety is used as a stock on which to graft or bud other varieties (eg Mwera Hill - Malawi), (Waldo, Shackleford etc - Kenya). The flowers are visited by bees. The tree is a source of both nectar and pollen and bees are important for pollination. The timber can be used for firewood. Bark is a source of a rich golden dye. The leaf is said to be purgative. I t is also used in various countries for whooping cough. The fruits can be fed to pigs. Remarks Trees can be affected by peach leaf curl. This can be prevented by spraying plants with a liquid copper fungicide (e.g. Dithane) or by removing affected leaves and applying manure to stimulate new growth. References Jex-Blake 1957, Williamson 1975, Howes 1979, Baker 1980, Crane & Walker 1984, Mbuya et al. 1994, Johannesmeier & Allsopp 1995, Burkill 1997 216 Psychotria mahonii (Rubiaceae) Common names Kirausiku (Malila), lipumila, mmemenang’olo (Hehe), large psychotria Description Usually a small tree, with arching branches, growing from 5 to 10 m high, but it may occasionally reach 24 m. The bark is black with a pale purple slash having black edges. Leaves are leathery, simple and opposite, on a short stalk 0.2 – 3.5 cm long. The leaf blade is from 3 – 23 cm long and 1.5 – 10 cm wide. Leaves are sometimes irregularly dotted with bacterial nodules. Flowers are greenish-yellow, or cream to white, about 5 mm in diameter, faintly scented in terminal heads about 6 cm in diameter, on a slender stalk up to 6 cm long. Fruits are oval 5 – 6 mm wide, yellow turning red when mature. Ecology An understorey tree in evergreen forest, forested ravines and river fringes and in open grassland, often on termite mounds in eastern, central and south eastern tropical Africa. Uses Honeybees are reported to visit the flowers in October. The timber is used for firewood and tool handles. I n Kenya a decoction of the stems and roots is used as a gargle for sore throats. References Kokwaro 1976, Coates Palgrave 1983, White et al. 2001, Burrows & Willis 2005, Lovett et al. 2006 217 Pteleopsis myrtifolia (Combretaceae) Common names I nfita (Malila), mgoji, mlakwenzi (Swahili) Description A bushy, densely leafy shrub or tree from 3 - 12 m high, though, in closed forest it may grow to 25 m. Bark grey to dark grey, rather smooth in smaller specimens becoming rougher w ith age. Leaves are usually opposite, rarely alternate, approximately 9.5 cm long and 3 cm wide. Flowers white I mbrasia lucida feeding on the leaves or cream to yellow about 5 mm in diameter, strongly and rather unpleasantly scented and in short, few flowered heads arising from axils. Fruit is greenish-yellow drying to light brown, usually 2 or 3 winged and 1.5 cm long. Ecology The shrub photographed above was growing at the edge of a planted pine forest. Usually found at medium altitudes in mixed woodland, thickets and in fringe forest beside rivers. I t also grows on rocky hillsides and stony outcrops. Uses The leaves are eaten by an edible caterpillar = I mbrasia lucida (iungu) which is also reported to feed on Morella humilis (isiwiziwe) and on Agauria salicifolia (izenya). The species can appear in large numbers. The caterpillars are starved for one day and then washed and fried with oil and onions. They can also be cooked and dried for later use. The flowers of Pteleopsis species are visited by bees in savanna regions. References Wild et al 1972, Kokwaro 1976, Coates Palgrave 1983, Hepburn & Radloff 1998, Neuwinger 2000, Lovett et al. 2006 Photo: Geoff Nichols 218 Pycnostachys spp. (Lamiaceae) Common names I sale Description Woody stemmed perennials or soft wood shrubs with evergreen, narrow, hooked leaves up to 30 cm long. Flowers are dense spikes up to 12 cm long. Ecology P. ruandensis grows beside paths and in cultivated land, at the edges of forests and in grazed land from 1900 to 2460 m. The presence of this plant is said to indicate a fertile soil. Pycnostachys orthodonta Pycnostachys ruandensis Propagation Stem cuttings strike easily. Seed can also be used. Uses Bees were active on P. ruandensis. P. orthodonta is also reported to be visited by bees. Bees are known to forage for pollen and nectar on related species in Ethiopia. References Wild et al. 1972, Troupin & Ayobangira 1985, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Brickell 1994, Bryant 1996 Nkwakwa Kailoni, a traditional healer with a wide knowledge of medicinal plants 219 Ranunculus multifidus (Ranunculaceae) Common names Kowenga or izumba (Malila), African buttercup Description A perennial herb usually having erect stems up to 12 cm tall, but less frequently the stems grow along the ground and root at some of the nodes. Leaves vary in shape, the final segments being coarsely and irregularly toothed. Lower leaves have long stalks but upper leaves become smaller and are eventually sessile. Flowering stems are much branched in the upper part with numerous relatively small typically buttercup-like flowers borne at the ends of the branches. Petals 5, shiny-yellow, 3 – 7 mm long and deeply cut. One of three species found in the Southern Highlands. Ecology Found from Ethiopia to Cape Province in S. Africa and west to Nigeria and Angola. Grows in wet ground near rivers, ditches and streams, on moist slopes in bushland, grassland or on the margins of forest at altitudes between 1170 – 3450 m. I t is the most common buttercup in tropical Africa. Uses Bees were seen collecting nectar and pollen in October. Because the plant grows beside water it is often in flower throughout the year. Bees are also known to collect pollen and nectar in Ethiopia. Sap together with soot is rubbed into heal wounds in Tanzania. I t is recorded that leaves are sometimes used as a vegetable in Tanzania. Roots are pounded and boiled in water and the decoction drunk 2 – 3 times per day as an emetic by the Shambaa people. Leaves are also occasionally cooked as a vegetable and the roots are eaten by young people in Malawi. The plant is however reported to be poisonous to livestock. References FTEA 1952, Watt & Breyer- Brandwijk 1962, Wild et al. 1972, Leedal 1975, Williamson 1975, Kokwaro 1976, Blundell 1987, Peters et al. 1992, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Johannesmeier & Allsopp 1995, Neuwinger 2000, Burrows & Willis 2005, Agnew 2013 220 Rauvolfia caffra (Apocynaceae) Common names I siongoti (Malila), mpugupugu (Nyakyusa), muveriveri, mveriveri (Hehe), mkufi, mwembe mwitu (Swahili), quinine tree Description A much branched evergreen tree from 6 to 40 m high with a leafy spreading crown. The tree resembles a mango in shape but is not so dense. Bark is light brown or greyish-white with irregular fissures. All parts produce bitter, white latex. Leaves are shiny and dark green above, slightly leathery and arranged in whorls of 3 – 5 towards the end of the branches. They are 2 – 50 cm long and 2 – 15 cm wide. Flowers are in large dense clusters up to 20 cm across with each flower being small, white and sweet scented. The spherical fruit is in paired fleshy lobes, each being about 1.3 cm in diameter, green at first, with whitish spots, changing to blackish–purple and wrinkled when ripe. I t has 1 or 2 seeds. A water-like substance drips from the tree at certain times of the year. Ecology Present in mountain forests but also widespread in lowland forests in eastern and southern Africa between altitudes 500 and 2100 m. I t is often associated with ground water. Propagation Grows easily from seed and wild seedlings. Seed can only be stored for one month. Germination is fast and reaches 80% after 2 weeks. Management The seedlings transplant well and the tree grows fast and can be pollarded. Uses The tree is sometimes used as a shade for coffee, the bark is used as a medicine and the tree is reported to improve soil fertility. Beehives are hung in the tree and the flowers are visited by bees. Wood is light, soft and pale white. I t is used for firewood, timber, grain mortars, beehives and for flavouring beer. The wood is also used for doors, boxes, water troughs and drums. I t nails well. I n Kenya the poles are used for hut building. The bark is used for treating high blood pressure and intestinal worms. A decoction of the bark is drunk for general body swellings, rheumatism and pneumonia. Though the bitter latex has been used to treat malaria it is ineffective. Root bark is used as a tranquilliser for high blood pressure. References Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962, Wild 1972, Williamson 1975, Kokwaro 1976, Coates Palgrave 1983, Burkill 1985, Keay 1989, Beentje 1994, Mbuya et al. 1994, Hepburn & Radloff 1998, Neuwinger 2000, ADP I sangati 2003, Lovett et al. 2006 221 Rhamnus prinoides (Rhamnaceae) Common names I nsanati (Malila), African dogwood Description A slow growing shrub or small tree to 10 m, though usually 1 – 3 m high, sometimes scrambling to 15 m. I t has slender stems and drooping branches. Bark smooth, grey-brown, darkening with age. The bark is dotted with white breathing pores. Leaves alternate, up to 12 cm long, shiny dark green above with a finely toothed margin. Flowers yellowish green and small, solitary or in axillary clusters. Fruit small berries, 8 mm across turning blackish purple when ripe. The plant flowers throughout the year in Ethiopia. Ecology Present in lightly shaded forest, or at the edges of forest and in fringing forest. Also found in clumps in grassland. Occurs mainly in eastern Africa from Sudan to South Africa. Propagation Easily grown from seed. The seed stores well Photo: Robert von Blittersdorff – www.eastafricanplants.senckenberg.de Management The tree is cultivated in Ethiopia and can be coppiced. Uses The stems are used for making the rims of baskets. The wood is white to yellow, hard and heavy and used for firewood. The fruit is reported to be edible. I n Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania the leaves are used to flavour a local beer and honey wine. The plant is widely used medicinally as a laxative, a diuretic and to prevent syphilis. Crushed leaves are used to treat fungal infections. The roots and stems are boiled together and used to treat fever. Though flowers are produced over a long period they are not particularly attractive to honeybees. References Wild et al. 1972, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Burkill 1997, Neuwinger 2000, White et al. 2001, Dlamini & Turner 2002, Burrows & Willis 2005, Kokwaro 2009 222 Rhus natalensis (Anacardiaceae) Common names I sanyantwa, ishesheru (Malila), msangula (Fipa), mtunumbi (Hehe), mkono chuma, mkumba (Swahili) Description A much branched shrub or tree, often scrambling, up to 8 m high. Branches are angular. Bark is grey, often almost white and rough. The young branches are pale and dotted with breathing pores. Leaves are trifoliate with the central leaflet being largest, up to 9 cm long and 1 – 3.5 cm wide. Lateral leaflets are about two thirds the size of the central leaflet. Leaflets are wider towards the tip and the apex is broadly tapering to rounded. Young leaves are red. The leaf stalk is 2 – 4 cm long. The small greenish-yellow flowers are borne in loose heads, up to 15 cm long. The round fruits are red when ripe, with a thin flesh and a waxy covering, 5 to 6 mm in diameter. Ecology Grows in bushland and woodland, in riverine vegetation and especially on forest edges, often on well drained sites, from 1 – 3000 m altitude. I t tolerates a wide variety of soils. Present throughout Tanzania and from Guinea to Somalia and the Arabian peninsula and south to D.R. Congo and South Africa. I t can grow on a variety of soil types but prefers clay soils. Propagation The tree can be grown from seed. These should be fresh, not older than 3 months. Management Slow growing and can be coppiced. Uses Both green and ripe fruits are eaten. They taste acid but are refreshing. The fruits are also used in brewing local beers. Roots are pounded and boiled and used to treat gonorrhoea, colds, abdominal pain and hookworm. The leaves are crushed and put in a bath for women with prolapsed uterus. Leaves are also pounded, soaked in hot water and the resulting liquid used to treat coughs. Wood is used for firewood, tool handles and charcoal. Leaves and fruits are used for goat and cattle fodder. Bark is made into a tea in Kenya. Poles are used in hut building in Kenya and twigs for toothbrushes in Somalia. The tender leaves and shoots can be chewed. Root bark is a source of dye. Rhus species are reported as important bee forage in savanna and mountain zones in Africa. References Goode 1974, Williamson 1975, Kokwaro 1976, Coates Palgrave 1983, Burkill 1985, Peters et al. 1992, Mbuya et al. 1994, Hepburn & Radloff 1998, Maundu et al. 1999, Neuwinger 2000, Najma Dharani 2002, Ruffo et al. 2002, Simons et al. 2005 223 Rhus pyroides var. pyroides (Anacardiaceae) Synonym R. vulgaris Common names I shesheru (Malila), lidzadzi (Bena), muhehefu (Hehe), mkono chuma, mlama mwitu Swahili), fire-thorned rhus Description A variable, branched tree from 1 to 9 m high. Bark smooth brown with yellow red-brown branches, often densely hairy. Leaves are composed of 3 leaflets, with the central leaflet larger, 4 – 11 cm long and 2 – 6.5 cm wide, dull green and softly hairy. Flowers are small, cream to green-yellow, in loose terminal heads, 5 – 20 cm long, all densely hairy. Fruits are red-brown drupes with thin flesh, 3 – 5 mm across. Ecology Common in upland evergreen bush, forest edges, river banks and savanna woodland often in thickets and associated with termite mounds on hill slopes and valleys between altitudes 800 and 2700 m. Present throughout East Africa and from Cameroon to Ethiopia and south to Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Propagation Can be grown from fresh seed. Uses Both ripe and unripe fruits, called isanyantwa, are edible. Wood is used for firewood and charcoal. Stems are used for toothbrushes. I n South Africa the branches are valued for tool handles and fencing poles. The plant is an important medicinal plant in East Africa. Fruits are pounded, boiled and the liquid drunk to treat diarrhoea. The roots are pounded and the powder cooked with porridge, which is then drunk to treat gonorrhoea. The bark is boiled and the decoction used to wash wounds. The leaves are pounded and used as a treatment for piles. Stems are boiled and the liquid applied to wounds. Roots mixed with other plants are used to make a drink for expectant mothers to ease delivery. Leaves are used to treat haemorrhoids. The body is washed with a leaf infusion to treat delirium in Zimbabwe. Rhus species are known to be important bee forage plants in the Afromontane climatic zone. Goats browse the leaves. Remarks A scratch from the bush may sting for some time. References Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962, FZ 1966, Wild et al 1972, Kokwaro 1976, Coates Palgrave 1983, Hepburn & Radloff 1998, Neuwinger 2000, Ruffo et al. 2002 224 Ricinus communis (Euphorbiaceae) Common names I mbono, ibono (Malila), nyomba (Safwa), mono, mnyemba (Hehe & Kinga), impuria (Sukwa), jembajemba (Nyakyusa), mbarika, mbono, nyonyo (Swahili), castor oil Description A much branched evergreen shrub growing to 6 m high, often branching at the base. Stems are often red, hollow with age with well marked leaf nodes and scars. Leaves are large, palmate, up to 50 cm across with 5 to 11 lobes and have toothed edges. They are dark green or red along the leaf stalks. Young leaves are shiny, soft and dark red-green. Flowers are produced on upright spikes up to 60 cm long. Male and female flowers are borne separately. The fruit is a spiny capsule containing 3 seeds. Ecology I ndigenous to the tropics and grows wild in East Africa. Castor oil plants prefer humus rich soil and often grow in disturbed ground. They are sometimes cultivated. They require a warm climate and are killed by frost. They can be grown over a wide area in both high and low rainfall areas. The plant is drought and termite resistant. Propagation I t is best to grow varieties that do not shatter on ripening. Seed is viable for up to one year. Even germination is obtained by pouring boiling water over the seeds and leaving them to soak for 24 hours. Germination is normally 90% in 3 weeks. Sow 3 seeds per hole and thin out to one. Uses The oil is rubbed on babies at birth and used to treat wounds and constipation. I t is also used for hairdressing. The seeds are pounded then boiled in water and the oil is then skimmed off. Oil content may be up to 50% . This burns with a clear light. I t can also be used as a safe purgative. The oil is used commercially for paints and varnishes and in lubricants and greases, hydraulic fluids, soap, printing ink and various chemicals. After extraction the residual cake can be used as a fertilizer. The oil can also be used in insecticides and for wood preservation, in anti-malarial sprays and to treat lice and fleas and parasitic skin diseases. I t also has anti-bacterial uses. For medicinal use the oil is heated to neutralise the highly poisonous ricin. A decoction of the leaves is held in the mouth to treat tooth decay. The same decoction can also be used externally placed on sores, rheumatism and abscesses. The plant is sometimes used as a quick growing hedge. Bees were seen occasionally collecting nectar during October. The extra floral nectaries on the leaves produce a large amount of nectar. Large amounts of pollen are obtained from male flowers. An edible caterpillar, imbono, feeds on the leaves often stripping the plant. The caterpillar is gregarious and the gut must be cleaned out before cooking. I t is grilled until brit tle, not cooked with water or oil. Remarks Tanzania has been a major producer of castor seed. The leaves, seed coat and the oil residue are poisonous to humans and livestock. Even a few seeds can kill a child w ho eats them. References Purseglove 1968, Leedal 1975, Nair 1980, Crane & Walker 1984, I wu 1993, Burkill 1994, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Mbuya et al 1994, van Wyk & Oudtshoorn 1997, Bakenga et al. 2000 225 Rubia cordifolia (Rubiaceae) Common names I bambula (Malila), kifundo, ukakaka (Swahili), I ndian madder Description A climbing or creeping perennial, up to 10 m long. Stems are thin, green, square and rough on account of short bristles. Leaves are in groups of 4, and are 2.5 cm long and 1.5 cm wide borne on short stalks. Flowers are small and greenish yellow. The fruit is a black berry 3 mm in diameter. Ecology The plant is sometimes found growing in hedges. I t is common in the Southern Highlands between altitudes of 1100 and 2600 m, in forest margins, clearings in the forest and in scrub and grassland. Widely distributed in Africa. Rubia cordifolia growing over a bush near Yalenga Propagation Seed should be sown as soon as it is ripe. Cuttings can also be planted. Plants should be grown in light shade. Uses The flowers are reported to be visited by bees. I ndian madder was formerly a major dye plant. I n Umalila the roots are boiled in water and the liquid drunk to treat diarrhoea. Elsewhere in Tanzania the boiled root decoction is drunk for stomach disorders, and also used as an antidote for general poisoning. Leaves and stems are pounded and the extract is also administered for diarrhoea. Roots and fruit are used in South Africa and Tanzania as an orange or reddish brown dye and for staining floor-boards. I n Tanzania the ash is used as a vegetable salt and to soften vegetables when cooking. A wound dressing is made up in Kenya and Tanzania by rubbing leaves into a ball and applying it to the skin, both to stop bleeding and as an antiseptic. Photo: Dinesh Valke References Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962, Wild et al. 1972, Kokwaro 1976, Cribb & Leedal 1982, van Wyk & Gericke 2000, Ruffo et al. 2002, Zimudzi 2005 226 Rubus spp. (Rosaceae) Common names Ngondora (plant), itonongwa (fruit)(Malila), lidung’o, lumwino, mdung’o (Hehe), utonge (Swahili), blackberry, bramble Description Prickly scrambling bushes with hooked prickles growing up to 4 m long. A very variable and complex group of species. Ecology I t is sometimes found in hedgerows. Also found at the edges of forest, in clearings, secondary bush, often forming thickets. The various species grow between altitudes of 1400 and 2700 m. Propagation & Management The plant reproduces by seed but can also be grown from suckers. I t can be trained to grow over a fence or hedge to form a barrier. Uses Blackberry growing over a fence at I lembo. Many species produce edible fruit which is collected during the rain season. An infusion from the leaves is used to treat diabetes in Ethiopia and Tanzania. Bees collect nectar and pollen from several species. Honey produced is white and has a delicate flavour. Remarks There is confusion between the different species as many are variable in form. There are at least 18 species in East Africa, including two introduced species, R. niveus and R. ellipticus, the latter being common in the Mbeya area. R. pinnatus has up to 9 leaflets, white to pinkish flowers and produces reddish black fruit. R. volkensii has up to 7 leaflets, yellowish-white flowers and orange to red fruit when ripe. Stems are covered with brown sticky hairs. R. schefflleri has densely hairy red to black fruit. R. niveus has leaves with a white undersurface. R. apetalus ( R. adolfi-friedericii) is from 1 – 3 m long, has hairy stems with scattered hooked prickles, leaves with 3 – 7 leaflets. These are oval and pointed, hairy green above and dull white and hairy below. fruit The pinkish-white flowers produce red to purplish-black fruits. R. rigidus, R. steudneri, R. inganus and R. porotoensis are also present in the Southern Highlands. R. steudneri has deeply furrowed stems up to 4 m long, 3 – 5 leaflets and pink flowers in large panicles and orange to dark red fruits. References Williamson 1975, Cribb & Leedal 1982, Crane et al. 1984, Blundell 1987, Peters et al. 1992, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Maundu et al. 1999, Ruffo et al. 2002 227 Rumex nepalensis (Polygonaceae) Common names I syamo (Malila), semwasemwa (Nyakyusa), dock, sorrel Description An erect perennial herb growing up to 1 m tall. Leaves are alternate and up to 33 cm long, strap like with a clearly marked central vein. Flowers are borne close along the branched stems. Fruit is a glossy brown nut. Ecology A weed of cultivated land, but also found in grassland and bush up to 3000 m. The plant is found throughout Africa and is also present in the Mediterranean area and into eastern Asia. Rumex nepalensis growing at the forest edge. Uses I n Umalila the leaves are eaten to treat kwashiorkor. Elsewhere in Tanzania the roasted root is put on the area around an abscess and the root juice is drunk for abdominal pain caused by parasites. The crushed leaf is sometimes inhaled for the relief of headaches and colds. I n South Africa a strong decoction of the leaf is reported to be effective in treating bilharzia. The leaves are used to dress wounds and to treat rheumatism and stomachache in Ethiopia. Bees collect pollen and nectar from the flowers. I n Rwanda, Kenya, and Malawi, during times of food shortage, the leaves are collected from the wild and used as a vegetable, usually mixed with other vegetable leaves. References Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962, Leedal 1975, Fichtl & Adi 1994, van Wyk & Gericke 2000, Jansen 2004 Photo: David Boufford, Harvard 228 Saccharum officinarum (Poaceae) Common names I owa (Malila), muwa (Swahili), sugar cane Ecology A few plants are frequently grown around homes though some farmers grow larger plots. Sugar cane prefers high temperatures, fertile, and if possible heavy soils, with a high rainfall. Adequate manure is required. Propagation Stem cuttings, from immature canes 8 - 12 months old, are used for planting. For best production the canes should be topped a week before cuttings are taken and only the top third of the cane used. Each should have 3 buds. Space plants at 1.5 - 1.8 m x 60 cm planting at an angle of 45° or flat in the base of a furrow. Planting should be done early in the rain season. Left: Sugar cane being grown at Dickson Mwahalende’s farm Management Sugar cane is a perennial crop. The first crop takes 15 - 16 months to mature. After harvest the stumps are left to produce two to four further crops, each taking about a year to mature. Uses Mainly grown for chewing which promot es salivation with a cleansing action, as with a chew stick. Elsewhere the juice is extracted for sugar and molasses for local use or commercial sale. I ndustrial alcohol is made from molasses and can be used as a motor fuel. Molasses is also used to make yeast and as a stock food. Under certain conditions the treatment of molasses with urea converts sugars into a protein substitute which can be eaten by ruminants. The fibrous residue, bagasse, is used as a stock feed, often with molasses, but can also be used to make paper, cardboard and fibre board. Bees forage for sap exuding from cut stems and from the burnt canes. References Purseglove 1972, Crane et al. 1984, Burkill 1994 Right: A few plants of sorghum are occasionally grown by farmers in Umalila. 229 Salvia coccinea (Lamiaceae) Common names I fipa Description An erect perennial growing up to 2 m tall with soft woody stems and ovate leaves. Ecology Commonly grown as a hedge plant and for erosion control around compounds. The plant originally escaped from gardens and can sometimes be found growing wild in disturbed land. Propagation Can be grown from seed, cuttings or layering Uses Bees collect nectar and pollen from the flowers on the plant and also after they have fallen. However they have difficulty getting to the nectaries, and may use holes made by other insects. A number of other Salvias produce good honey flows, particularly after rainfall, e.g. S. apiana, S. leucophylla, S. mellifera. S. merjamie and S. officianalis, References Jex-Blake 1957, Howes 1979, Crane et al. 1984, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Agnew 2013 Salvia leucantha (Lamiaceae) Common names Mexican sage bush Description A small weak stemmed shrub growing to 80 cm with stems and leaves densely covered with whitish hairs. Leaves are spear shaped and often whitish beneath. Flowers are hairy, white or violet, arranged in long onesided racemes. Ecology I ntroduced from Mexico and cultivated in home gardens. The plant is also found in waste ground and beside roads. I t is common around villages. I t prefers a sandy well drained soil in full sunlight. Uses Bees visit the flowers for nectar which they collect from around the base. Flowers are produced all year round. The flowers are showy and the plant is sometimes grown as an ornamental. References Fichtl & Adi 1994, Llamas 2003 230 Satyrium shirense (Orchidaceae) Common names Shigogo Description A slender terrestrial orchid, 13 – 45 cm tall. The plant has 6 or 7 leaves, the lowermost being sheath-like. The next 2 leaves spread out and are 5 – 14.5 cm long and 2 – 6 cm wide, being broadly spear shaped and light green. The upper leaves are spaced along the stem. The flower head is 3 – 15 cm long and composed of many creamy-white flowers. Ecology Found in mountain grassland and bushland, rocky hillsides and moist slopes from 1750 – 2500 m. Also present on the Nyika plateau in Malawi and Zambia. Propagation Can be grown from tubers once the aerial part has died down. Uses The tubers are washed, cooked and pounded with groundnuts and salt and eaten with eggs. They may also be fried. Elsewhere in Tanzania other species, e.g. S. macrophyllum and S. neglectum var. neglectum , are dug up during and after the rain season, peeled, cooked and eaten like potatoes. They may also be peeled, pounded and the flour baked into cakes to be eaten with tea. The tubers can be stored for several weeks if kept dry and cool. I n Malawi the tubers of several species of Satyrium may be mixed. They are washed and pounded to remove the skin and pounded again. They are then boiled in a solution of potashes and the surplus liquid is squeezed out and the product left to dry. I t forms a very firm jelly, reddish in colour and is often sold like this. The jelly is then cut into strips and boiled with salt. When it is cooked, pounded groundnuts are added. The dish is much liked because it resembles meat, being red and having a texture like gristle. There is considerable trade from the hills to the plains in Malawi. The flowers are known to be attractive to bees. Remarks The tubers and cakes are sold in markets in the Southern Highlands. The plants are becoming increasingly rare because of over collection. This is unfortunate as they can easily be propagated. References Williamson Ruffo et al. 2002 1975, FZ 1995, 231 Scadoxus puniceus (Amaryllidaceae) Common names I tindi (Malila), royal paintbrush, red paintbrush Scadoxus puniceus in flower near Sasyaka in November Description A herb from 30 to 40 cm tall with the inflorescence borne on a stalk 1 – 2 cm in diameter. The flower head is an umbel of up to 100 tubular red flowers and is 8 -10 cm across and surrounded by up to 8 large red bracts. The petals are 3 cm long, red inside, white outside with a green ovary. The large narrow leaves have wavy margins and appear after the flowers have died, in a cluster arising from the bulb, which is circa 7 cm in diameter. There are numerous purple spots on the leaf stalks. Ecology Normally found in forests and woodlands between 1500 and 2300 m altitude. The plant usually grows in shade though the above photo was taken in the open near Sasyaka. I t grows best in humus rich, well drained soils. Propagation By seed or offsets before growth commences. Management Plants do not like being moved. Uses Bees are reported to visit the flowers and are known to collect pollen from a related species S. multiflorus in Ethiopia. A decoction of roots and bulbs, which are sliced and steeped in vinegar, is drunk to treat coughs, stomach complaints and used as an emetic in Sout h Africa. Remarks The bulb is poisonous and has been know n to cause several deaths in South Africa. References Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962, FTEA 1982, Cribb & Leedal 1983, Brickell 1994, Fichtl & Adi 1994, van Wyk et al. 1997, Neuwinger 2000, Llamas 2003 232 Schefflera volkensii (Araliaceae) Common names I mogoro Description A creeper or tree which is sometimes much branched and spreading, up to 24 - 30 m tall. I t may grow as an epiphyte on other trees. Leaves are composed of 4 to 7 leaflets, each up to 15 cm long by 7 cm wide. The leaf stalk is up to 13 cm long. Ecology Found in wet or dry upland forest, sometimes in Hagenia woodland or in the bamboo zone 1550 – 2900 m. Schefflera volkensii growing as an epiphyte near I nyala Propagation Can be grown from cuttings, wild seedlings or from seed. Ripe fruit should be collected from the ground and gradually dried. Seed is then stored in sealed containers in a dry place. No treatment is required before sowing. Management The plant requires supporting when young in order to grow straight. Uses The wood is used for firewood and charcoal. The plant can also be grown as a living fence. The latex from this plant, sometimes mixed with honey, is used medicinally to treat colds and coughs. The tree can be grown for shade. The flowers are an important bee forage. Bees were seen collecting nectar from S. volkensii in June. A related species, S. abyssinica, is an important source of honey in Ethiopia having abundant pollen A Schefflera species, probably S. goetzenii, growing in forest near and nectar. Honey is pure I zumbwe white and granulation fine. Another related species, S. wallichiana is an important honey plant in tropical Asia producing up to 60% of the total honey crop. References Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962, FTEA 1968, Kokwaro 1976, Crane et al. 1984, Beentje 1994, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Katende et al. 1995, Neuwinger 2000, Burrows & Willis 2005, Lovett et al. 2006 233 Schoenoplectus corymbosus (Cyperaceae) Synonyms S. corymbosus var . brachyceras, Scirpus corymbosis Common names Amanzila (Malila), minyii (Hehe), milulu (Swahili), mat sedge Description A robust tufted rush, with pithfilled stems, to 2 m tall, growing from a short thick, woody rhizome. I nflorescence composed of clusters of spikelets on very unequal branches. Nutlet dark brown or blackish when mature. Photo: Robert Archer Ecology Often forms pure stands in marshes and at lake edges. Found from Mali to W. Cameroons and across to East Africa. Uses The stems are used to make mats though they are not long lasting. The stems are sometimes grazed by domestic stock especially in time of drought. References Burkill 1985, Flora Somalia 1995, van Wyk & Gericke 2000, Agnew 2013 Rinaga Jangi carrying amanzila stems to make mats (ishiriri) 234 Sechium edule (Cucurbitaceae) Common names I menyi, ikatawila (Malila), chayote, vegetable pear. Description A vigorous, climbing perennial herb with a large tuberous root. The plant may grow from 10 - 15 m in one season. Tendrils are large and branched. Leaves simple and spirally arranged, 7 - 25 cm in diameter. Male and female flowers are separate but on the same plant. Fruit is a one seeded fleshy berry, commonly pear shaped, furrowed, yellow green and 7 - 20 cm long. Fruits exposed to sun are light yellow but in shade are dark green. They contain a single white seed. Ecology Grown throughout the tropics but not very popular in Africa, though it grows well in the Southern Highlands. The plant requires high relative humidity with between 1500 – 2000 mm rainfall at an altitude of between 300 and 2000 m. I t does best in rich well drained soil and is not tolerant to water-logging. I t is susceptible to frost, drought and high wind. Tolerates high temperatures, though relatively cool nights appear to encourage fruit development. I t produces well in light shade. Propagation A mature fruit, containing a germinating seed, is planted at a depth of two thirds of its length in a prepared planting hole, with the widest end downwards or on its side. Plant rows at 100 120 cm with plants at 60 - 75 cm. I t can also be grown from stem cuttings 15 - 20 cm long. These must be shaded and kept moist. Plants require support ing with poles or a trellis. Tubers do not develop until the second year. Management First fruits are ready for harvest at 100 - 120 days from planting and the harvesting period continues over a long period. Replace plants after 3 years because of disease problems. I f tubers are dug up individually the plant will continue to grow and produce more tubers. Uses The leaves are eaten as a vegetable. They are cut up and either boiled or cooked with oil. Young leaves are rich in vitamins A and C, and the B vitamins, and also in calcium and iron. Elsewhere the immature fruits and tuberous roots are eaten. Fruits vary in flavour from bland to sweet or starchy. The tuberous roots can be cooked as a staple food. They are a good source of easily digestible starch. The seeds are also edible and can be cooked in butter or ghee. The fruits, shoots and tubers can be fed to pigs, goats, poultry and cattle. The plant has a number of potential medicinal uses. Leaves are reported to lower blood pressure and to be able to dissolve kidney stones. The female flowers, which are produced throughout the year, are reported to be particularly attractive to honey bees. I n East Africa fibre is obtained from the stem. References Grubben 1977, Tindall 1983, Crane & Walker 1984, Crane et al. 1984, FAO 1988, Dupriez & De Leener 1989, Engels & Jeffrey 1993, Robinson & Decker-Walters 1997, SEPASAL 1999, Engels 2004 235 Selago thomsonii (Scrophulariaceae) Common names Description A low tufted multi-stemmed shrub to 50 cm tall, with ascending branches bearing narrow leaves up to 1 cm long and terminal spikes of small mauve or pale purple (rarely white) flowers. Flowers are produced in June in the Southern Highlands and from March to July in Malawi. Ecology Locally common on dry subalpine heathland especially on thin and disturbed soil. Present in mountain grasslands up to 2530 m in Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania. Uses Likely to be visited by bees for nectar. References Cribb & Leedal 1982, FZ 1990, Baumann 2005, Burrows & Willis 2005, Agnew 2013 Photos: Günter Baumann 236 Senecio deltoideus (Asteraceae) Common names Umuwula Description A scrambling perennial herb or creeper with zig-zag stems, 2 – 7 m long. Leaves are triangular, 4.3 – 12 cm long and 2 – 6.5 cm wide, with coarsely toothed margins. Flowers are numerous in branched terminal heads. Disc florets pale creamy yellow to yellow, corolla 3 – 5 mm long, with the tube expanded above the middle. Photo taken in the forest margin of I shoho forest near Yalenga in October. Ecology Found in moist or dry forest or forest margins, secondary bushland in the forest zone, at altitudes between 700 and 2200 m. The plant is a common weed. Present in Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Swaziland and South Africa. Uses The flowers are reported to be visited by bees. Senecio apiifolius is an important bee forage in South Africa particularly for building up colony strength. Bees collect pollen and nectar from three other Senecio species in Ethiopia and several species are also visited by bees for nectar and pollen in the United Kingdom. Senecio species are known to have long flowering periods. The plant has minor medicinal use as an emetic in East Africa. A paste made from the leaves is used by the Xhosa people in South Africa to treat sore eyes. Remarks There are over 70 species of Senecio in East Africa. References Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962, Johannsmeier 1971, Howes 1979, Blundell 1987, Fichtl & Adi 1994, FTEA 2005, Agnew 2013 237 Senna didymobotrya (Fabaceae) Synonym Cassia didymobotrya Common names I nuha (Malila), peanut cassia, popcorn senna Description A fast growing shrub or small tree to 3 m high, branching from the base. The leaves are alternate, up to 30 cm long with 8 - 16 pairs of leaflets each 3 x 1 cm. Dense flower heads appear from the upper leaf axils. Flowers are golden yellow, cupped and 2 cm across. Unopened flowers are covered by dark-brown or bronze bracts. Fruit pod is flat 6 x 2 cm. Ecology Common throughout East Africa up to 2100 m, especially beside ditches and on roadsides. Also found in Ethiopia, Sudan, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, South Africa and Mozambique. Left: Senna didymobotrya in flower near I lembo in October Propagation Can be grown from seed. Uses I n Umalila the leaves are reported to be soaked in water and used to wash the face in order to treat fits. A decoction of the leaves, stems and roots is widely used in East Africa as a purgative. A decoction of the roots is used to treat mental illness in Tanzania. The roots provide an antidote to poisoning caused by the stem and leaves. The leaves have a strong smell, like that of peanut butter, which repels bees. This is used in Tanzania to smoke out bees when collecting honey. Senna species fix nitrogen and can also be used for green manure. Remarks All parts of the plant are know n to be highly poisonous. References Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962, Wild et al. 1972, Kokwaro 1976, Coates Palgrave 1983, Blundell 1987, Neuwinger 2000, Llamas 2003 238 Shirakiopsis elliptica (Euphorbiaceae) Synonym Sapium ellipticum Common names I gambo Description A shrub or tree 12 m tall but which may grow up to 25 m. The branches droop down. The bark is pale brown, rough and produces a milky sap when cut. Leaves 3 – 19 x 2 – 6.5 cm. Leaves are alternate, with short petioles, dark green, leathery, and widest below or about the middle. The leaf margin has shallow rounded teeth. Flowers are borne on a spike 4 – 17 cm long. The yellow female flowers are borne below the male flowers on catkin like spikes up to 14 cm long. Fruit is a lobed, red to dark-brown capsule 1 cm in diameter. Ecology Present in secondary forest, and periodically flooded forests. Found from Guinea to Ethiopia and south to the Cape. Most common in clearings and riverine forest and also in mountain evergreen bushland with annual rainfall between 1200 and 2000 mm. Propagation The tree can be grown from seed extracted from the capsules and also using wild seedlings. The seeds are often attacked by insects so should be collected as soon as they are ripe. Management The tree can be coppiced and pollarded. Photo right: Bart Wursten Uses The wood is tough but not durable. I t is used for making tool handles (see page 275), domestic utensils such as mortars, spoons, bowls, cups and plates. I t is also used for charcoal and firewood. I n Tanzania a leaf preparation is used to relieve pains in the head, chest, back and shoulders, for sore eyes and abdominal swelling. The bark is used by the Washambaa to treat general body pains and tuberculosis. Roots are used for chronic coughing and colds. The latex is poisonous but used to treat constipation. I n Tanzania the Shambaa people apply a paste made from powdered dried twigs with water to wounds infested with maggots. The root is eaten with leaves and water to expel worms. I n Kenya a decoction of the roots is used to cure coughs and in Uganda leaves and roots are used to t reat mumps. Bees collect pollen and nectar and the flowers are very attractive to bees. References Lovett et al. 2006, Schmelzer 2007 239 Smilax aspera (Smilacaceae) Synonym S. goetziana Common names Sarsaparilla, rough bindweed Photo: Leif & Anita Stridvall Description A creeping shrub, with angled stems up to 12 m long. Leaves are alternate 3 – 8 by 2.5 – 5.5 cm. The cream or yellow-green flowers are fragrant in clusters along an extended rachis. Fruit is red – purple, round, 5 – 10 mm. Ecology Scrambles over shrubs or trees in forest or forest edges often in damp places near rivers. Also in mountain scrub, rocky areas and along streams between 1450 – 2745 m. Present from Malawi and Zambia to the Mediterranean region. Propagation Can be grown from seed or by division. Uses Young shoots can be eaten either cooked or raw. The roots are used medicinally as a purifying and detoxifying agent, as a pain killer, to cause sweating and to encourage urination. The ripe fruits are squeezed and applied to the skin in the treatment of scabies. References Beentje 1994, White et al. 2001, Burrows & Willis 2005, Agnew 2013, CJB (Accessed 6.2.2015) 240 Solanecio angulatus (Asteraceae) Synonym Crassocepahulm bojeri Description A scrambling perennial succulent herb, occasionally prostrate, 0.6 – 3 m long. Stems rather succulent, pale green, often variegated with pale yellow green and purple markings, glabrous and slightly angular. Leaves, on a stalk to 5 cm long, are somewhat succulent, with 2 - 5 lobes or compound, 3.7 – 22 cm long, 1 – 14 cm wide. The yellow, strongly scented, flowers are borne in numerous terminal stalked loose heads, the whole inflorescence often hanging down. Fruits 3 – 3.5 mm long, are ribbed and shortly hairy in the grooves. Photos: Robert von Blittersdorff www.eastafricanplants. senckenberg.de Ecology Common in upland forest and woodland. A weed of cultivation though sometimes planted particularly in western and central Africa. Propagation S. biafrae can be grown from seed though viability tends to be very poor. Wild seedlings can also be planted. Semi hard-wood cuttings can be used. Remove leaves and tops first and plant in welldrained soil, rich in organic matter and in shade. Management Crassocephalum species may be mulched or staked and the flowers are sometimes removed to increase production. Uses I n D.R. Congo leaves of S. angulatus are coarsely cut and cooked as a vegetable for 5 - 6 minutes. Fresh leaves of S. biafrae are also used as a vegetable in Sierra Leone, Ghana, Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon and Gabon. Bees collect pollen and nectar from this and other species of Solanecio ( S. gigas and S. manni) and because of the long flowering period it is probably useful for building up the strength of colonies and producing honey. Elsewhere in Tanzania the watery sap from crushing the leaves is drunk to treat colds, fever and rheumatism. References Stevels 1990, Konda ku Mbuta 1992, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Schippers 2000, Adebooye 2004, FTEA 2005, Kokwaro 2009, Kibungu Kembelo & Kibungu Kembelo 2010, Agnew 2013, Latham & Konda ku Mbuta 2014a 241 Solanecio mannii (Asteraceae) Synonym Senecio manni, Crassocephalum mannii Common names I ntwitwi, itwitwi (Malila), itwiti (Safwa), itwita (Nyakyusa) Description A shrub or much branched soft-wooded tree, up to 7 m tall. Bark green to grey green. Small branches are marked with pale leaf scars. Leaves are crowded at the ends of the branches, and are 15 – 20 cm long by 3.5 cm wide. The leaf margins are toothed and the leaf stalk is up to 2 cm long clasping the stem. The flowers are borne in dense terminal heads and emit a powerful, unpleasant smell from dusk onwards. Ecology Grows at high altitudes in dry or evergreen forest edges, degraded or secondary forest, also near water and on rocky slopes. Frequently planted as a hedge and also present in Kenya and Ethiopia. Propagation easily and quickly. Cuttings take the plant grows Management Can be grown to form a loose hedge. Uses Frequently grown as a hedge plant. Bees were seen collecting pollen and some nectar. I n Umalila people push the stems into mole runs to clear them out. The stems are used to support fruiting bananas. I n East Africa the plant has a number of medicinal uses, for example the roots are used as a purgative, and to treat intestinal worms, dysentery and indigestion. Right: Solanecio mannii in flower near I zumbwe in August Remarks The leaves of some related species are eaten as vegetables. References Wild et al. 1972, Leedal 1975, Kokwaro 1976, Coates Palgrave 1983, Burkill 1985, Blundell 1987, Beentje 1994, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Hepburn & Radloff 1998, Neuwinger 2000, Schippers 2002, Agnew 2013 242 Solanum aculeatissimum (Solanaceae) Common names Cockroach berry, love apple, devil’s apple, soda-apple Description A shrubby plant up to 1.5 m tall. The stems are densely covered with straight spines 1 cm long. Leaves, up to 18 x 16 cm, are deeply lobed and also bear slender spines up to 1.5 cm long. Flowers are generally white. Fruits are round pale yellow to whitish, 3.5 cm diameter. Ecology I n forest clearings and disturbed places, often associated with pine plantations. Widespread throughout Africa. Uses The plant contains solanine, a bitter glucoalkaloid. No local use is known in the Southern Highlands though it is used medicinally elsewhere in Africa to cure constipation, as a purgative, to treat trachoma, to induce labour, for back pain, snake-bite and male impotence. The fruits are known to be poisonous. References Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962, Verdcourt & Trump 1969, Blundell 1987, Burkill 2000, White et al. 2001, Burrows & Willis 2005, Nicholson 2008, Agnew 2013 Photo: Robert von Blittersdorff www.eastafricanplants.senckenberg.de 243 Solanum scabrum (Solanaceae) Common names I nsungwe kali (name used in Umalila), mnavu (Swahili), African nightshade, black nightshade Description A woody annual or short lived perennial herb with strong green or purple stems which are either round or winged. Plants are usually about 60 cm high but can grow to 120 cm or more. There are both small and large leaved cultivars with different leaf shapes and the leaf colour can be either green or dark-purple. Flowers are either white or have a purple tinge. Fruits are 10 – 16 mm in diameter. The dark purple fruits have a distinct bloom when young and become glossy when they get older. I t is the only species whose berries remain on the plant at maturity. Ecology Occasionally found in forested areas. I t is more common in West Africa and many different varieties can be seen, often of local importance only. I t is cultivated in several locations in Africa’s humid highlands but less in the lowlands. I t prefers fertile sandy loams with a pH of 6 – 6.5 and adequate organic matter. The plant is also present in Europe, I ndia, China, the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, North America and the Caribbean. Propagation Grown from seed or cuttings. Seed can be sown either direct or in a nursery and transplanted. Mix the seed with sand or dry soil so that it is spread more evenly. Manure or ashes should be added to the soil for good growth. Seed can be sown in lines 20 – 30 cm apart or broadcast and then covered with a thin layer of soil. Transplant seedlings when 6 – 8 cm tall. Space in the field at 40 cm by 40 – 60 cm. Seed can be stored for several years if kept dry and cool. I f cuttings are used these should be taken from the main stem and be 20 – 30 cm long. Lower leaves should be removed. Uses I n Umalila the leaves and young shoots are occasionally cooked and eaten as a vegetable though Solanum umalilaense is preferred. Elsewhere in Africa they are more commonly eaten as a vegetable. Leaves contain over 4% protein and are also rich in vitamin A and are a good source of calcium and phosphorus. The leaves have a bitter taste which can be partially removed by changing the cooking water. Dried leaves can be stored and added to soup. I f dried in the shade nutrient loss will be minimal. The plants are also used medicinally in East Africa. The fruits are eaten to treat stomach ulcers and stomach-ache. References FAO 1988, Martin et al. 1998, Burkill 2000, Fontem & Schippers 2004 244 Solanum tuberosum (Solanaceae) Common names I ntafwanya (Malila), kiazi cha kizungu (Swahili), potato Description Several local varieties are popular in Umalila: Kagiri (for chips) and Sasamuka, Arik and Lot (for boiling). Kenya Akiba and Atzimba have good resistance to late blight disease. Tuber growth often continues after flowering in East Africa providing there is sufficient moisture in the soil. Ecology Altitude range from 1200 – 2900 m. Potatoes require fertile soils. Soil must be free draining. Heavy soils restrict tuber growth and make harvesting difficult. Bacterial wilt, Two local varieties. Nalwinji (left) and Sasamuka (right) which causes plants to wilt even when there is adequate moisture, can only be controlled by using clean seed and uninfected land. Resistant varieties are being developed. Propagation Potatoes are normally planted from April to July. They are ridged up some time after planting. “Seed” potatoes for planting should be 3 – 6 cm in diameter. They should not be cut as this makes them prone to disease and pest damage. Soft, flabby seed should also not be used. Sprouting normally takes place at the “rose” or broad end and all but the two strongest sprouts should be ru bbed off. I t is important to chit seed before planting. Spread the potato seed on trays no more than 2 to 3 tubers deep, in a light place but away from sunlight. This encourages the development of strong, short, green healthy sprouts after several weeks. Planting with chitted seed ensures that the crop starts growing immediately it is planted. Plant, with sprouts pointing upwards, in rows 90 cm apart, to allow sufficient soil for earthing up. Plant seed 10 cm deep with plants spaced 23 – 30 cm apart in the row. Careful earthing up avoids greening of the tubers and tuber moth damage. I t also conserves water and soil and gives ideal conditions for tuber growth. Only when the stem nodes are covered with soil will they form tubers. Management Late blight is an important disease and potatoes are usually planted after the main rain season to minimize damage. The disease can be controlled by regular chemical spraying using Dithane or a copper based solution. When the crop is ready, cut off the tops 2 - 3 weeks before harvesting. This allows the skin to harden making the crop easier to transport and store without rotting. Uses An important root crop at higher altitudes in Njombe and Mbeya Districts, having a greater yield potential than maize. Remarks Moles can be a problem and are trapped or poisoned. I t is said that inuha ( Tagetes minuta) or intwitwi ( Solanecio mannii) stems can be pushed into their holes to get them to move away. Stored potatoes are attacked by tuber moth. This can be controlled using a pyrethrum spray. Potatoes cannot be stored for long in East Africa because the high temperatures encourage sprouting. They are best stored in the soil though there is the risk of nematode damage if they are left in dry soil for more than 4 - 6 weeks. Average yield is 5 - 7 tons per ha. With good blight control this could be increased to 15 - 20 tons per ha. References Hadfield 1960, Acland 1977, Raemaekers 2001 245 Solanum umalilaense (Solanaceae) Common names I nsungwe Description A low growing herb. Leaves small, up to 3 cm long, on a leaf stalk up to 1.5 cm long. The plant branches low down producing a small bush. Each branch produces a large number of flowers in a simple or complex inflorescence, which turn the whole bush white during flowering. The numerous fruits which are never more than 4 mm in diameter are bitter and not eaten. They turn yellow-brown when mature. Left: Plant in flower in a vegetable garden Ecology Cultivated in Mbeya region Mbeya, Mbozi and Rungwe districts. Propagation Planted from seed. Branches are first heaped over the seed-bed and set on fire so that the soil is partially sterilized. Manure is added and the seeds are then sown. Management Seedlings are transplanted to stand 40 cm between rows and 20 cm in the row. The leaves can be picked 3 to 4 weeks after planting out and picking continues for about two months until flowering commences. The leaves then become bitter. Uses An important vegetable in Umalila and also grown by the Safwa, Nyiha and Nyakyusa people. Leaves are commonly eaten with maize porridge or I rish potatoes. They are available in November and December and then from February to May. Right: Leaves being sold in I lembo village Remarks This is a new species whose identity was determined at the University of Nijmegen (PaysBas). References Schippers 2004, Manoko et al. 2012 246 Solenostemon autranii (Lamiaceae) Synonym Coleus autranii Description A low growing perennial shrub up to 2 m tall. The leaves are aromatic (mint-like), ovate, pointed, with long hairs below and with small teeth, less than 2 mm deep. The blue, lilac or purple, flowers are borne in dense racemes. Ecology A common hedge plant. Present on the edges of montane rainforest and inside riverine forest and swamp forest. Altitude range 1680 – 3000 m. Found from Kenya to Zimbabwe. Photo left: Günter Baumann Uses Other species (e.g. S. monostachys) are known to be good bee forage in D.R. Congo. References Baumann 2005, Burrows & Willis 2005, Agnew 2013, Latham & Konda ku Mbuta 2014b Sleeping or drying mat made from Schoenoplectus corymbosis 247 Sparrmannia ricinocarpa (Malvaceae) Common names I nsabi, ingwayuzi Description A woody herb or scrambling shrub 0.5 to 3 m tall. Older twigs have network markings. Leaves are densely hairy, have 3 – 7 lobes, and are 3 – 13 cm long and 2 – 12 cm wide. The pink to mauve flowers are produced over a long period at the end of the rain season. Fruit is brown and covered with 2 – 3 cm long bristles which catch on clothing and animal fur. Ecology Grows on wasteland, on roadside and forest margins, or in forest clearings, riverine forest and secondary bushland where forest has disappeared. Occurs from the Cape in South Africa north to Ethiopia. Uses Bees were seen collecting pollen in April. Bees are also known to collect pollen and nectar in Ethiopia. Other Sparrmannia species are reported to be visited by bees elsewhere. The stem yields a good fibre which is used for tying. References Leedal 1975, Coates Palgrave 1983, Beentje 1994, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Hepburn & Radloff 1998, Agnew 2013 248 Spermacoce dibrachiata (Rubiaceae) Common names I kuwi (Malila), ikuwe, ilungalunga (Nyiha) Description An annual or biennial herb up to 75 cm tall with single or branching stems, sparsely to densely covered with hairs. The leaves are 4.5 – 12 cm long by 2.8 cm broad. Blue to violet-blue flowers are borne in heads 2.5 cm long. Ecology One of the commonest species of Spermacoce in the Southern Highlands. I t is found throughout Tanzania and from Rwanda to D.R. Congo and from Zimbabwe to Angola up to an altitude of 2250 m. I t grows in a variety of habitats from woodland to grassland and even in cultivated areas. Uses Bees were collecting pollen in the morning in April. Bees are known to collect pollen and nectar from S. sphaerostigma in Ethiopia and other species of this family. A root infusion is used medicinally in Zimbabwe to treat dizziness, coughing and hepatitis. Remarks 12 species of Spermacoce are present in the Southern Highlands. References Kokwaro 1976, Cribb & Leedal 1982, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Hepburn & Radloff 1998 249 Steganotaenia araliacea (Apiaceae) Common names Nyongampembe (Malila), pop-gun tree, carrot tree Steganotaenia araliacea in a home garden near I lembo Description A shrub or small tree from 5 to 8 m high. The trunk is usually crooked. The bark is thick and corky. The leaves are crowded at the end of the branches, each having 5 - 9 leaflets on a stalk, 15 - 40 cm long, which is swollen at the base and clasping the stem. The white flowers are produced in compound heads before the leaves appear. Ecology Found in woody savanna throughout tropical Africa, especially at low altitudes and on rocky outcrops. Propagation Wild seedlings or cuttings are used for propagation. Seeds are difficult to collect. Management The tree is fast-growing and can be coppiced and pollarded. Uses Wood is soft and brittle and mainly used for firewood, carving and farm tools. The whole plant is aromatic, resembling fennel or carrot, and is used to perfume garments. The plant is known to be strongly emetic. The roots are used to relieve sore throats, asthma and infertility in southern Africa. Bees are reported to collect pollen and nectar in D.R. Congo and Ethiopia. Children use the hollowedout stems as pea-shooters. References Wild et al. 1972, Coates Palgrave 1983, Keay 1989, Beentje 1994, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Katende et al. 1995, Bakenga et al. 2000, Neuwinger 2000, van Wyk & Gericke 2000 250 Sw ertia usambarensis (Gentianaceae) Common names Description An erect, hairless herb up to 50 cm tall, with a stem that branches near the base or near the top. The spirally arranged basal leaves widen towards the tip. Stem leaves are long and narrow. The white to pale blue flowers are borne in loose heads. Flowers may have short or long petals and have two nectar producing pits at the base of each petal. Ecology Found in short, dry grassland at altitudes from 1800 to 2500 m. Common on shallow soils and short mountain grassland in Kenya and Tanzania and also present in Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Ethiopia. Uses I n Umalila the roots are used to treat stomach-ache. Bees are known to collect pollen and nectar from S. abyssinica in Ethiopia. References Blundell 1987, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Mabbereley 1997, Burrows & Willis 2005, Agnew 2013 251 Syzygium cordatum (Myrtaceae) Common names I fwomi (Malila), msu, musu (Fipa), muvengi, muvengi lulenga (Hehe), umivengi (Kinga), mpegele (Nyakyusa), mzambarau mwitu, mkarafuu mwitu, mlati, myamayu (Swahili), waterberry tree, water boom Description A fairly fast growing evergreen tree up to 20 m high with a rounded crown. Trunk short and sometimes buttressed. Twigs are square in cross section with winged edges. The leaves are borne at the end of branches and clasp the stem in opposite pairs. They are oblong to circular, up to 13.5 cm long, bluish green above, paler below. Flowers are fragrant and produce large amounts of nectar. The fruit is up to 1.5 cm long. Ecology The tree is found beside fresh water in eastern, central and southern Africa. I t occurs at medium to higher altitudes, along water-courses, often in thickets and forests. I t is fire resistant. Propagation Remove the flesh from the seed and sow before it dries. Germination is very good and uniform up to 100% after 7 to 20 days, but seed is only viable for one day. Seedlings are hardy and transplant well. The tree can be coppiced. Uses Bees are important for pollination and, as flowering often takes place over long periods, with abundant nectar secretion, a good honey flow results. Timber is used for construction and furniture. The wood is medium hard and heavy and works well but should be water seasoned. I t is particularly good for boat building, as it is resistant to borer attack and does not rot in water. I t makes a good fuel-wood. The tree is planted for erosion control and to stabilize river-banks. The fruit is edible, slightly acid and made into jam or a drink by being broken open and left to stand in water for some hours. A dye is produced from the bark. The root or a decoction of the bark is drunk to ease indigestion. The wood smoke has a pleasant smell and is sometimes used to season gourds. References Watt & Breyer Brandwijk 1962, Kokwaro 1976, Coates Palgrave 1983, Crane et al. 1984, Tredgold 1986, Beentje 1994, Mbuya et al. 1994, Venter & Venter 1996, van Wyk 1997, I CRAF 1998, Maundu et al. 1999, Carolus 2004, Lovett et al. 2006, Meunier et al. 2010 252 Lantana camara being grown as a hedge at Shilanga Learning to be mum 253 Syzygium guineense subsp. huillense (Myrtaceae) Synonym S. huillense Common names I wovi, iwobe (Malila), dwarf waterberry Photo taken in October near I shoho forest Description A bush which may grow up to 3 m tall, but is usually only 30 to 60 cm, growing from a large rhizome, usually flowering on unbranched current year’s shoots arising directly from the rootstock. Leaves 2 – 11 x 6 cm, very variable in shape. Flowers are often produced on new growth direct from the rhizome. Fruit circa 3 x 2 cm, purple-black, ellipsoid or obovoid with a persistent calyx. Ecology Grows in seasonally burned areas, on the edges of seasonally waterlogged grassland, usually on sandy soils, often with Parinari capensis. Altitude range 900–1400 m. Present in Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Angola and D.R. Congo. Propagation Probably as for Syzygium cordatum. Uses The fruits are edible. Bees are reported to visit the flowers. References FZ 1978, Lovett communication Roy Gereau et al. 2006, Zimbabwe Flora (Accessed 15.1.2015), 254 personal Tabernaemontana stapfiana (Apocynaceae) Common names I liungu (Malila), mwambe (Swahili), wild magnolia Description A tree 5 – 25 m tall; bark pale to dark grey brown, rough, thick, corky; wood yellow or light brown. Slash produces a white latex. Leaves 12 – 42 cm long, 3 – 17 cm wide with scattered dots beneath. I nflorescence 10 – 28 cm long with few to many white, thick flowers, throat pale yellow, twisted over the entire length of the tube. Fruits dark green, densely speckled yellow or white, 10 – 20 cm long, 8 – 20 cm in diameter, rounded. Ripe fruit splits open to release a sticky orange pulp around the seeds. Seeds dark brown, slightly like a coffee bean. The rotting fruit has an unpleasant smell. Ecology Present in lowland and mountain forest in eastern and central Africa. Altitude range 1400 – 2300 m. Propagation The tree can be grown from seed. Uses The white, soft wood is used for firewood and knife handles. Bark, roots and seeds are used to treat high blood pressure. The flowers are visited by honey bees. The tree makes a good shade tree. I n eastern D.R. Congo the wood is used for building houses, for making combs, spoons and handles for knives. The bark, seeds and roots are used to treat high blood pressure. The latex is applied to wounds. A leaf decoction is drunk to promote increase in milk flow, though a strong dose may cause abortion. I n Kenya a leaf decoction is used as an appetizer and to treat colic. A leaf infusion is drunk for pain in the side. References Neuwinger 2000, White et al. 2001, Dharani 2002, FTEA 2002, Burrows & Wills 2005, Lemmens 2006, Lovett et al. 2006 Photos: Günter Baumann www.eastafricanplants.senckenberg.de 255 Tagetes minuta (Asteraceae) Common names I nuha (Malila), fumbwafumbwa (Nyakyusa), manunsi (Safwa) , khaki weed, Mexican marigold Description An erect, strong smelling annual herb, 1 – 2 m tall, very variable in habit, having deeply divided leaves and 4 to 6 pairs of toothed leaflets. The under surface of the leaves bear a number of small glands which exude a strong, unpleasant aroma when crushed. The creamy-yellow flowers, 5 mm across, are grouped in terminal heads. Seed is black, spindle shaped, with 4 short but sharp awns at the apex. Ecology A common plant in grass and crop land. Originally from South America. A troublesome weed at altitudes from 760 to 2210 m. Uses I n Umalila this plant is put on the floor and around houses to keep ants away. Also used in Tanzania and Zimbabwe to keep weevils out of grain stores. Place a layer of crushed plants below grain and another on top to keep pests away. Alternatively pound the dried leaves and seeds to a powder and mix 20 litres of grain with 0.25 litre powder. An essential oil, obtained Tagetes minuta in flower on roadside by distilling plants as they produce seed, is suggested as a fly and vermin repellent . I t is reported to be effective for killing maggots in wounds and can be rubbed into the fleece of sheep to prevent blow -fly infection. Tagetes species have fungicidal, insecticidal, nematicidal and insect repellent properties. Place large quantities of crushed flowers (roots and leaves can also be added), in a bucket of water. Leave to stand for 5 - 7 days and stir each day. When decayed, strain through a cloth and keep the liquid. Dilute with equal amounts of soapy water. Use potash based soft soap that is used for washing dishes, not modern washing powders that contain caustic soda, as they will harm plants. Spray once per week on plants to repel aphids, caterpillars, diamond back moths, ants and termites. The liquid is reported to help potatoes, beans, tomatoes, and peas resist blight, mildew and other fungal diseases. I f a sprayer is not available the liquid can be shaken onto plants with a whisk made from branches or grass. Mexican marigold, in combination with chillies, garlic and onions can be used to deter most insects. Decayed flowers, leaves and stalks can be used as a mulch around the base of plants to deter pests. A rotation of Tagetes minuta will kill off root-knot nematodes in the soil as the roots give off a substance which poisons them. Effective treatment occurs over a period from 42 to 70 days. Remarks Beekeepers should take care that clothes and hands do not smell of this plant as it can make bees aggressive. References Uphof 1968, Wild et al. 1972, Leedal 1975, Blundell 1987, HDRA 1998, HDRA 2000, Stoll 2000 256 Tecoma nyassae (Bignoniaceae) Synonyms Tecomaria nyassae Common names I ntwati (Malila), ntwati (Nyiha), mbojo (Nyakyusa), Cape honeysuckle Description An evergreen multi-stemmed shrub, climber or small tree, growing to 4 m high. Bark pale brown spotted with lenticels. Branches root where they touch the ground. The leaves are opposite, compound, glossy, 15 cm long, composed of 2 - 5 oval leaflets with a larger terminal leaflet having toothed edges. Flower heads are composed of red trumpet shaped flowers, 5 cm long, produced most commonly after the rains. Fruit is an oblong capsule up to 10 cm long. Left: Tecomaria capensis growing beside a track near I lembo Ecology A shrub of forest or grassland from Kenya to South Africa. Sometimes planted on field boundaries. I t is also found along drainage lines in dense woodland. Grows in full sun or semi-shade. Propagation Most easily grown from cuttings taken from hardwood after flowering. Cuttings should be 10 cm long and all but the top two leaves should be removed. Suckers are frequently produced and can be removed and planted out during the growth period. The plant can also be layered very easily. I t can be grown from seed. Management Suitable for growing as an ornamental bush, hedge or as a single stemmed tree. Pruning is known to encourage flowering. Uses Honeybees frequently collect pollen and nectar from this plant which often flowers over a long period. I n Umalila the young shoots are chewed to relieve stomach-ache. I n Tanzania timber is used for hut poles and making doors. I n South Africa the powdered bark is used to treat fever, pneumonia, bleeding gums and stomach pain. T. capensis is browsed by livestock. References Jex-Blake 1957, Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962, Leedal 1975, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Johannesmeier & Allsopp 1995, Bryant 1996, Venter & Venter 1996, Mutshinyalo 2001, Dharani 2002 257 Telfairia pedata (Cucurbitaceae) Common names I tandu (Malila), mkweme (Swahili) oyster nut, Zanzibar oil vine A single oyster nut plant growing over a bamboo trellis near Yalenga Description A perennial climbing vine up to 30 m long having stout woody stems and branched tendrils. Male and female flowers are normally borne on different plants though monoecious plants may also be present and flowers may be pink or white. Fruit is large, 45 – 60 cm long, 20 cm diameter, weighing up to 15 kg. I t has 10 12 deep ridges longitudinally and the fruit stalk is White flowered variety Red flowered variety sometimes constricted near to the fruit. Each fruit bears 80 – 170 seeds. Seeds are circular, flattened, up to 4.5 cm in diameter, yellow or brown, with no obvious rim, and are covered with a network of fibrous material. The plant is hardy, deep rooted and drought resistant. I t can produce for 20 years or more. Two crops may be produced each year. Ecology I ndigenous to tropical Africa, probably originating in East Africa. Fairly commonly cultivated around 2000 m altitude. Sometimes grows wild in lowland rain forest and riverine forest. I ndigenous to Usambara mountain forests in Tanzania. Also grows in Rwanda, Mozambique, Zanzibar, Pemba and Uganda. Though it grows fast at low altitudes, the plant lives longer at higher altitudes. I t does well on 258 medium loams with good drainage and an annual rainfall of 900 mm. I t does not grow well in areas affected by strong winds. Propagation Can be grown from seed or cuttings. The seed should not be older than 3 months, preferably plant within one month of harvest. I t is best to soak seeds in water for up to 5 days before planting. Up to 75% germination takes pace after 3 4 weeks. Plant in containers and then plant out in the field as soon as the seedlings reach 45 cm. I f possible provide adequate manure when planting out. Plants are normally grown near the home, often next to the livestock enclosure, on a trellis 2 m high or over a tree, a wild fig for example. The plant is fast growing attaining 6 m in the first 6 months. Management Plants were grown in Kenya using a double wire trellis arch of similar height to that for passion fruit. The fruits then hang down and seeds can be collected from the ground when the fruits break off and drop. However the plant seems to prefer growing over trees, which it does almost smothering them. Sexes are normally separate and must be grown together to get fruit. Fruits take 4 months to mature. The nut stores fairly well. To Maturing fruit at Yalenga open cut round the edge to separate fibrous coat then lightly tap edge or continue to cut until the two halves separate. Uses Traditionally the kernels were the main source of cooking oil. The kernel is edible fresh but is also pounded and added to vegetables ( Brassica oleracea and/ or Vigna unguiculata in Umalila). The Chagga people use the seed as a tonic after childbirth. The kernel can be roasted, pickled or can be used in soup. The thin seed coat is bitter, but this can be removed fairly easily. The kernel contains 26% protein and yields up to 66% of a sticky oil known as castanha oil. The oil is suitable for making soap and candles and in East Africa is used as a medicine for stomach troubles and rheumatism. Remarks The production of oyster nuts has never become very popular because a) the problem of providing adequate support b) the difficulty of mechanizing the removal of seed coat. However the nuts are a traditional and valuable source of protein and have a ready sale in local markets. References Poppleton 1939, Greenway 1945, FTEA 1967, Williamson 1975, Kokwaro 1976, Tindall 1983, FAO 1988, Mamillan 1991 259 Many houses have a hole in the wall to allow chickens to come and go. The hole can be blocked off with a brick as necessary, to keep hens in until they have laid or to prevent snakes from entering. A beehive probably damaged by a black spotted genet 260 Tephrosia vogelii (Fabaceae) Common names Utupa (Malila), kibazi, mtupa (Swahili), fish poison bean Description A much branched shrub from 0.5 to 4 m high. Plants are normally selfpollinating though large carpenter bees have been reported as the principal pollinators. Ecology The plant is native to tropical Africa. I t is found in a wide variety of habitats including savanna and forest margins. I t will grow on poor soils, but is slower growing and more prone to disease under these conditions. I n acid soils it grows much better than Leucaena leucocephala, forming root nodules and fixing atmospheric nitrogen where the latter does not. I t will grow to an altitude of 2100 m, preferring a well drained soil. I t can be planted in and around crop fields and is well adapted to sandy soils. Propagation Seed should be Dickson Mwahalende with a Tephrosia bush stored for 2 months and then planted direct after soaking in hot water at 45°C. This treatment should result in 80% germination after one week. Seed can be stored without loss of germination for 2 - 3 years. Management The plant should be cut back every so often to encourage branching. I t coppices well and tolerates repeated pruning. I t also tolerates drought, grazing and strong winds. I t recovers well after burning. Uses The leaves are used to control maize stalk borer. I t is recommended that 1 kg leaves are put in 15 litres of water and 25 gm soap is added. Stir and leave the mixture to stand for one day. The liquid is then strained off and a small amount shaken down the funnel of the maize plant from a stick or sponge when the plant reaches knee height. The application is repeated twice a week. The leaves as well as the seeds are effective against aphids and thrips. They can also be used successfully as a dried powder to control grubs, lice and ticks on cattle and fleas and ticks on dogs. The plant is sometim es inter-cropped with maize in southern Tanzania. The plant can also be used as a green manure, having a high nitrogen content. I t is usually grown in the rain season and ploughed in before seed set. I t has been used for alley cropping with maize at 90 cm spacing with 2 - 3 seeds per hole. The plant is allowed to grow until the following planting season when it is cut to ground level. I t may be grown on contour ridges for soil conservation. Sticks cut from plants can be used for staking beans, for poles, firewood and making brooms. Tephrosia vogelii is sometimes planted as a hedge. The pulped leaves are commonly used to poison fish which can then be safely eaten. Honey bees collect pollen and nectar from plants and contribute to pollination. Remarks Tephrosine, contained in the leaves, is an effective insecticide and only mildly toxic to mammals. However browsing animals avoid it. Tephrosine is known to resist attack by termites. References Watt & Breyer - Brandwijk 1962, Egli & Kalinganire 1988, Beentje 1994, I CRAF 1998, Msanga 1998, Rutunga et al. 1999, Bakenga et al. 2000, Stoll 2000, I sangati 2006 261 Tetradenia tanganyikae (Lamiaceae) Common names I vuguvugu (Malila), ginger bush Description A shrub or small tree from 1.5 to 5 m high. Bark is brown and smooth. The plant smells of citronella. The soft ovate leaves are up to 15 cm long and 11 cm wide, and the leaf margin is toothed along its whole length. Leaves are stalked. Male and female flowers are borne in large dense spikes on different plants, and are mauve, pink to white, in much branched heads up to 20 cm long. Flowers are produced from May to November. The shrub grows rapidly. Ecology Often planted as a hedge around compounds. I t is found in forest, woodland and bushland, often near water. I t grows between altitudes of 1200 and 2000 m. The plant prefers deep well-drained soils. I t is also planted around fields and along roadsides and river courses as a hedge in Rwanda. Propagation Use cuttings 20 50 cm long. Uses Bees were seen collecting nectar from this plant in July, though it is said that the quality of the honey is poor. The leaves are used as an insecticide and for mulching References Phillipson & Steyn 2008 262 Thunbergia alata (Acanthaceae) Common names Nantembe, rusiki (Malila), ngelengele (Nyakyusa), kijago-gura (Swahili), black-eyed Susan Description A perennial climbing or trailing plant up to 2 m long. Leaves are opposite and slightly hairy. The flowers are often numerous, 4 cm in diameter, usually orange but can be white, red or yellow and have a brown to purple throat. Flowers are produced over a long period. Fruit is round, woody, and topped with a beak. When ripe it explodes releasing the seeds. Ecology Present in bush and grassland in East Africa. Often found in partial shade at the forest edge and in river fringes. I t grows up to an altitude of 2400 m, particularly in the wetter, higher areas. I t is sometimes planted as an ornamental. Propagation Can be grown from seed. Uses I n Umalila the leaves are pounded and put in water and drunk to treat a swollen stomach. The leaves are reported to be eaten as a vegetable by some people in Kenya. I t is also reported to be readily grazed by livestock in Kenya. I n Tanzania the leaf sap is dripped into the eyes to treat inflammation and, together with Hyptis pectinata, is drunk for piles or early rectal cancer. I n Malawi a Thunbergia species is used as a cure for skin disease. The plant is also used medicinally in Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, Uganda and eastern Tanzania. References Jex-Blake 1957, Wild et al. 1972, Williamson 1975, Burkill 1985, Blundell 1987, Peters et al. 1992, Neuwinger 2000, Llamas 2003, Agnew 2013 263 Trichilia emetica (Meliaceae) Common names I latushila (Malila), msanguti (Nyakyusa), mkungwina, mtimaji, mtimai (Swahili), Cape mahogany Description A small to medium tree up to 20 m tall with hanging foliage. Flowers are creamy-green and fragrant. Fruit is a creamy-brown to red, round capsule, 1.8 to 2.5 cm across which bursts open when mature. Ecology A widespread and important tree of high forest areas. I t prefers a well drained rich soil and high water table. The tree is found from Senegal to the Red Sea and in the Arabian Peninsula. Propagation Use fresh seed which normally germinates after 10 – 20 days. Collect seeds when capsules start to open, dry in the shade, shake out the seed when dry and sow immediately. Seeds are often attacked by a borer weevil. Seeds that float in water should be rejected. The tree can also be grown from cuttings. These should be taken from layered branches or one year old coppice growth. Cuttings are sometimes eaten by termites. Transplant after 6 – 8 months. The tree is fairly fast growing. Uses The timber is used for firewood, poles and tool handles. Wood is straight grained and easily planed and, though attacked by borers, is used to produce attractive furniture and shelving. A sweet milky, edible liquid is obtained from the fruit arils which is used in cooking. The aril must be removed from the seed, the coat of which is extremely poisonous, and then crushed in water. The seeds can also be skinned and eaten. They may also be soaked in water and the contents squeezed out and ground. The liquid produced is eaten with vegetable leaves. Photos: Günter Baumann www.eastafricanplants.senckenberg.de The leaves can be used as fodder. The flowers are reported to be visited by bees. Oil content of the seed is 55 – 65% . The oil can be used in making soap, as a hair conditioner, to nourish and revitalize skin and as a furniture polish. The oil is also used to treat cuts and bruises and a decoction of the root is taken for fever and as a purgative. A bitter medicinal oil is obtained by boiling the ground seed in water which is taken for rheumatism. The bark is used to treat pneumonia. Pieces of bark or powdered bark are soaked in warm water and used as an enema or as an emetic for intestinal complaints. Leaf and fruit poultices are applied to bruises, cuts and eczema. The tree produces good shade and has a nonaggressive root system. References Deschodt 1976, Peters et al. 1992, Mbuya et al. 1994, Venter & Venter 1996, Dharani 2002, Ruffo et al. 2002, Lovett et al. 2006 264 Tripsacum andersonii (Poaceae) Common names I sale (Malila), grass Guatemala Description A tufted or spreading perennial grass, with leaves growing up to 120 cm. Flower stems are rarely produced. Ecology Origin probably Central America but now grown in Ghana, I vory Coast, Kenya, Rwanda and Madagascar. Grows vigorously even at high altitudes, in partial shade and on a wide range of soils, as long as there is sufficient soil moisture. Propagation By division of the plant or using the rhizomes. I t is rather slow to establish. I t can be planted out along the contours for soil conservation and fodder production. Management Leaves should be cut for fodder at a height of 10 – 15 cm, when they reach 100 cm, or at 6 week intervals. Uses The plant has good potential as a stock feed and can be grown to control soil erosion. I t is possible to harvest up to 195 tons fresh fodder ( equivalent to 40 tons dry fodder) per ha in 13 months. Fresh young leaves may contain up to 9% digestible protein, making it a valuable livestock forage. Remarks Few farmers grow this grass at present but it is useful for erosion control when planted close together along the contour. References Bogdan 1977, Chen 1992 265 Tristemma mauritianum (Melastomataceae) Common names I salakwale Description An erect herb or shrub up to 2 m high, usually short lived with thick square stems and covered with bristles. Leaves are borne on stalks 1 – 4 cm long, and are opposite, oval and up to 12 cm long with 5 – 7 conspicuous parallel veins. Flowers are pale-pink to mauve in terminal heads. Fruits contain soft, white sections which are sweet. Ecology Usually found in marshy places, but occasionally among rocks. Found from Senegal to Uganda and from Sudan south to Angola. This plant was growing on rocky soil at the forest edge near Yalenga. Uses Ripe fruits are eaten by children. The young shoots are also edible. The plant has a number of medicinal uses. Bees are reported to visit the flowers. Photo: Bart Wursten, www.zimbabweflora.co.zw References Burkill 1997, Katende et al. 1999, Neuwinger 2000, Konda et al. 2006, Agnew 2013 266 Triticum aestivum (Poaceae) Synonym T. vulgare Common names I hiya (Malila), ngano (Swahili), bread wheat Description An annual cereal crop. Depending on the variety, it grows from 0.9 to 1.5 m high. Most varieties grown have awns. Spring bread wheat is the most important variety produced. There is a local brown flour variety and a new white variety called Uyahudi, which is quicker maturing than the others. Ecology Most wheat is produced at altitudes over 1500 m in tropical Africa and is therefore concentrated in Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania. Wheat is grown between altitudes of 1200 and 2600 m in Tanzania. Dry conditions can cause stress whereas excessive rain can result in diseased plants. Wheat requires a fertile, well drained soil. Though the plant is fairly drought resistant it requires adequate moisture, especially when it begins to tiller. Drought during flowering results in narrow, misshapen grains. Propagation Wheat is usually planted from February to March towards the end of the rain season, so that weeds can be dug in prior to planting. Seed rates of 90 kg/ ha are normal for broadcast wheat. A fine seedbed is needed. Use improved, disease resistant seed wherever possible. Management Weed control is important. The most important diseases and pests are: - Yellow or stripe rust, particularly at altitudes over 2400 m. Use a resistant variety though resistance breakdown is fairly rapid. Septaria leaf blotch is also a problem. Nematodes, aphids and Quelea birds can also be serious pests. The crop matures after approximately four and a half months in Tanzania. Uses Wheat is used locally for making bread, chapatis and scones. Approximately 82,000 tonnes per Nemedia Josefu threshing wheat near Yalenga annum are produced in Tanzania from 60,000 ha. The straw is used for thatching. Remarks Wheat is a labour intensive crop where plants are grown in small fields, often under 1 ha, and on steep sloping ground. A disease resulting in shrivelled grain has recently appeared. References Gunn 1953, Acland 1971, Raemaekers 2001, Belay 2006 267 Triumfetta annua (Malvaceae) Common names I zumba (Malila), mulenda (Swahili), burweed Description Erect annual or short lived perennial up to 1 m tall. Leaves alt ernate, 3 – 9.5 cm long and 2 – 6 cm wide, sometimes almost rounded, with a pointed tip. The leaf margin is lightly toothed. Flowers are small, yellow, and produced in the leaf axils. Fruit is round, 10 mm, and has many hooked bristles. Ecology The plant occurs from Nigeria to Ethiopia and into South Africa. I t is widespread at medium altitudes up to 2150 m and in shady places and is also a common weed of cultivation. I t is sometimes cultivated in home gardens. Propagation Planted from seed or cuttings. Cuttings should be 15 – 20 cm long and be taken from the top of the stems. These should be planted in the shade at a spacing of 10 – 15 cm. Uses The leaves are edible and contain 4.2% protein. New shoots are produced as soon as the rain starts and these are harvested throughout the rain season. They are occasionally cooked with potashes to soften them. References Wild et al. 1972, Goode 1974, Williamson 1975, Malaisse 1997, Schippers 2002, Schippers 2004 268 Triumfetta rhomboidea (Malvaceae) Common names I mbunya (Malila), mbigiri (Nyakyusa), mchokochole, mkunazi, mpuruza, mtuu (Swahili), burweed Description An erect, hairy, woody plant up to 1 m high. Stems are grooved along their length. Leaves are simple, alternate and lobed. The red/ yellow flowers are in small crowded clusters. Fruits have hooked prickles 1 mm long. Triumfetta rhomboidea growing beside the road near I lembo Ecology Commonly occurs along paths and roadsides in upland forests, dry country and gr assland; altitude range up to 2280 m. A common weed of cultivation and recorded throughout tropical and southern Africa. Uses Stem fibres are occasionally used for making string and have potential as a substitute for jute. Bees were seen on this plant collecting both pollen and nectar. I n Zimbabwe the leaves are eaten as a relish. The roots are also eaten after being crushed and cooked. The leaves are crushed with water and used to treat burns. The roots are used to treat toothache and for circumcision wounds in East Africa. References Watt & BreyerBrandwijk 1962, Wild et al 1972, Leedal 1975, Williamson 1975, Kokwaro 1976, Tredgold 1986, Blundell 1987, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Neuwinger 2000, Kihwele et al. 2001 269 Turraea floribunda (Meliaceae) Common names I lyilu (Malila), mlangilangi-mwitu, mtamagoa (Swahili), wild honeysuckle tree Description A shrub or tree, sometimes a creeper, up to 10 m tall. Leaves are 9 - 20 cm long and 4 10 cm wide, elliptic with a wedge shaped base, densely hairy when young and also having hairs on the veins of older leaves. Flowers white. Fruits about 2 cm in diameter. Ecology Single trees are sometimes preserved in or around home compounds. Locally common in low-lying evergreen rainforest in Malawi. Present in moist forest in Kenya. Propagation Turraea robusta is sown from seed without pre-treatment. The fleshy aril surrounding the seed must be removed before sowing. Uses The bitter leaves are pounded and put in water which is drunk to relieve coughing. I n Tanzania and Malawi the bark is used as an emetic, and the root and bark as a purgative. These are boiled and the decoction is drunk twice a day. Large doses are poisonous. I n South Africa the Zulu people use the plant as an emetic, and to treat rheumatism, dropsy and heart disease. The leaves are not eaten by insects. The wood is pale white and moderately hard and used for making domestic utensils and implements, firewood and charcoal. References Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962, Williamson 1975, Kokwaro 1976, Beentje 1994, Msanga 1998, van Wyk & Gericke 2000, Neuwinger 2000, Lovett et al. 2006 270 Vasconcellea pubescens (Caricaceae) Synonym Carica pubescens Common names Mpapai (Swahili), mountain pawpaw Description A semi-herbaceous tree with a crown of large, coarse, palmate leaves, but otherwise smaller and more branched than Carica papaya. The oval fruits, 6 - 15 cm long, are borne after 18 months and produced throughout the year. The firm orange-yellow flesh has a pleasant acid and perfumed flavour. The tree is highly resistant to papaya viruses making it useful for breeding work. Left: Tree bearing fruit in June Ecology Native to the Andean region of South America. I t is occasionally grown as a hedge plant. I t only grows at altitudes over 1500 m in the tropics. Propagation Trees are often grown from 1 m long branches taken from fruit bearing trees. Elsewhere the plant is grown from seed, but these produce mostly male plants. Uses The flesh of the fruits is eaten stewed and sweetened, as a preserve or candied, and seldom eaten raw. I t can also be made into a drink and is recommended for indigestion. Both pulp and seeds are eaten and the juice is useful for flavouring fruit salads. References JexBlake 1957, Purseglove 1968, Uphof 1968, Macmillan 1991, van Balgooy 1991 Carica pubescens grown as hedge in I lembo village 271 Vernonia adoensis (Asteraceae) Common names I pasapasa Description An erect woody herb or shrub 0.3 – 3 m high, which branches from near the base. Leaves are greyish on the undersides and the plant grows from a large root. The dense flower heads are mauve to pale-pink. Ecology Grows in open woodland and wooded grassland at medium to high altitudes. Often found near streams. Also found in abandoned cultivation. Present from Nigeria to Ethiopia and south to D.R. Congo and Zimbabwe. Uses Bees were seen collecting nectar from this plant in July. Vernonia species are known to be important sources of nectar and pollen. I n Malawi pollen was often found in honey samples. I n Tanzania a root infusion is taken for stomach pains and to treat tuberculosis. The fresh roots are sliced and cooked with milk and flour to treat gonorrhea. I n Nigeria the roots and pounded leaves are boiled in water and the liquid drunk to relieve indigestion. I n Kenya the Maasai crush the leaves in cold water and apply them to cattle sores caused by ticks. References Morton 1964, Wild et al. 1972, Williamson 1975, Cribb & Leedal 1982, Crane et al. 1984, Burkill 1985, Persano Oddo et al. 1988, FZ 1992, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Hepburn & Radloff 1998, Burrows & Willis 2005, Agnew 2013 272 Vernonia myriantha (Asteraceae) Common names I poroto, isogoyo, isahala Description A shrub 3 - 4 m tall, though it may reach 6 m, with stout stems. Leaves large, up to 40 cm long and 15 cm wide, may be stalked or sessile. Flowers are borne in large, loose heads of pale mauve, white or pink flowers and are up to 60 cm across. Ecology Found in open areas of moist and dry mountain forests. I t may form thickets and is a colonizer of disturbed land and abandoned cultivation. I t grows between 1600 and 2400 m in Tanzania and is a good indicator of soil fertility. Left: Vernonia myriantha growing at the forest edge. Propagation Can be grown from cuttings or seed. The seed remains viable for up to a year. Management A fast growing shrub which coppices well and can be planted along contour ridges and grass strips. Uses An important bee forage and sometimes used as a hedge plant. The plant is cut for mulching and green manure. Stems can be used for firewood. The leaves are used to wrap foods. They do not dry out and break up easily. Remarks There are about 25 species of Vernonia in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania. References FZ 1992, Beentje 1994, Mbuya et al. 1994, Agnew 2013 273 Zea mays (Poaceae) Common names Amangagu (Malila), mahindi (Swahili), maize Description A stout annual reaching 4 m with a root system of adventitious roots growing from the lower nodes. Ecology Grown in a wide range of conditions though it is essentially a crop of warm regions with adequate moisture. However the crop yields well at 2000 m. Grows best on well drained, well aerated, deep, fertile loam soils. Propagation Seed is normally planted in August or September, before the rains. I t is spaced at 75 – 90 between rows and 25 – 50 cm between plants. 3 seeds are sown per hole. Beans are often inter-planted. Runner beans are also inter-planted and use the maize stems for support (see page 198). Left: Mama Mlaga shelling maize Management Weed control is very important. Stalk or stem borers are a major pest. They can be controlled by tobacco, or Tephrosia vogelii leaf solution which is poured down the centre funnel into the plant (see pages 261). The powdered roots of Maerua edulis and Neorautanenia mitis may also be used. However care should be taken when using the latter (see pages 165 & 179). Cut worms, cob borer and bollworm may also be troublesome. Uses Maize is the staple food, used for making ugali and uji while the immature cobs are roasted. White maize, compared with yellow maize, has a harder grain and produces a more palatable food. The crop is often planted on the same land year after year. I t is estimated that 2.6 million tonnes are produced from 1.6 million ha each year in Tanzania and that average yield in Africa is only 1.25 t/ ha. Potentially maize can yield over 6 t/ ha. Bees frequently collect pollen from the male flowers during the rains and sometimes honeydew from the leaves. The latter may be gathered in sufficient quantities to give a honey flow. Right: Maize provides with bees with large quantities of pollen, vital for rearing brood. References Purseglove 1972, Howes 1979, Crane et al. 1984, Villières Fakorede 2006 1987, Stoll 2000, Badu-Apraku 274 & Mama Sampamba Mwakawasira making an jembe shaft from the wood of Shirakiopsis elliptica (igambo). Dickson Mwahalende with young Hagenia abyssinica (iliogoti) trees. He also has a nursery of Syzygium cordatum (ifwomi). I ndigenous trees have a wider range of uses and are better adapted to local conditions than many imported species. 275 Bee Forage Chart Southern Highlands of Tanzania Scientific name Malila name Abutilon longicuspe Acacia mearnsii Agauria salicifolia Albizia gummifera Albizia schimperiana Allophylus africanus Amphicarpaea africana Argemone mexicana Berkheya echinacea Bersama abyssinica Bidens magnifolia Bidens pilosa Bidens pinnatipartita Bidens schimperi Bidens steppia Bothriocline longipes Brachystephanus africanus Brassica carinata Brassica oleracea Bridelia micrantha Brillantaisia cicatricosa Brugmansia suaveolens Buddleja salviifolia Caesalpina decapetala Callistemon viminalis Caylusea abyssinica Chassalia discolor Chrysophyllum gorungosanum Cissampelos pariera Clausena anisata Cleome gynandra Clerodendrum johnstonii Cotoneaster pannosus Crassocephalum rubens Crassocephalum vitellinum Crotalaria cleomifolia Crotalaria natalitia Crotalaria subcapitata Cucurbita ficifolia Cucurbita maxima Cussonia spicata Cyathula uncinulata Dalbergia lactea Desmodium intortum Desmodium repandum Diospyros whyteana Dissotis melleri Dodonaea angustifolia Dombeya burgessiae Dombeya rotundifolia Dombeya torrida Dovyalis abyssinica Dracaena steudneri Echinops giganteus Ehretia cymosa Nyamabumu (Hehe) Naluyami Izenya (Mkenge) Intanga "Black false currant" Izanji (Mtunguja bonde) Kakato Iswago Indelengu Masikari Intengu Lizumba Mputira Insongole Inswina Igagara Ilepu Iliyisia Inswina Intwiti "Sagewood" Inyangwa "Bottle brush" Ukwipa Intwati ya misengo Ipalanyiji Lusisia Isyenje Umuzima Nanjoha Months when bees collect pollen/nectar 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 F F F F R R F R F F F NP N NP NP F R NPNP NP N NP R R NPNP F * F F NP F F F R N R R F * N * F * F F F NP F F F N N F R F F F F F * F N * F F F * F F F F F F * * F F N F N F N F R R NP NP NP R F F R F F Itundumusi N F Inzumba Isekeseke Ithumba Dabwidi Ipwiza Ipombo Imbunya Ishuwa Izanzi Asampya Ifita Izolakwale Inzigula Inkunya Itanji Ikunya Isogwa Iteti F NP R Scientific name Malila name Ekbergia capensis Ensete ventricosum Eriobotrya japonica Erythrina abyssinica Eucalyptus sp. Faurea saligna Flacourtia indica Fuchsia magellanica Galiniera saxifraga Galinsoga parviflora Garcinia kingaensis Geniosporum rotundifolium Gnidia glauca Gnidia involucrata Gouania longispicata Grevillea robusta Guizotia scabra Gynura scandens Hagenia abyssinica Halleria lucida Haumanniastrum villosum Helianthus annuus Helichrysum foetidum Helichrysum odoratissimum Heteromorpha arborescens Hibiscus diversifolius Hibiscus ludwigi Hypericum quartinianum Hypericum revolutum Hypoestes triflora Ilex mitis Impatiens gomphophylla Indigofera hedyantha Inula stuhlmannii Ipomoea batatas Ipomoea cairica Ipomoea involucrata Ipomoea tricolor Ipomoea wightii Isoglossa eliasbandae Jasminum abyssinicum Jasminum odoratissimum Justicia diclipteroides Kalanchoe densiflora Kalanchoe lateritia Keetia gueinzii Knipofia princeae Kotschya recurvifolia Kotschya uguenensis Landolphia buchananii Lantana viburnoides Leonotis myricifolia Leonotis ocymifolia Maesa lanceolata Maytenus undata Mikaniopsis tanganyikensis Ihoho Igawo Insongwa Iseve Ilongoti Ivunda vunda Isugwa Months when bees collect pollen/nectar 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 R N F F * F R N F R N Iliepwa Ikuvengwa Penausiku Ishumwa Suwaji Suwaji Lihambako R F F R * Inswina ilinsi Isangati Imbogwa Ivizi Isasami Imbatata (Kiazi pori) Isindu Lusisia Lusisia Inswina ipete Isanzo Impyuyu Inswina Itivwa Ivata Nyongampembe Isusumba Intenga Mwerete (Hehe) Ilonji Isawi Ifipa Ifipa Inkuti Izorote Izeru R R R R R F R Inzumba Iwozya Iliogoti Inuha Amabangayeye Enzumba Enzumba Ilelengu Iwawa Iwawa Tandankwari R F R N F R F F F F F F F * N F F F N F F R F NP F F NP F R F R F F N F R F F N * F N NP F F F F F F F F F R F N N F * F R N * F F F F R NP N R Scientific name Malila name Millettia oblata Musa sp. Myrianthus holstii Myrica humilis Mystroxylon aethiopicum Neoboutonia macrocalyx Neoratanenia mitis Nicandra physaloides Nicotiana tabacum Nuxia congesta Nymphaea nouchali Ocimum gratissimum Ocimum lamiifolium Olinia rochetiana Oreosyce africana Parinari curatellifolia Passiflora edulis Pavetta spp. Pavonia urens Peddiea polyantha Persea americana Phaseolus coccineus Phaseolus vulgaris Physalis peruviana Phytolacca dodecandra Pittosporum viridiflorum Platostoma rotundifolium Plectranthus defoliatus Plectranthus masukensis Plectranthus punctatus Plumbago zeylanica Polygala virgata Polyscias fulva Protea gaguedi Prunus persica Psychotria mahonii Pteleopsis myrtifolia Pycnostachys orthodonta Pycnostachys ruandensis Ranunculus multifidus Rauvolfia caffra Rhus natalensis Rhus pyroides var. pyroides Ricinus communis Rubia cordifolia Rubus spp. Rumex nepalensis Salvia coccinea Salvia leucantha Scadoxus puniceus Schefflera volkensii Sechium edule Selago thomsonii Senecio deltoideus Shirakiopsis elliptica Solanecio angulatus Mhafa (Shambaa) Indoki Iswizya Isiwiziwe Itobero Ipapama Ihole Ifoti Intumba Imbaza (Myungiyungi) Isongwa Isawi Iwobe Inyuli Iyula, Iwula Ipokhola Izenya zenya Iwawa Gamboruguga Itakapera Tandawala Imbonzo Inzungu Ibozya Iliova Ishumwa Ivuguvugu Ikwitwa Naluhalo Baziwanga Impembati Insega Mafulisi Kirausiku Infita Months when bees collect pollen/nectar 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 R R R R F F R R R N N R R R F F F F N F F NP N F F F N NP N N F F F F F F F F F F * F R R N N N F F F R R R R R F R R F F R F Isale Izumba Isiongoti Isanyandwa Ishesheru Imbono Ibambula Itonongwa Isyamo Ifipa F NP R R F N F F NPNP NP NP F NP F N N Itindi Imogoro Imenyi N R F F F Umuwula Igambo R F Scientific name Malila name Solanecio mannii Solenostemon autranii Sparrmannia ricinocarpa Spermacoce dibrachiata Steganotaenia araliacea Syzygium cordatum Syzygium guineense Tabernaemontana stapfiana Tecoma nyassae Tetradenia tanganyikae Trichilia emetica Tristemma mauritianum Triumfetta rhomboidea Vernonia adoensis Vernonia calvoana Vernonia myriantha Zea mays Intwiti Months when bees collect pollen/nectar 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 P Insabi Ikuwe P P P P Ifwomi Iwovi F Intwati Ivuguvugu Ilatushila F F Imbunya Ipasapasa Ipekeso Iporoto Amangagu R R * * N R N N F F F F R N R R R R F R NP R F Unidentified plants Ifita Peremesi N R R Plants giving objectionable or poisonous honey Agave sisalana Euphorbia nyikae Lobelia gibberoa Ikatani Ilangali Iwoti, piriti Notes * = Bees seen visiting F = Seen in flower N = Bees seen collecting nectar P = Bees seen collecting pollen R = Reported locally as a bee forage plant Bracketed names - Swahili F * F N F Glossary Aflatoxin Anthelmintic Anti-carcinogenic Aqueous extract Aril Astringent Asymmetrical Awn Axil Bee forage Blind plant Bole Bolting Bracts Brood Bulbil Poisonous chemical produced by a mould on various foods. A remedy for expelling intestinal worms. A substance which acts against cancer forming cells. Liquid obtained from soaking plants or the leaves in water. Fleshy cup-like structure around the seed. Causing contraction of the soft tissues. I rregular in shape. Long spine or bristle arising from the end of a seed of wheat or barley. Junction of leaf stalk and stem or branch. Plant visited by bees for nectar or pollen. A plant which has no growth point. Swollen stem of a tree. A plant producing flowers often when under stress. A leaf-like organ usually with a flower growing from its base. Eggs and larvae of bees present in brood comb. A bulb-like organ formed on the leaves or flower stalk which can grow to form a new plant. Burr A rough, prickly fruit formed of prickly bracts holding together. Calyx The outer, normally green, case composed of sepals surrounding the flower. Capsule Outer shell or case surrounding seeds of the fruit. Cardio-vascular properties Substances that reduce high blood pressure or the likelihood of strokes. Chip budding A slice of stem, with bud, from the improved variety is inserted to replace a bud on the stem of the rootstock. Chit Small tubers (usually potatoes) are placed in a light but not sunny position to encourage the growth of green shoots so that, when planted out, they will commence growing immediately. Cholesterol The most common fat like substance in the human body. High levels can cause heart problems. Cleft graft A twig from an improved variety is sharpened and inserted into a slit in the top of the main stem of the rootstock, after the latter has been cut back. Clone Plants reproduced vegetatively from the same plant. Cloves Small bulblets which together make up one large bulb, as for garlic. Comb Cells in which young bees are raised. Comb is also used to store honey and pollen. See photo on page 11. Coppice Sprouts arising from a tree stump after being cut down. Corm A bulb-like underground swollen stem. Corolla The flower petals, especially when these are joined together. Counter irritant Something which causes irritation in one part of the body to relieve pain elsewhere. Cyanogenic Capable of producing hydrogen cyanide, a poisonous substance. Deciduous A tree that sheds its leaves annually. Decoction Extraction of essence by boiling liquid to a concentrate. Disc floret Florets, which are often tubular, formed near the centre of the flower head. Dormancy Period when plants do not grow. Drupe A fleshy fruit containing a seed or seeds (e.g. a plum) Dry matter Percentage content of plant without moisture. Dyspepsia I ndigestion Earthing up Earth is drawn up into ridges over the sprouting shoots of potatoes to allow for tuber development and to prevent greening of the tubers. Elephantiasis Swelling of the legs, arms or genitals caused by long thread like worms. Emetic A substance that makes people vomit. Used when poison has been swallowed. Enema A substance, usually in water, inserted into the anus to cause bowel movement. Epiphyte A plant which attaches itself to another, often to reach the light, but which does not feed on or harm the host. Expectorant A substance that helps a person cough up mucous. Extra floral nectary Nectary on the leaf or leaf stalk. Fix nitrogen Many leguminous plants (e.g. Tephrosia vogelii) have a symbiotic relationship with rhizobia bacteria in their roots which are able to extract nitrogen from the air and make it available to the plant. Furuncle A painful area of the skin containing pus. 280 Goitre Gonorrhoea Greening ha Hallucinogen Harden off Hardy Heel Honey flow Humus Hypertension I nsecticide I n vitro culture Latex Lenticels Lopping Mange Methionine Nectary Nematacide Nematodes Nodes Organic matter Ovate Palmate Perennial Petiole pH Pinnae Pollard Poultice Purgative Raceme Ray floret Rectal prolapse Rhizome Riverine Rootstock Rosette Scion Seed potatoes Seed viability Semi-ripe cutting Sepals Shield budding Side graft Side-whip grafts Split Swelling of the thyroid caused by lack of iodine in the food. A sexually transmitted disease. Tubers become green on exposure to light. Eating these can be dangerous because of the solanin present. Abbreviation for hectare. A substance causing illusions. Gradually reduce artificial conditions to adapt a plant to field conditions. Able to withstand a variety of weather conditions e.g. drought or cold. The base of a cutting is separated from the main stem by being torn off together with the axillary bud. Season when bees produce large quantities of honey. Decomposed vegetable matter in the soil. High blood pressure. Substance used to control insects. Propagation of new plants from plant cells taken from the parent plant. Milky, sticky fluid produced when some plants are cut or damaged. Breathing pores on the bark. Removing branches from the top of a tree. A skin disease of animals. An amino acid lacking in the diet of people whose main diet is cassava or plantain. Organ, usually inside the flower supplying nectar to insects. Substance used to control nematodes. Also known as eelworms. Tiny worms that invade the plant roots causing a loss of vigour and often producing swellings in the roots. A joint on a stem or branch. Material derived from plants e.g. compost, mulch. Egg shaped in outline. Shaped like the fingers of a hand. A plant that lives for more than two years. Leaf stalk A measure of the acidity or alkalinity of the soil. The individual leaves growing on each side of a stem. They may themselves be compound with a central stalk and leaflets on either side. The tree is cut at about 2 – 3 m height and sprouts to form a mass of foliage which can then be cut for livestock fodder etc. Heated material applied to the skin to relieve infected swelling. (Laxative) Stimulates the bowel evacuation. An unbranched stem bearing flowers on short stalks. The flowers commence opening from the base. Florets, which are often strap-like, on the margin of the flower head. The bowel bulges out of the anus. A thickened stem, which may branch, and grow on or just below the surface of the soil. Roots go down into the soil while stems and leaves sprout upwards from it. Beside flowing water. A plant grown to produce the root system of a grafted plant. A dense round cluster of leaves of equal shape. A shoot or bud cut from an improved plant variety to be grafted onto another. Potatoes between 3 and 6 cm in diameter used for planting. The length of time seed retains the capacity to germinate. Cuttings taken from young branches which are no longer soft and do not wilt so easily. Bracts which open to reveal the flower petals and which may remain below the flower. (also called T budding). A T is cut in the stem of the rootstock and an oval piece of bark with a bud from an improved variety is inserted and bound in with a strip of plastic. Similar to cleft grafting but the notch is made on the side of the stem rather on the top. A shoot from the scion is cut diagonally across and a similar cut is made on the top of the rootstock and the two surfaces bound together. An individual plant divided from a clump of plants. 281 Stall feeding Succulent Sucker Systemic insecticide T budding Tendril Tiller Trifoliate Tubercules Vegetative propagation Vertical interval Viable Woodlots Feeding cut fodder to enclosed livestock. Thickened, fleshy (used when describing leaves). A shoot arising from the root or from below the ground. A pesticide or insecticide, sprayed on the plant or soil, which is taken up and circulated throughout the plant. See Shield budding. A thin thread-like projection used by the plant to climb or attach itself to a support. A shoot arising from the axil of a lower leaf usually of a member of the grass family e.g. wheat. Generally the greater the tillering the better the yield. Composed of three leaflets. Small rounded swelling on a plant. I ncreasing the number of plants by taking cuttings or layers instead of seed. The vertical distance between contour lines or strips. Used to describe the length of time seed can be kept and still be planted. Small areas of trees planted mainly for firewood. 282 References ABUKUTSA-ONYANGO, M.O. (2004) Basella alba L. I n Grubben, G.J.H. & Denton, O.A. (Editors). Plant Resources of Tropical Africa 2. Vegetables. PROTA Foundation, Wageningen, Netherlands/ Backhuys Publishers, Leiden, Netherlands / CTA. pp. 103 – 106 ACHI GAN – DAKO, E., PASQUI NI , M., ASSOGBA-KOMLAN, F., NDANI KUO SOGNI GBÉ, DANSI , A. & AMBROSE-OJI , B. (2009) Traditional vegetables in Benin. 252 pp. ACLAND, J.D. (1971) East African Crops. FAO/ Longman. 252 pp. ADP I sangati Trust Fund (1996) Utupa : Dawa ya kuzuia wadudu waharibifu na kupe. I sangati Agricultural Development Programme, Tanzania publication. 5 pp. ADP I sangati Trust Fund (2003) Dawa za asili kwa matumizi ya kuua wadudu waharibifu shambani na kuhifadhia mazao ghalani na kuua wadudu wanaoshambulia mifugo. 41 pp. AHMED, S. & SALMA I DRI S (1997) Melia azaderach I n: Faridah Hanum, I . & van der Maesen, L.J.G. (Editors): Plant Resources of South-East Asia No. 11. Auxillary plants. Backhuys Publishers, Leiden, the Netherlands pp. 187 - 190 AGNEW, A.D.Q. (2013) Upland Kenya wild flowers and ferns. Nature Kenya 530 pp. AMBOUGOU, A.V. (1991) Apis mellifera et les plantes mellifères Gabonais. Thèse Doctorat, Universit é de Paris 6. 14 pp. AUBREY (2001) Tetradenia riparia (Hochst.) Codd. South African National Biodiversity I nstitute, South Africa. PlantZAfrica.com AUBREY, A. (2001) Dombeya rotundifolia Hochst. South African National Biodiversity I nstitute, South Africa. PlantZAfrica.com BADU-APRAKU & FAKOREDE (2006) Zea mays L. I n : Brink, M. & Belay G. (Editors) Plant Resources of Tropical Africa 1. Cereals and pulses. PROTA Foundation, Wageningen, Netherlands/ Backhuys Publishers, Leiden, Netherlands/ CTA, Wageningen, Netherlands. pp. 229 - 237 BAERTS, M. & LEHMANN, J. (1989) Guérisseurs et plantes médicinales de la région des crètes Zaire-Nil au Burundi. Musée Roy. de l’Afrique Centrale Tervuren, Belgique. Ann. Sciences Economiques. 18 BAKENGA, M., BAHATI , M., BALAGI ZI , K. (2000) I nventaire des plantes mellif ères de Bukavu et ses environs. Tropicultura 18 2 pp. 89 - 93 BAKER, H. (1986) Fruit. Royal Horticultural Society 96 pp. BALLY, P.R.O. (1937) Native Medicinal and Poisonous Plants of East Africa. Bull. Misc. I nf., 1937. pp. 10 – 26 BAUMANN, G. (2005) Photographic guide to the wildflowers of Malawi. Wildlife and Environmental Society of Malawi. 259 pp. BEENTJE, H.J. (1994) Kenya Trees, Shrubs and Lianas. National Museums of Kenya. 722 pp. BEKELE - TESEMMA, A., BI RNI E, A. and TENGNÄS, B. (1993) Useful Trees and Shrubs for Ethiopia. Regional Soil Conservation Unit/ SI DA, Embassy of Sweden 474 pp. BELAY, G. (2006) Triticum aestivum L. I n Brink, M. & Belay G. (Editors) Plant Resources of Tropical Africa 1. Cereals and pulses. PROTA Foundation, Wageningen, Netherlands/ Backhuys Publishers, Leiden, Netherlands/ CTA, Wageningen, Netherlands. pp. 176 – 182 BERG, C.C. & WI EBES, J.T. (1992) African fig trees and fig wasps. Koninklijke Nederlandse Akademie van Wetenschappen pp. 298 BLUNDELL, M. (1987) Wild Flowers of East Africa. Collins. 464 pp. BOGDAN, A.V. (1977) Tropical pasture and fodder plants. Longman. 475 pp. BOSCH, C.H. (2004) Crotalaria natalitia Meisn. I n Grubben, G.J.H. & Denton, O.A. (Editors). Plant Resources of Tropical Africa 2. Vegetables. PROTA Foundation, Wageningen, Netherlands/ Backhuys Publishers, Leiden, Netherlands / CTA. pp. 231 – 232 BOSCH, C.H. (2004) Guizotia scabra (Vis.) Chiov. I n Grubben, G.J.H. & Denton, O.A. (Editors). Plant Resources of Tropical Africa 2. Vegetables. PROTA Foundation, Wageningen, Netherlands/ Backhuys Publishers, Leiden, Netherlands / CTA. pp. 308 – 309 BOSCH, C.H. (2008) Argemone mexicana L. I n Schmelzer, G.H. & Gurib-Fakim, A. (Editors). Plant Resources of Tropical Africa 11(1) Medicinal plants 1. PROTA Foundation, Wageningen, Netherlands/ Backhuys Publishers, Leiden, Netherlands / CTA, Wageningen, Netherlands. pp. 105 - 108 BOSTI D = Board on Science and Technology for I nternational Development (1996) Lost Crops of Africa. Vol. 1 Grains National Academy Press. pp.383 BOWN, D. (1995) Encyclopaedia of Herbs. The Royal Horticultural Society. 424 pp. BRI CKELL, C. (Ed.)(1994) Gardeners’ Encyclopaedia of Plants and Flowers. R.H.S. 640 pp. BRI NK, M. (2006) Phaseolus coccineus L. I n Brink, M. & Belay G. (Editors) Plant Resources of Tropical Africa 1. Cereals and pulses. PROTA Foundation, Wageningen, Netherlands/ Backhuys Publishers, Leiden, Netherlands/ CTA, Wageningen, Netherlands. pp. 137 - 140 BROOKER, M.I .H. & KLEI NI G, D.A. (1996) Eucalyptus – An illustrated guide to identification. Reed Books. 230 pp. 283 BRUMMI TT, R.K. (1973) Systematic list of Nyika botanical collections. I n A.H.M. Synge (ed) Wye College 1972 Malawi Project Final Report. Wye College, University of London. BRYAN, J.E. (2002) Bulbs. Timber Press. 896 pp. BRYANT, G. (1996) The ultimate book of trees and shrubs of New Zealand. David Bateman 512 pp. BURKI LL, H.M., (1985-2000). The useful plants of West Tropical Africa. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, United Kingdom. 2nd Edition. Vol. 1 (1985), Families A-D, 960 pp.; Vol. 2 (1994), Families E-I , 636 pp., Vol. 3 (1995), Families J-L, 857 pp.; Vol. 4 (1997), Families M-R, 969 pp.; Vol. 5 (2000), Families S-Z, 686 pp. BURRI NG, J.-H. (2004) Ficus lutea. Vahl South African National Biodiversity I nstitute, South Africa. PlantZAfrica.com BURROWS, J. & WI LLI S, C. (2005) Plants of the Nyika Plateau. SABONET no.31 405 pp. BUSSON, F. (1965) Plantes Alimentaires de l’Ouest Africain. 568 pp. CAROLUS, B. (2004) Syzygium cordatum Hochst. Ex C. Krauss. South African National Biodiversity I nstitute, South Africa. PlantZAfrica.com CHEN (1992) Tripsacum andersonii J.R. Gray I n ‘t Mannetje, L. & Jones, R.M. (Editors) Plant Resources of South-East Asia No. 4. Forages. Pudoc Scientific Publishers, Wageningen, Netherlands. pp. 228 - 230 CHI GUMI RA NGWERUME, F. & GRUBBEN, G.J.H. (2004) Cucurbita maxima Duchesne. I n Grubben, G.J.H. & Denton, O.A. (Editors). Plant Resources of Tropical Africa 2. Vegetables. PROTA Foundation, Wageningen, Netherlands/ Backhuys Publishers, Leiden, Netherlands / CTA. pp. 263 - 267 CHWEYA, J.A. & MNZAVA (1997) Cat’s whiskers. Cleome gynandra L. I PGRI , Rome. 54 pp. COATES PALGRAVE, K.C. (1983) Trees of southern Africa. Struik Publishers, Capetown. 959 pp. COBBI NA, J. & REYNOLDS, L. (1988) The Potential for I ndigenous Browse Species for Cultivation in S.E. Nigeria. I nternational Livestock Centre for Africa (I LCA), I badan, Nigeria. 55 pp. CRANE, E. & WALKER, P. (1984) Pollination Directory for World Crops. I nternational Bee Research Association. 183 pp. CRANE, E., WALKER, P. & DAY, R. (1984) Directory of I mportant World Honey Sources. I nternational Bee Research Association (I BRA). 384 pp. CRI BB, P.J. & LEEDAL, G.P. (1982) The Mountain Flowers of Southern Tanzania. A.A.Balkema/ Rotterdam 244 pp. DAELEMAN, J. & PAUWELS, L. (1983) Notes d’ethnobot anique Ntandu (Kongo). Musée Royal de l’Afrique Centrale - Tervuren, Belgique. p. 151 – 255 DESCHODT, C. C. (1976) Some aspects of importance to beekeeping of South African indigenous trees and shrubs. I n African Bees – Taxonomy, Biology and Economic use. Apimondia I nternational Symposium Pretoria 17 – 25 Nov 1976. pp 35 – 50 DE WET, J.M.J. (2006) Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn. I n : Brink, M. & Belay G. (Editors) Plant Resources of Tropical Africa 1. Cereals and pulses. PROTA Foundation, Wageningen, Netherlands/ Backhuys Publishers, Leiden, Netherlands/ CTA, Wageningen, Netherlands. pp. 60 - 65 DHARANI , N. (2002) Field guide to common trees and shrubs of East Africa. Struik 320 pp. DHLI WAYO, P. D. (2002) Underexploited tuber crops in Zimbabwe: a study on the production of Livingstone Potato ( Plectranthus esculentus). Plant Genetic Resources Newsletter, No.130, pp.77 - 80. Horticultural Research Centre, Box 810, Marondera, Zimbabwe. DLAMI NI , M.D. & SI SULU, W. (2004) Ekebergia capensis Sparrm. South African National Biodiversity I nstitute, South Africa. PlantZAfrica.com DUPRI EZ, H. & de LEENER, P. (1989) African Gardens and Orchards. CTA/ Macmillan. 333 pp. EAST, R. & THUROW, T. (1999) Challenging Tradition. Agroforestry Today. 11 (1) 8 - 10 EGLI , A. & KALI NGANI RE, A. (1988) Les Arbres et Arbustes Agroforestiers au Rwanda. I nstitut des Sciences Agronomique du Rwanda. 184 pp. ENGELS, J.M.M. & JEFFREY, C. (1993) Sechium edule (Jacq.) Swartz I n Siemonsma, J.S. & Kasem Piluek (Editors) Plant Resources of South-East Asia No. 8. Vegetables. Pudoc Scientific Publishers, Wageningen, Netherlands. pp. 246 - 248 ENGELS, J.M.M. (2004) Sechium edule (Jacq.) Sw. I n Grubben, G.J.H. & Denton, O.A. (Editors). Plant Resources of Tropical Africa 2. Vegetables. PROTA Foundation, Wageningen, Netherlands/ Backhuys Publishers, Leiden, Netherlands / CTA. pp. 456 – 459 FAC = FLORE DU CONGO belge et du Ruanda-Urundi (1948-60) I NEAC FAO = FOOD and AGRI CULTURE ORGANI ZATI ON (1982) Fruit Bearing Forest Trees. FAO Forestry Paper no. 34 Rome 177 pp. FAO = FOOD and AGRI CULTURE ORGANI ZATI ON (1988) Traditional Food Plants. Rome 593 pp. FAYAZ, A. (2011) Encyclopedia of Tropical Plants. David Bateman. 720 pp. FI CHTL, R. & ADI , A. (1994) Honeybee Flora of Ethiopia. Deutscher Entwicklungsdienst. German Development Service. 510 pp. 284 FONTEM, D.A. & SCHI PPERS, R. (2004) Solanum scabrum Mill. I n Grubben, G.J.H. & Denton, O.A. (Editors). Plant Resources of Tropical Africa 2. Vegetables. PROTA Foundat ion, Wageningen, Netherlands/ Backhuys Publishers, Leiden, Netherlands / CTA. pp. 493 – 498 FTA = Flora of Tropical Africa FTEA = FLORA OF TROPI CAL EAST AFRI CA. Turrill, W.B. et al. (Eds.). (1952 – 1979) Crown Agents, London FORRESTER, J. (2004) I lex mitis (L.) Radlk. South African National Biodiversity I nstitute, South Africa. PlantZAfrica.com FZ = FLORA ZAMBESI ACA Eds. Exell, A.W. et al. (1960 - 1978) Crown Agents, London. (1979 – 1992) Natural History Museum Publications, London. (1993 - ) Kew : Flora Zambesiaca Managing Committee. GARNER, R.J. & SAEED AHMED CHAUDHRI , (1988) The Propagation of Tropical Fruit Trees. Commonwealth Agric. Bureaux. 566 pp. GLEN, H. & NGWENYA, M. (2005) Maesa lanceolata Forssk. South African National Biodiversity I nstitute, South Africa. PlantZAfrica.com GLOVER, P.E., STEWART, J., GWYNE, M.D. ( 1966) Masai and Kipsigis notes on East African plants. Part I I I : Medicinal uses of plants. East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal, pp. 200 - 207 GODI N, V.J. and SPENSLEY, P.C., (1971) Oils and Oil Seeds. No.1 in Crop and Product Digests. Tropical Products I nstitute 170 pp. GOODE, P.M. (1974) Some Local Vegetables and Fruits of Uganda. Dept. of Agriculture, Uganda. 94 pp. GREENWAY, P.J. (1945) Origins of some East African food plants. Part I V. East African Agricultural Journal pp. 253 - 254 GRUBBEN, G.J.H. (1977) Tropical Vegetables and their Genetic Resources. I nternational Board for Plant Genetic Resources, FAO, Rome. 197 pp. GRUBBEN, G.J.H. (2004) Amaranthus cruentus L. I n Grubben, G.J.H. & Denton, O.A. (Editors). Plant Resources of Tropical Africa 2. Vegetables. PROTA Foundation, Wageningen, Netherlands/ Backhuys Publishers, Leiden, Netherlands / CTA. pp. 67 – 72 GRUBBEN, G.J.H. (2004) Cucurbita ficifolia Bouché I n Grubben, G.J.H. & Denton, O.A. (Editors). Plant Resources of Tropical Africa 2. Vegetables. PROTA Foundation, Wageningen, Netherlands/ Backhuys Publishers, Leiden, Netherlands / CTA. pp. 259 – 263 GUNN, J.S. (1953) The responses of wheat, tobacco and pyrethrum to fertilizers in the Southern Highlands of Tanganyika. East African Agricultural Journal. 19 : 38,39 HADFI ELD, J. (1960) Vegetable Gardening in Central Africa. Purnell & Sons. 178 pp. HANKEY, A. (2001) Dombeya burgessiae Gerr. Ex Harv. South African National Biodiversity I nstitute, South Africa. PlantZAfrica.com HANKEY, A. (2001) Plectranthus South African National Biodiversity I nstitute, South Africa. PlantZAfrica.com HANKEY, A. (2003) Ficus sur Forssk. South African National Biodiversity I nstitute, South Africa. PlantZAfrica.com HANKEY, A. & SI SULU, W. (2004) Cussonia spicata Thunb. South African National Biodiversity I nstitute, South Africa. PlantZAfrica.com HARLAN, J.R., DE WET, J.M., & STEMLER, A.B.L. (1976) Origins of African Plant Domestication. Mouton: The Hague. HARRI S, D.J. & WORTLEY, A.H. (2008) Sangha Trees: An I llustrated I dentification Manual. Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh 300 pp. HAY, R. (Ed.) (1978) Encyclopaedia of Garden Plants and Flowers. Reader’s Digest 800 pp. HDRA (1998) Natural pest and disease control. 18 pp. HDRA (2000) Mexican marigold, Tagetes minuta. Natural pesticides No. TNP2 HEPBURN, H. R. & RADLOFF, S.E. (1998) Honeybees of Africa. Springer. 370 pp. HERMAN, P.P.J. (2006) Pavetta L. South African National Biodiversity I nstitute, South Africa. PlantZAfrica.com HESSAYON, D.G. (1983) The tree and shrub expert . pbi Publications. 128 pp. HESSAYON, D.G. (1984) The flower expert. pbi Publications. 160 pp. HI RT & M’PI A (2001) Natural Medicine in the Tropics. Anamed. 160 pp. HOWES, F.N. (1979) Plants and beekeeping. Faber 236 pp. HYDE, M. & WURSTEN, B. (2002-6) Flora of Zimbabwe (Website) I BNU UTOMO (2001) Caesalpinia decapetala (Roth) Alston I n van Valkenburg, J.L.C.H. and Bunyapraphatsara, N. (Editors), 2001. Plant Resources of South-East Asia No 12(2). Medicinal and poisonous plants 2. Backhuys Publishers, Leiden, the Netherlands. p. 127 I CRAF = I nternational Centre for Research in Agroforestry (1998) Agroforestree Database (CD Rom) I WU, M.M. (1993) Handbook of African Medicinal Plants. 435 pp. JANSEN, P.C.M. (2004) Caylusea abyssinica (Fresen.) Fisch. & C.A.Mey. I n Grubben, G.J.H. & Denton, O.A. (Editors). Plant Resources of Tropical Africa 2. Vegetables. PROTA Foundation, Wageningen, Netherlands/ Backhuys Publishers, Leiden, Netherlands / CTA. p. 165 285 JANSEN, P.C.M. (2004) Rumex nepalensis Spreng. I n Grubben, G.J.H. & Denton, O.A. (Editors). Plant Resources of Tropical Africa 2. Vegetables. PROTA Foundation, Wageningen, Netherlands/ Backhuys Publishers, Leiden, Netherlands / CTA. pp. 451 - 452 JEX-BLAKE, A.J. (1957) Gardening in East Africa. Longmans. 414 pp. JODAMUS, N. (2004) Polygala virgata Thunb. South African National Biodiversity I nstitute, South Africa. PlantZAfrica.com JONES, H.A. & MANN, L.K. (1963) Onions and their allies. London: Leonard Hill. 286 pp. JONES, R. (1999) Beekeeping as a business. I BRA/ Commonwealth Secretariat. 70 pp. JOHANNSMEI ER, M, & ALLSOPP, M. (1995) Beeplants of South African Suburban gardens. South African Bee Journal. 67 : 70 – 75 KATENDE, A.B., BI RNI E, A. & TENGNÄS, B. (1995) Useful Trees and Shrubs for Uganda. RELMA/ SI DA, Embassy of Sweden. 710 pp. KATENDE, A.B., SSEGAWA, P. & BI RNI E A. (1999) Wild food plants and mushrooms of Uganda. RELMA/ SI DA, Embassy of Sweden. 490 pp. KAY, D.E. (1973) Root crops. Tropical Products I nstitute. 245 pp. KAY, D.E. (1979) Food Legumes. Tropical Products I nstitute. 435 pp. KEAY, R.W.J. (1989) Trees of Nigeria. Oxford 476 pp. KI BUNGU KEMBELO, A.O. (2003) Quelques plantes médicinales du Bas-Congo et leurs usages. DFI D, London, United Kingdom. 197 pp. KI BUNGU KEMBELO, A.O. & KI BUNGU KEMBELO, P. (2010) Contribution à l’étude des plantes alimentaires des populations de territoire de Madimba. Kisantu. 31 pp. KI HWELE, D.V.N., MASSAWE, A.J., LWOGA, P.D. & BURTON, S. (2001) Beekeeping in Tanzania. Ministry of Natural Resources & Tourism, Dar es Salaam 169 pp. KLI NGER, R. (1989) Rural Small-scale Beekeeping in Northern Malawi. Proc. 4 int. Conf. Apic. trop. Climates, Cairo, 1988 : 185 - 186 KOKWARO, J.O. (1976) Medicinal Plants of East Africa. East African Literature Bureau. 384 pp. KONDA KU MBUTA, MBEMBE BI TENGELI , BAVUKI NI NA NGOMA & I TUFA Y’OKOLO (1992) Contribution à l’inventaire des plantes alimentaires spontanées au Zaïre. Al Biruniya, Rev. Mar. Pharm., 8 (2) : 97 - 19. KONDA KU MBUTA, KABAKURA MWI MA, MBEMBE BI TENGELI i, I TUFA Y’OKOLO, MAHUKU KAVUNA, MAFUTA MANDANGA, MPOYI KALAMBAYI , NDEMANKENI I ZAMAJOLE, KADI MA KAZEMBE, KELELA BOOTO, NGI UVU VASAKI , BONGOMBOLA MWABONSI KA, DUMU LODY (2012) Recueil des plantes utilisées en medécine traditionelle Congolaise : Vol.1. Province de l’Equateur. I nstitut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé (I .R.S.S.), République Démocratique du Congo. Kinshasa. 418 pp LATHAM, P. & KONDA KU MBUTA, A. (2014a) Useful plants of Bas-Congo province, DR Congo. Forneth. 558 pp. LATHAM, P. & KONDA KU MBUTA, A. (2014b) Some honeybee plants of Bas-Congo Province, Democratic Republic of Congo. Forneth 263 pp. LEAKEY, R.R.B. & NEWTON, A.C. (Eds.) (1994) Domestication of tropical trees for timber and nontimber products. MAB Digest 17. UNESCO, Paris. 94 pp. LEAKEY, C.L.A. & WI LLS, J.B. (Eds.) (1977) Food crops of the lowland tropics. OUP. 345 pp. LEBRUN, J.-P. & STORK, A.L. (1991 – 2012) Enumération des plantes à fleurs d’Afrique tropicale et Tropical African Flowering Plants: Ecology and Distribution, vol. 1-7. Conservatoire et Jardin botaniques de la Ville de Genève. LEEDAL, P. (1975) 50 Common Plants of the Upland Grasslands, Southern Highlands, Tanzania. LELOUP, M. (1956) Tree Planting Practices in Tropical Africa. FAO. 302 pp. LEMMESO MERGO, SI NHA, A.K. & KRI SHNAN SHARMA (2013) Ethnomedicinal exploration of Haanquu fruit among the Oromo of Ethiopia. I nternational Journal of Research in Sociology and Social Anthropology. 1(1) : 17 - 32 LI TTLE, E.L. (1983) Common Fuelwood Crops. Communi-Tech Associates, Morgantown, USA. 354 pp. LLAMAS, K. A. (2003) Tropical Flowering Plants – A Guide to I dentification and Cultivation. Timber Press. 423 pp. LEMMENS, R.H.M.J. (2004) Begonia macrocarpa Warb. I n Grubben, G.J.H. & Denton, O.A. (Editors). Plant Resources of Tropical Africa 2. Vegetables. PROTA Foundation, Wageningen, Netherlands/ Backhuys Publishers, Leiden, Netherlands / CTA. p. 106 LEMENS, R.H.M.J., (2006) Tabernaemontana stapfiana Britten. I n Louppe, D. Oteng-Amoako, A.A. & Brink, M. (Editors) Plant Resources of Tropical Africa 7(1) Timbers 1. PROTA Foubndation, Wageningen/ Backhuys Publishers, Leiden, Netherlands/ CTA, Wageningen, Netherlands. pp. 539 - 540 LOVETT, J. C., RUFFO, C.K., GEREAU, R.E. & TAPLI N, R.D. (2006) Field Guide to the Moist Forest Trees of Tanzania. The Society for Environmental Exploration, UK and the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. 344 pp. 286 LUKHOBA, C.W., SI MMONDS, M.S. & PATON, A.J. (2006) Plectranthus : A review of ethnobotanical uses. Jour. Ethnopharmacolgy 103(1): 1-24. LUMBI LE, A.U. & MOGOTSI , K.K. (2008) Ficus sur Forssk. I n Louppe, D. Oteng-Amoako, A.A. & Brink, M. (Editors) Plant Resources of Tropical Africa 7(1) Timbers 1. PROTA Foundation, Wageningen/ Backhuys Publishers, Leiden, Netherlands/ CTA, Wageningen, Netherlands. pp. 285 - 288 MABBERLEY, D.J. (1997) The Plant-Book. Cambridge. 858 pp. MACMI LLAN, H.F. (1991) Tropical Planting and Gardening. Macmillan. Revised by Barlow, H.S., Enoch, I ., Russell, R.A. Published by the Malayan Nature Society, Kuala Lumpur. 767 pp. MALAI SSE, F. (1997) Se nourir en forêt claire africaine. Gembloux. 384 pp. MANOKO, M.L.K., VAN WEERDEN, G.M., VAN BERG, R.G. & MARI ANI , C. (2012) A new tetraploid species of Solanum L. sect. Solanum (Solanaceae) from Tanzania. PhytoKeys. 16: 65 - 74 MARTI N, F.W., RUBERTÉ, R.M. and MEI TZNER, L. S. (1998) Edible Leaves of the Tropics. 3rd. Edition. ECHO. 194 pp. MAUNDU, P.M., NGUGI , G.W. & KABUYE, C.H.S. (1999) Traditional Food Crops of Kenya. National Museum of Kenya. 270 pp. MBEMBA, F. & REMACLE, J. (1992) I nventaire et composition chimique des aliments et denrées alimentaires traditionnels du Kwango-Kwilu au Zaïre. Biochimie Alimentaire, University de Kinshasa (UNI KI N) et Biochimie Cellulaire, FUNDP, Belgique. 80 pp. MBUYA, L.P., MSANGA, H.P., RUFFO, C.K., BI RNI E, A. & TENGNÄS, B. (1994) Useful Trees and Shrubs for Tanzania. Swedish I nternational Development Authority (SI DA). 542 pp. McGREGOR, S.E. (1976) I nsect Pollination of Cultivated Crop Plants. USDA MEDLEY, K.E. (1993) Extractive forest resources of the Tana River national primate reserve Econ. Bot. 47 pp. 171 – 183 MESSI AEN, C. –M. & ROUAMBA, A. (2004) Allium cepa L. I n Grubben, G.J.H. & Denton, O.A. (Editors). Plant Resources of Tropical Africa 2. Vegetables. PROTA Foundation, Wageningen, Netherlands/ Backhuys Publishers, Leiden, Netherlands / CTA. pp. 44 - 52 MESSI AEN, C. –M. & ROUAMBA, A. (2004) Allium sativum L. I n Grubben, G.J.H. & Denton, O.A. (Editors). Plant Resources of Tropical Africa 2. Vegetables. PROTA Foundation, Wageningen, Netherlands/ Backhuys Publishers, Leiden, Netherlands / CTA pp. 56 – 61 MESSI AEN, C. –M. & SEI F, A.A., MUSSA JARSO & GEMECHU KENENI (2004) Pisum sativum L. I n Grubben, G.J.H. & Denton, O.A. (Editors). Plant Resources of Tropical Africa 2. Vegetables. PROTA Foundation, Wageningen, Netherlands/ Backhuys Publishers, Leiden, Netherlands / CTA. pp. 419 - 525 MESSI AN, C. -M. & SEI F, A.A., (2004). Phaseolus vulgaris L. I n Grubben, G.J.H. & Denton, O.A. (Editors). Plant Resources of Tropical Africa 2. Vegetables. PROTA Foundation, Wageningen, Netherlands/ Backhuys Publishers, Leiden, Netherlands / CTA. pp. 415 - 419 MNAZA, N.A. & CHI GUMI RA NGWERUME, F. (2004) Cleome gynandra L. I n Grubben, G.J.H. & Denton, O.A. (Editors). Plant Resources of Tropical Africa 2. Vegetables. PROTA Foundation, Wageningen, Netherlands/ Backhuys Publishers, Leiden, Netherlands / CTA. pp. 191 - 195 MNAZA, N.A. & SCHI PPERS, R.R. (2004) Brassica carinata A.Braun I n Grubben, G.J.H. & Denton, O.A. (Editors). Plant Resources of Tropical Africa 2. Vegetables. PROTA Foundation, Wageningen, Netherlands/ Backhuys Publishers, Leiden, Netherlands / CTA. 119 - 123 MORI ARTY, A. (1975) Wild flowers of Malawi. Purnell, Cape Town. 166 pp. MORTON, J.F. (1962) Spanish needles ( Bidens pilosa L.) as a wild food resource. Econ. Bot. 16: 173 179. MORTON, J.F. (1964) Honeybee plants of south Florida. Proc. of the Florida State Hort. Soc. 77 : 415 – 436 MSANGA H.P. (1998) Seed Germination of I ndigenous Trees in Tanzania. Canadian Forest Service. 292 pp. MUKOKO MATONDO (1991) Plantes médicinales et leurs usages. Centre de Vulgarisation Agricole, Kinshasa 2 MURUGA GACHATHI , (2007) Kikuyu Botanical Dictionary. Tropical Botany. 290 pp. MUTSHI NYALO, T.T. (2001) Buddleja salvifolia L. Lam. South African National Biodiversity I nstitute, South Africa. PlantZAfrica.com MUTSHI NYALO, T.T. (2001) Gloriosa superba (Lindl) South African National Biodiversity I nstitute, South Africa. PlantZAfrica.com MUTSHI NYALO, T.T. (2001) Tecomaria capensis (Thunb.) Spach. South African National Biodiversity I nstitute, South Africa. PlantZAfrica.com MUTSHI NYALO, T.T. & REYNOLDS, Y. (2002) Pittosporum viridiflorum Sims South African National Biodiversity I nstitute, South Africa. PlantZAfrica.com MVERE, B. & VAN DER WERFF, M. (2004) Brassica oleracea L. (leaf cabbage) I n Grubben, G.J.H. & Denton, O.A. (Editors). Plant Resources of Tropical Africa 2. Vegetables. PROTA Foundation, Wageningen, Netherlands/ Backhuys Publishers, Leiden, Netherlands / CTA. 130 – 134 287 NAI R, P.K.R. (1980) Agroforestry Species. I CRAF. 336 pp. NAKASONE, H.Y. & PAULL, R.E. (1998) Tropical Fruits. CAB I nternational. 445 pp. NAS = NATI ONAL ACADEMY of SCI ENCES (1979) Tropical Legumes. 332 pp. NAS = NATI ONAL ACADEMY of SCI ENCES (1980, 1983) Firewood Crops 1 237 pp. & 2 92 pp. NRC = NATI ONAL RESEARCH COUNCI L (1996) Lost Crops of Africa. Volume I Cereals. 382 pp. NRC = NATI ONAL RESEARCH COUNCI L (2006) Lost Crops of Africa. Volume 2 Vegetables. CD Rom NEUWI NGER, H.D. (2000) African Traditional Medicine. Medpharm. 589 pp. NGUYEN TUEN HI EP & VERHEI J, E.W.M. (1991) Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindley I n Verheij, E.W.M. & Coronel, R.E. (eds.) Plant Resources of South-East Asia. Wageningen : Pudoc No. 2 Edible fruits and nuts. pp. 161 – 164 NI CHOLSON, M. (2008) Solanum aculeatissimum Jacq. I n Schmelzer, G.H. & Gurib-Fakim, A. (Editors). Plant Resources of Tropical Africa 11(1) Medicinal plants 1. PROTA Foundation, Wageningen, Netherlands/ Backhuys Publishers, Leiden, Netherlands / CTA, Wageningen, Netherlands. pp. 518 - 520 NI GHTI NGALE, J. (1976) Traditional beekeeping among Kenya tribes, and methods proposed for improvement and modernization. Apiculture in Tropical Climates pp. 15 - 22 NI GHTI NGALE, J. (1983) A lifetime’s recollections of Kenya tribal beekeeping. I BRA, London NONKULULEKO SWELANKOMO (2004) Helichrysum odoratissimum (L.) Sweet South African National Biodiversity I nstitute, South Africa. PlantZAfrica.com NONKULULEKO SWELANKOMO (2005) Helichrysum foetidum (L.) Moench South African National Biodiversity I nstitute, South Africa. PlantZAfrica.com OKEZI E AKOBUNDU, I . & AGYAKWA, C.W. (1987) A Handbook of West African Weeds. I I TA. 521 pp. OOMEN, H.A.P.C. & GRUBBEN, G.J.H. (1978) Tropical Leaf Vegetables in Human Nutrition. Royal Trop. I nstitute, Amsterdam. 140 pp. PATERSON, P.D. (2006) Beekeeping. Macmillan/ CTA/ I BRA 118 pp. PATON A. (1997) A Revision of Haumaniastrum . Kew Bull. 52 pp. 370 -376. PAUWELS, L. (1993) Nzayilu N’ti - Guide des Arbres et Arbustes de la région de Kinshasa - Brazzaville. Jardin Botanique national de Belgique. 495 pp. PELLET, F.C. (1920) American Honey Plants; together with those which are of special value to the Beekeeper as sources of Pollen. Hamilton I ll., American Bee Journal. 180 pp. PERSANO ODDO, L., KRELL, R. and RI CCI ARDELLI D’ ALBORE, G. (1988) Contribution to the identification of the geographical and botanical origin of honeys produced in Zambia and Malawi. Apicoltura (No. 4): 113 - 138 PETERS, C.R., O’BRI EN, E.M. & DRUMMOND, R.B. (1992) Edible wild plants of Sub Saharan Africa. Kew. 239 pp. PHI LLI PS, R. & RI X, M. (1997) Conservatory and indoor plants Vol 1 & 2. Macmillan. 286 and 319 pp. PHI LLI PSON, P.B. & STEYN, C.F. (2008) Tetradenia (Lamiaceae) in Africa; a new species and new combinations. Adansonia sér. 3, 30 (1) : 177 - 196 POPPLETON, W.J. (1939) The Oyster Nut Telfairea pedata. East African Agricultural Journal 5 p. 114 120 POUSSET, J.L. (2004) Plantes médicinales d’Afrique. Secum/ Édisud. 287 pp. PURSEGLOVE, J.W. (1968) Tropical Crops: Dicotyledons. Longmans. 719 pp. PURSEGLOVE, J.W. (1972) Tropical Crops: Monocotyledons. Longmans. 607 pp. RAEMAEKERS, R.H. (Ed.)(2001) Crop Production in Tropical Africa. 1540 pp. ROBI NSON, R.W. & DECKER-WALTERS, D.S. (1997) Cucurbits. CAB I nternational. 226 pp. ROCHELAU, D., WEBER, F. and FI ELD - JUMA, A. (1988) Agroforestry in Dryland Africa. I CRAF ROUBI K, D.W. (1995) Pollination of Cult ivated Plants in the Tropics. FAO Agricultural Services Bulletin No. 118. 196 pp. RUFFO, C.K., BI RNI E, A. & TENGNÄS, B (2002) Edible wild plants of Tanzania. RELMA/ SI DA, Embassy of Sweden. 764 pp. RUTUNGA, V., KARANJA, N.K., GACHENE, C.K.K. & PALM, C. (1999) Biomass production and nutrient accumulation by Tephrosia vogelii (Hemsley) A. Gray and Tithonia diversifolia Hook. F. fallows during a six-month growth period at Maseno, Western Kenya. Biotechnol. Agron. Soc. Environ. 3 (4) pp. 237 – 246 SAFO KANTANKA, O. (2004) Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott I n Grubben, G.J.H. & Denton, O.A. (Editors). Plant Resources of Tropical Africa 2. Vegetables. PROTA Foundation, Wageningen, Netherlands/ Backhuys Publishers, Leiden, Netherlands / CTA. pp. 206 – 211 SALTER, R.F. & DAVENPORT, R.B. (2011) Orchids and Wildflowers of Kitulo Plateau. Wildlife Conservation Society. 84 pp. SCHI PPERS, R.R. & BUDD, L. (1997) Workshop on African I ndigenous Vegetables. I PGRI (I nternational Plant Genetic Resources I nstitute, Nairobi) and NRI (Natural Resources I nsititute, Chatham). SCHI PPERS, R.R. (2002) African I ndigenous Vegetables an Overview of the Cultivated Species. Chatham, UK (CD-ROM). 288 SCHI PPERS, R.R. (2004) Légumes Africains I ndigènes – Présentation des espèces cultivées. Magraf Publishers. 482 pp. SCHI PPERS, R.R. (2004) Galinsoga parviflora Cav. I n Grubben, G.J.H. & Denton, O.A. (Editors). Plant Resources of Tropical Africa 2. Vegetables. PROTA Foundation, Wageningen, Netherlands/ Backhuys Publishers, Leiden, Netherlands / CTA. pp. 299 - 300 SCHI PPERS, R.R. (2004) Triumfetta annua L. I n Grubben, G.J.H. & Denton, O.A. (Editors). Plant Resources of Tropical Africa 2. Vegetables. PROTA Foundation, Wageningen, Netherlands/ Backhuys Publishers, Leiden, Netherlands / CTA. pp. 535 – 537 SCHMELZER, G.H. (2007) Shirakiopsis elliptica (Hochst.) Esser. I n Schmelzer, G.H. & Gurib-Fakim, A. (Editors). Plant Resources of Tropical Africa 11(1) Medicinal plants 1. PROTA Foundation, Wageningen, Netherlands/ Backhuys Publishers, Leiden, Netherlands / CTA, Wageningen, Netherlands. pp. 515 - 517 SEPASAL = Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (1999) Survey of economic Plants for Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (SEPASAL) database. Published on the I nternet; http: / / www.rbgkew.org.uk/ ceb/ sepasal/ internet/ SEYANI J.H. (1991) The genus Dombeya (Sterculiaceae) in continental Africa. Opera bot. Belg. 2: 188 pp. SI MONS, A.J., SALI M, A.S., ORWA. C., MUNJUGA, M. & MUTUA, A. (2005) Agroforestree database – a tree species reference and selection guide. Version 3.0 CD-ROM World Agroforestry Centre, Nairobi, Kenya. SKENE, K.R., SPRENT, J.I . & ONG , C.K. (1996) Cluster roots of Grevillea robusta - foragers or scavengers. Agroforestry Today ( 8 ) 2 pp. 11 - 12 SKERMAN, P.J. (1977) Tropical Forage Legumes. FAO Plant Production and Protection Series. 609 pp. SMI TH, F.G. (1956) Bee botany in Tanganyika. Aberdeen Univ. D.Sc. Thesis SMI TH, F.G. (1960) Beekeeping in the tropics. Longmans 265 pp. SOULE, J.A. 1993. Tagetes minuta: A potential new herb from South America. I n: J. Janick and J.E. Simon (eds.), New crops. Wiley, New York. pp. 649 - 654. STANER, P. & BOUTI QUE, R. (1937) Matériaux pour l’étude des plantes médicinales indigènes du Congo Belge. Académie Royale de Belgique, Bruxelles 228 pp. STARI TSKY, G., HUFFNAGEL, A., DHARMADI , A. & DALI MOENTHE, S.L. (1999) Cinchona L. in de Padua, L.S., Bunyapraphatsara, N. Lemmens, R.H.M.J. (Editors): Plant Resources of South-East Asia No. 12 (1) Medicinal and poisonous plants 1 Backhuys Publishers, Leiden, The Netherlands. pp 198 - 205 STERN, M. (2002) Kniphofia sp. Moench South African National Biodiversity I nstitute, South Africa. PlantZAfrica.com STEVELS, J.M.C. (1990) Légumes Traditionnels du Cameroun, une étude agro-botaniqe. Wageningen. 281 pp. STOLL, G. (1995) Natural Crop Protection. Agrecol. 376 pp. TAYLOR, L. (2005) The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs Website TERRA, G.J.A. (1966) Tropical Vegetables. NOVI B/ Koninlijk I nstituut. 107 pp. THOMAS, T.G., SUNDAH RAO & SHI V LAL (2004) Mosquito larvicidal properties of the essential oil of an indigenous plant I pomoea cairica Linn. Jpn. J.I nfect. Dis. 57: 176, 177 TI NDALL, H.D. (1968) Commercial Vegetable growing. Oxford. 300 pp. TI NDALL, H.D. (1983) Vegetables in the Tropics. Macmillan. 533 pp. ‘t MANNETJE, L. (1992) Pennisetum purpureum Schumach. I n ‘t Mannetje, L. & Jones, R.M. (Editors) Plant Resources of South-East Asia No. 4. Forages. Pudoc Scientific Publishers, Wageningen, Netherlands. pp. 191 - 192 TREDGOLD, M.H. (1986) The Food Plants of Zimbabwe. Mambo Press, Gweru, Zimbabwe 153 pp. TROPI CAL AGRI CULTURE ASSOCI ATI ON. Newsletter published monthly by the Tropical Agricultural Association TROUPI N G. & AYOBANGI RA F-X. (1985) Flora du Rwanda Vol I I I . ACCT UPHOF, J.C.Th. (1968) Dictionary of Economic Plants. Verlag von J. Cramer. 591 pp. VAN BALGOOY, M.M.J. (1991) Carica pubescens Lenné & K. Koch I n : E.W.M. Verheij and R.E. Coronel (Editors): Plant Resources of South-East Asia No 2. Edible fruits and nuts. Backhuys Publishers, Leiden, the Netherlands. p 112 – 113 VAN DER WALT, L. (2005) Berkheya purpurea (DC.) Mast. South African National Biodiversity I nstitute, South Africa. PlantZAfrica.com VANDE WEGHE, J-P, (2004) Forêts d’Afrique Centrale, la nature et les hommes. 367 pp. VAN WYK, B - E, van OUDTSHOORN, B. & GERI CKE, N. (1997) Medicinal Plants of South Africa. Briza Publications 303 pp. VAN WYK, B-E. & GERI CKE, N. (2000) Peoples’ Plants : A Guide to Useful Plants of Southern Africa. Briza Publications, Pretoria. 351 pp. VAN WYK, B-E. & WI NK, M. (2004) Medicinal plants of the world. Briza Publications. 480 pp. VENTER, F. and VENTER, J.-A. (1996) Making the Most of I ndigenous Trees. Briza Publications. 305 pp. 289 VERDCOURT, B. & TRUMP, E.C. (1969) Common Poisonous Plants of East Africa. Collins. 254 pp. VERHEI J, E.W.M. & CORONEL, R.E. (Eds.) (1991) Plant Resources of South-East Asia (PROSEA) No. 2. Edible fruits and nuts. p 336 VI LJOEN, C. (2002) Diospyros whyteana (Hiern) South African National Biodiversity I nstitute, South Africa. PlantZAfrica.com VI LLI ERES (1987a) Le point sur l'apiculture en Afrique tropicale. Groupe de Recherche et d'Exchanges Technologique. pp. 196 – 197 WATT, J.M. & BREYER- BRANDWI JK, M.G. (1962) The Medicinal and Poisonous Plants of Southern and Eastern Africa. Livingstone. 1457 pp. WELMAN, M. (2004) Lagenaria sphaerica Sond. South African National Biodiversity I nstitute, South Africa. PlantZAfrica.com WHI TE, F., DOWSETT-LEMAI RE, F. & CHAPMAN, J.D. (2001) Evergreen Forest Flora of Malawi. Royal Botanic Garden, Kew. 697 pp. WI LD, H., BI EGEL, H.M. & MAVI , S. (1972) A Rhodesian Botanical Dictionary of African and English Plant Names. Govt. Printer, Salisbury, Rhodesia 281 pp. WI LLI AMSON, J. (1975) Useful Plants of Malawi. University of Malawi. 336 pp. WI LSON, F.D. (1967) An evaluation of Kenaf, Roselle and related Hibiscus for Fibre Production. Econ. Bot. 21 132 - 139 WI LSON, F.D. (1978) Wild Kenaf, Hibiscus cannabinus L. (Malvaceae), and related species in Kenya and Tanzania. Econ. Bot. 32 199 – 204 ZI MUDZI , C. (2005) Rubia cordifolia L. I n Jansen, P.C.M. & Cardon, D. (Editors). Plant Resources of Tropical Africa 3. Dyes and tannins. PROTA Foundation, Wageningen, Netherlands/ Backhuys Publishers, Leiden, Netherlands/ CTA, Wageningen, Netherlands. pp. 141 -143 290 I ndex of general and beekeeping photos Harvesting honey at Yalenga in October Finger millet growing near I lembo in April Elia Mwampamba with a traditional hive Tanzania top bar hive Umalila is intensively farmed The value of indigenous forest Beehive in a Polyscias fulva tree Beehive in a tree above the home compound A bamboo ladder for inspecting the hive and harvesting honey A smoker made from bamboo stems and wild banana leaves Protective clothing for inspecting a hive or harvesting honey I nside a top bar hive Water is important for bees Costa Mwamahonje with a consignment of Umalila honey Carrying firewood home Pounding wheat Track from I lembo to Shilanga Bamboo used for roofing a house Preparing land for planting maize Bamboo poles used to channel water Near Shilanga in the rain season Beekeepers near I lomba Yalenga village from I siolo forest Nyasalandi Nayomo climbing to inspect one of his 13 hives Drying wheat Clay jar for providing water to bees Khatanta forest near Maendeleo village Clay jar for water Children carting unburnt bricks in I lembo Brick making near I lembo Pitsawing timber near Maendeleo Honey labels for Umalila honey Soil erosion is a serious problem Collecting leaves of Cleome gynandra in a garden at I lembo Grain stores at I zumbwe A favourite heifer Selling Solanum umalilaense in I lembo Older people often have considerable knowledge of plant uses Lighting a bee smoker at Yalenga Hills near I tebera I mbrasia lucida feeding on Pteleopsis myrtifolia Nkwakwa Kailoni, a traditional healer near I lembo Sorghum growing near Yalenga Sleeping mat made from Schoenoplectus corymbosis Lantana camara growing as a hedge Learning to be mum at an early age A house in Maendeleo village A beehive damaged by a genet Sampamba Mwakawasira making an jembe shaft Dickson Mwahalende with young Hagenia abyssinica seedlings Aswile Mbagarara preparing a smoker 291 Front cover 4 6 6 7 7 8 9 9 10 10 11 12 12 14 25 38 39 41 47 50 53 69 69 81 90 118 130 132 134 140 142 144 149 150 152 154 170 194 196 218 219 229 247 253 253 260 260 275 275 Back cover I ndex of common names Abyssinian mustard African buttercup African dogwood African holly African mangosteen African mint African nightshade African sandalwood African spinach African wormwood Albino berry Amaranth Apple of Peru Asthma weed Avocado Balsam tree Bamboo Banana Bulb onion Bear’s breeches Beechwood Blackberry Black-eyed Susan Black false currant Black jack Black nightshade Black wattle Bladder nut Blue butterfly bush Bottle brush Bramble Brittlewood Broom cluster fig Bulb onion Burweed Butterfly bush Cabbage tree Canna lily Cape ash Cape fig Cape gooseberry Cape holly Cape honeysuckle Cape mahogany Cardinal flower Carrot tree Castor oil Cat’s whiskers Ceylon leadwort Ceylon spinach Chayote Cheesewood Cherimoya Cherimoyer China berry Cinchona Climbing canthium Cockroach berry Coleus Common wild elder Curry bush Cypress Devil’s apple Dock Dog plum Dragon tree Dwarf waterberry East African sandalwood East I ndian basil Echinops Elephant grass Ethiopian kale Ethiopian mustard False banana Fever plant Fig leaf gourd Finger millet Fire-thorned rhus Fish poison bean Flame lily French bean Fuchsia Gallant soldier Garlic Giant leaved fig Giant St. John’s wort Giant yellow mulberry Ginger bush Gloriosa lily Governor’s plum Green leaf desmodium Grevillea Guatemala grass Hairy fleabane I ndian madder I ndian plum I ndian spinach Kale Khaki weed Kew weed Koko tree Kooboo berry Kuru vine Large psychotria Leaf cabbage Livingstone potato Long podded Albizia Loquat Love apple Lucky bean tree Madagascar plum Mahogany Maize Malabar gourd Mat sedge Mauritius thorn Mexican bush sage Mexican marigold Mexican poppy Mexican weeping pine Mobola plum Moonflower Morning glory Mountain pawpaw 44 220 222 141 119 130 244 188 24 29 27 24 180 105 12, 197 122 9, 10, 30, 39, 147 12, 175 20 15 111 227 263 23 37 244 14 87 66 53 227 182 113 21 268, 269 50 80 55 97 113 201 141 257 264 163 250 225 65 212 31 235 206 26 26 168 61 155 239 210 182 139 7, 79 292 243 228 87 94 254 188 184 95 57 44 44 102 184 77 4, 64, 99, 157 224 261 121 199 116 118 22 112 139 176 262 121 115 85 125 144, 152, 265 105 226 115 24, 31 45 256 118 167 177 85 217 45 209 20 106 243 107 115 104 12, 199, 274 77 234 52 230 256 28 203 189 49 148 271 Mulberry Multiflora bean Mysore thorn Napier grass Northern forest Garcinia Onion Orange-eye Oyster nut Parasol tree Parsley tree Parsnip tree Passion fruit Patula pine Pea Peach Peanut cassia Persian lilac Peruvian bark Pine Popcorn senna Pop-gun tree Potato Prickly leaved elephant’s foot Prickly poppy Pride of Manicaland Pumpkin Pyrethrum Quinine tree Railway creeper Rattlepod Red beech Red hot poker Red hot poker tree Red paintbrush Rough bindweed Royal paintbrush Rubber vine Runner bean Sagewood Saligna gum Sand olive Sarsaparilla Scarlet runner bean Scrambled eggs Shallot Shock-headed Peter Silk oak Silver-leaf Cotoneaster Silver oak Sisal Smooth fruited Clutia Snap bean Soda apple Sorghum Sorrel Spider plant Straw flower Sugar bush Sugar cane Summer lilac Sunflower Sweet granadilla Sweet passion fruit Sweet potato Sydney blue gum Syringa Taro Tea bush Tobacco Tomatillo Tree basil Tree fuchsia Tree tomato Umbrella tree Vegetable pear Vine spinach Water-berry Water boom Water lily Weeping bottlebrush Wheat White angel’s trumpet White plumbago Wild calabash Wild coffee Wild honeysuckle tree Wild magnolia Wild pear Wild potato Wild wormwood Winged bersama Winter squash Zanzibar oil vine 174 198 52 57, 144, 152 119 21 50 254 214 135 135 190 203 205 12, 216 238 168 61 203 238 246 245 98 28 213 78 59 61, 221 146 76 111 156 107 232 236 232 160 198 51 108 89 236 198 209 21 64 125 72 125 12, 18 67 199 239 229 228 65 132 215 229 50 12, 131 191 191 145 293 108 168 71 184 181 82 184 129 82 80 235 31 248 248 183 53 263 49 212 159 70 266 251 91 209 29 34 78 254 I ndex of vernacular names (Names without the language in brackets are Malila names) Amabangayeye Amangagu Amanzila Amasimbi Amaua Asampya Baziwanga Bulenge (Nyakyusa) Bumburankwale Chongalindi (Fipa) Chuma Dabwidi Esebe Enzumba Fumbwafumbwa (Nyakyusa) Fundofundo Gamboruguga Homba I baba I bambula I bono I bozya I bula (Nyiha) I buto (Nyakyusa) I dudwi I fipa I fita I foti I fuate I fwomi I gagara I galilonji (Nyiha) I gambo I gawo I hahatu I hale I hiya I hoho I hole I hula I kapunika I katani I katawila I kunya I kuvengwa I kusa I kusu (Nyiha) I kuwe (Nyiha) I kuwi I kwitwa I langali I lansi I latushila I lelengu I lepo I liepwa I liogoti I liova I liungu I lomba I longoti I lonji I lumbati ilungalunga (Nyiha) I lyilu I lysia I mbatata I mbaza I mbidio I mbogwa I mbono I mbonzo I mbotila (Safwa) I mbunya I menyi I mogoro I momona (Kinga) I mpembati I mbunya I mpuria (Sukwa) I mpyuyu I ndelengu I ndoki I ndola I ndolo I nfita I nfwonfwo (Nyiha) I ngaya I ngururusi I ngwayuzi I nuha I nkunya I nkuti I nono I nsabi I nsambwa I nsanati I nsega I nsongole I nsongwa I nsungwe I nsungwe kali I nswina I nswina ilinsi I nswina ipete I ntafwanya I ntanga I ntenga I ntengu I ntumba I ntwati I ntwati ya misengo I ntwitwi I nuha I nuka I numbu I nyaga (Safwa) I nyangwa I nyole I nyongabembe (Nyakyusa) I nyule I nyunyu (Kinga) 131 274 81, 234 71 59 86 213 88 88 167 74 77 107 73, 74, 132, 133 256 54 194 8 193 226 225 202 189 163 163 12, 162, 230 87 180 180 12, 252, 275 12, 44 100 239, 275 10, 102 15 104 267 96 179 189 37 18 235 92 118 144 189 249 64, 249 211 8, 12, 110 30 264 135 45 117 8, 12, 128, 275 206 78, 255 195 108 294 160 29 249 270 46 145 182 103 142 225 199 39 37, 81, 269 235 12, 233 88 8, 12, 214 81 225 151 35 175 112 112 218 162 55 196 248 238, 245 90 166 26 248 177 222 17, 215 42 106 246 244 43, 48, 152 140 50, 149 245 20 12, 157 37, 38 181 257 58 12, 49, 242, 245 130, 238, 256 130 208 29 12, 51 172 153 187 162 I nzembwa I nzenya I nzigula I nzonya I nzumba I nzungu I owa I palanyiji I pana I papama I pasapasa I patatiho I pekeso I pokhola I pombo I poroto I pwiza I rangari I sahala I salakwale I sale I sangati I sanyantwa I sanyungu (Ndali) I sanzo I sasami I sawi I seve I sekeseke I shesheru I shinda I shiomwe I shiriri I shirungu I shitundu I shitunguru I shumwa I shuwa I sindu I sintu I siongoti I siwiziwe I sogoyo I sogwa I songwa I sugwa I susumba I suwaji I swago I swizya I syababa I syamo I syenje I takapera I tandu I tanji I teti I thumba I thungu I tifya (Ndali) I tindi I tivwa I tobero I tonongwa 24 29 12, 89 15 126 201 229 60 82 178 272 27 9, 104 190 80 273 78 110 273 266 57, 219, 265 12, 141 223, 224 89 150 144 161, 185 12, 107 75 101, 173, 223 210 184 81 120 30 21 207 83 147 8 221 173, 218 273 93 184 115 156 122 34 176 205 228 63 197 258 12, 91 12, 94 76 201 153 121, 232 153 177 227 I tundumusi I tungururu I twita (Nyakyusa) I twiti (Safwa) I twitwi I twiza I ungu I vata I vizi I vuguvugu I vum I vumbu I wawa I weya I welesi (Hehe) I wobe I woti I wovi I wozya I wula I yula I zanji I zenya I zenya zenya I zeru I zolokwale I zonywa (Safwa) I zorote I zumba I zyunzyu (Safwa) Jembajemba (Nyakyusa) Kahawa-msitu Kakato Kambitanga (Nyakyusa) Kapunika Katapera Katikisa (Fipa) Kawiru Kibobonge (Hehe) Kihere (Kinga) Kirausiku Kisongwe (Kinga) Kitwana (Nyakyusa) Kowenga Kukuliko (Nyiha) Lenyeshe (Safwa) Lidung’o (Hehe) Lidunula (Bena) Lidzadzi (Bena) Lihambako Likalati (Wanda) Likufwa, luhahi (Hehe) Lilimbili (Hehe) Limpombo (Wanji) Limunsi (Safwa) Linyominyomi (Bena) Liposa (Kinga) Lipumila (Hehe) Lisanzauki (Hehe) Lisyamo Litanji (Nyiha) Litenga (Kinga) Litonga (Hehe) Livanivani (Hehe) 295 95 159 242 242 241 176 173, 218 154 143 208, 262 114 208 136, 137, 193 188 157 186, 254 12, 163 151, 254 32, 127 189 189 25, 85 17, 218 192 170 88 88 167 220, 268 163 225 70 33 89 118 197 80 77 88 107 217 119 88 220 121 54 227 188 227 124 17 89 102 80 66 162 164 217 162 100 91 88 87 37 Liwisha (Nyiha) Liwungowungo (Hehe) Lizumba Lufunye (Nyakyusa) Luhahi (Hehe) Lukalifya (Bena & Hehe) Lumwino (Hehe) Lunyaga (Kinga) Lurulamono (Kinga) Lusisia Mabagala (Kinga) Mabangala (Nyakyusa) Madihani (Kinga) Mafulisi Mafundo Mhang’ana (Hehe) Makalichoma (Hehe) Malembelembe (Nyiha) Maleve (Nyamwezi) Malonge (Kinga) Manunsi (Safwa) Manyambimbwi (Kinga) Masikari Matenga (Bena & Kinga) Mbasamono (Hehe) Mbigiri (Nyakyusa) Mbojo (Nyakyusa) Mbokaboka (Kinga) Mbula (Nyakyusa) Mdatsa (Hehe) Mdeke (Hehe) Mditsi (Hehe) Mdobole (Hehe) Mdung’o (Hehe) Mdunula (Bena & Hehe) Mdzombe (Bena) Mfilafila (Hehe) Mfoono (Bena) Mfutsa (Hehe) Mgema (Hehe) Mgola (Hehe) Mng’ongo (Fipa) Mhafa (Shambaa) Mhenyi (Hehe) Minyii (Hehe) Mituruka (Nyakyusa) Mkaisya (Fipa) Mkalifya (Bena & Hehe) Mkangatowo (Hehe) Mkangalanyabu (Hehe) Mkolongo (Hehe) Mkolwe (Fipa) Mkomolo (Fipa) Mkuka (Hehe) Mkumburu (Nyiha) Mkwaliti (Hehe) Mlati (Hehe) Mmafimafi (Hehe) Mmemenang’olo (Hehe) Mnyamati (Hehe) Mnyatoma (Hehe) Mnyemba (Hehe & Kinga) Mnyonzi (Hehe) Mnyumaji Fipa) Mongwa (Fipa) Mono (Hehe & Kinga) Morwe (Lambya) Mpacha (Hehe) Mpalang’anga (Hehe) Mpambaduma (Hehe) Mpangala (Kinga) Mpangwe (Nyiha) Mpeeta (Hehe) Mpegele (Nyakyusa) Mpembati (Nyakyusa) Mpeme (Hehe) Mpombo (Nyakyusa) Mpomo (Hehe) Mpugupugu (Nyakyusa) Mpukuso Mputira Mpwagili Msangula (Fipa) Msanguti (Nyakyusa) Msaula (Bena) Msawulwa (Bena) Msega (Fipa) Mshesheru Msilasila (Hehe) Msisina (Hehe) Mskisya (Nyakyusa) Msombe (Hehe) Msu (Fipa) Msuisya (Nyakyusa) Mswiza (Nyakyusa) Mtandu (Hehe) Mtanga (Hehe) Mtelepa (Fipa) Mtiti (Fipa) Mtonga (Hehe) Mtsombe (Hehe) Mtulenya (Nyakyusa) Mtunumbi (Hehe) Mturunga (Nyakyusa, Nyiha) Muhehefu (Hehe) Muhemi (Hehe) Mulembo Mungogo (Hehe) Musaulwa (Bena) Musu (Fipa) Mutsombe (Hehe) Muvengi (Hehe) Muvengi lulenga (Hehe) Muveriveri (Hehe) Muvulamono (Kinga) Mvalambi (Hehe) Mveriveri (Hehe) Mwaje (Nyakyusa) Mwanga (Fipa) Mwefi (Hehe) Mwemba (Hehe) Mwerete (Hehe) Mwisya (Nyakyusa) Mwovu (Fipa) Mwula (Fipa) Mynyonzolo (Hehe) Nakafundo (Fipa) Naluhalo 176 160 37, 39 157 89 56 227 29 97 62, 148 176 102 89 216 204 136 64 19 183 163 256 84 37 157 34 269 257 153 188 173 214 93 128 227 188 113 119 128 176 17 92, 115 96 171 111 234 88 188 56 91 95 17 121 17 129 128 176 91 117 217 96 34 225 80 214 296 182 225 17 70 46 66 91 39 206 252 214 34 80 27 221 119 12, 40 167 223 264 189 189 111 173 119 87 176 113 252 176 176 166 19 166 107 87 112 128 223 128 224 107 83 182 189 252 113 252 252 221 96 176 221 193 115 173 111 158 46 104 189 80 162 212 Naluyami Namata (Fipa) Namjok Nangawo Nanjoha Nantembe Ndaitsa (Hehe) Ndelelengu (Ndali) Ndenga (Ndali) Ngelengele (Nyakyusa) Ngerengere (Nyakyusa) Ngondora Ngurusa Nmwesa (Hehe) Nsenye (Nyakyusa) Ntenga (Malila & Nyakyusa) Ntonongwe (Nyiha) Nturunga (Nyakyusa) Ntwati (Nyiha) Nyamabumu (Hehe) Nyasalasala (Hehe) Nyasongwe (Hehe) Nyatwanga (Hehe) Nyikata (Nyakyusa) Nyomba (Safwa) Nyongampembe Nzumbankwale Paranieji (Nyakyusa) Penausiku Piriti Pofwe (Fipa) Pofwe-honsi (Fipa) Popoti ndongo Rusiki Sambenzi Semwasemwa (Nyakyusa) Sengamino (Nyiha) Sense (Nyiha) Shigogo Shilungu Shumwe Suwaji Tandankwari Tandawala Tandawuzi Tanji (Nyiha) Tindi (Nyiha) Tochi (Fipa) Ukurugwa Ukwipa Ulimbo Umbula (Nyakyusa) Umivengi (Kinga) Umupapa Umuwula Umuzimu Unku (Fipa) Utupa Uwutupwa Uwulezi Vitosambili (Hehe) Vunda vunda Zenya (Sangu) 14 214 54 16 66 263 173 163 157 263 74 227 196 46 17 157 66 128 257 13 172 180 39 88 225 155, 250 88 60 119 163 177 141 164 263 173 228 45 111 231 120 64 122, 123 138 198 68 91 156 102 136 56 200 189 252 204 236 12, 65 113 165, 261 144 99 121 111 17 297 I ndex of Sw ahili names Alizeti Figile Kahawa mwitu Kiazi cha kizungu Kiazi pori Kibazi Kifundo Kijago-gura Kitunguu Kitungu sumu Kolese Kumbi kumbi Magimbi Mahindi Marejea Matope tope Mbege Mbiha Mboga ya kimaasai Mboga ya mboga Mbono Mbula Mbungo Mbura Mchicha Mchokochole Mchongoma Mforsadi Mfurusadi Mgagani Mgo Mgogwe Mgoji Mgovigovi Mharagwe Milulu Mkaa pwani Mkambo kambo Mkarafuu mwitu Mkarati Mkaratusi Mkenge Mkingili Mkonge Mkono chuma Mkufi Mkuju Mkumba Mkunazi Mkungwina Mkuyu Mkweme Mlagalaga Mlakwenzi Mlama mwitu Mlangilangi mwitu Mlati Mlimbolimbo Mnavu Mnukia muuma Mpande Mpapai 131 44 70 245 146 261 226 263 21 22 43 181 71 274 76 26 99 13 77 77 225 189 160 189 24 193, 269 115 174 174 65 115 82 218 115 199 234 89 79 252 46 108 19 115 18 223, 224 221 113 223 269 264 112, 113 258 62 218 224 270 252 177 244 172 206 271 Mparachichi Mpuruza Mpekesho Mrumbapori Msafari Msamaka Msambarau Msandali Mshindamaji Msindano Mtamagoa Mtango Mtarakwa Mtimai Mtimaji Mtimbao Mtomoko Mtunguja bonde Mtupa Mtutu Mtuu Mulenda Muwa Muwati Mwamba ngoma Mwambe Mwana funzi Mwangani Mwangwakwao Mwarubaini nusu Mwembe mafuta Mwembe mwitu Mwimbi Myamayu Myungiyungi Myunguvu Mzambarau mwitu Nderema Njegere Ndizi mwitu Ngano Njegere Nyonyo Rungu Sukuma wiki Tumbako Ukakaka Ulezi Utonge Viazi maji 298 197 269 119 114 121 94 252 188 94 203 270 78 79 264 264 108 26 28 261 46 269 268 229 14 107 255 121 65 34 168 197 221 99 252 183 17 252 31 205 102 267 205 225 89 45 181 226 99 227 208 I ndex of Scientific names Cissampelos pariera 62 Clausena anisata 63 Clematis kirkii 64 Clematis villosa subsp. villosa 64 Clematopsis scabiosifolia 64 Clematopsis villosa 64 Cleome gynandra 12, 44, 65 , 149 Clerodendrum johnstonii 66 Clutia abyssinica 67 Coccinea grandiflora 68 Coffea mufindiensis 70 Coleus autranii 247 Coleus esculentus 208 Coleus scutellarioides 210 Coleus sp. 15 Colocasia esculenta 71 Conyza bonariensis 10, 104 Corchorus olitorius 65, 99 Corchorus tridens 65 Cotoneaster pannosus 72 Crassocephalum bojeri 241 Crassocephalum mannii 242 Crassocephalum rubens 73 Crassocephalum vitellinum 74 Crassocephalum sp. 73 Crotalaria cleomifolia 75 Crotalaria natalitia 76 Crotalaria subcapitata 76 Cucurbita ficifolia 77 Cucurbita maxima 78 Cupressus lusitanica 8, 79 Cussonia spicata 80 Cyathula uncinulata 81 Cyphomandra betacea 82 Dalbergia lactea 83 Dalbergia nitidula 83 Delphinium leroyi 84 Desmodium intortum 57, 85 Desmodium repandum 86 Desmodium uncinatum 85 Diospyros whyteana 87 Dissotis melleri 88 Dissotis sp. 88 Dissotis whytei 88 Dodonaea viscosa 12, 89 , 200 Dodonaea angustifolia 89 Dombeya burgessiae 90 Dombeya goetzenii 92 Dombeya rotundifolia 12, 91 Dombeya torrida 92 Dovyalis abyssinica 93 Dracaena steudneri 12, 94 Duhaldea stuhlmannii 144 Echinops giganteus 95 Ehretia cymosa 96 Ekebergia capensis 97 Elephantopus scaber subsp. plurisetus 98 Eleusine coracana 99 Embelia schimperi 100 Englerina inaequilatera 101 Ensete edule 102 Ensete ventricosum 10, 102 Abutilon longicuspe 13 Acacia mearnsii 14 Acanthus ueleensis 15 , 210 Aframomum zambesiacum 16 Agarista x salicifolia 17 Agauria salicifolia 17 , 173, 218 Agave fourcroydes 18 Agave sisalana 18 Albizia gummifera 19 Albizia schimperiana 20 Allium ascalonium 21 Allium cepa 21 Allium sativum 22 Allophylus africanus 23 Amaranthus cruentus 24 Amaranthus hybridus subsp. cruentus 24 Amphicarpaea africana 25 Annona cherimola 26 Aphloia myrtifolia 27 Aphloia theiformis 27 Argemone mexicana 28 Artemisia afra 29 Bambusa vulgaris 30 Basella alba 31 Begonia sutherlandii 32 Berkheya echinacea subsp. polyacantha 33 Bersama abyssinica subsp. abyssinica 34 Bidens magnifolia 36 , 37 Bidens pilosa 37 , 159 Bidens pinnatipartita 37, 38 Bidens schimperi 37, 39 Bidens steppia 12, 37, 40 Blepharis grandis 41 Bothriocline eupatorioides 42 Bothriocline longipes 42 Brachystephanus africanus 43 Brassica carinata 12, 44 Brassica integrifolia var carinata 44 Brassica oleracea 44, 45, 156, 259 Bridelia micrantha 46 Brillantaisia ulugurica 48 Brillantaisia cicatricosa 48 Brugmansia sp. 12, 49 Brugmansia suaveolens 49 Buddleja davidii 50 Buddleja salviifolia 51 Buddleja variabilis 50 Caesalpinia decapetala 12, 52 Callistemon viminalis 53 Canarina eminii 54 Canna hybrida 55 Carica pubescens 271 Cassia didymobotrya 238 Cassine aethiopica 177 Caylusea abyssinica 56 Celosia sp. 24 Cenchrus purpureus 57 Chasalia discolor 58 Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium 59 Chrysophyllum fulvum 60 Chrysophyllum gorungosanum 60 Cinchona sp. 61 299 Entandophragma excelsum 104 Erigeron bonariensis 105 Eriobotrya japonica 106 Erythrina abyssinica 12, 107 Eucalyptus grandis 108 Eucalyptus saligna 108 Eucalyptus sp. 12, 108 Eulophia streptopetala 2, 109 Euphorbia abyssinica 110 Euphorbia candelabrum 110 Euphorbia nyikae 8, 12, 110 Faurea saligna 111 Ficus capensis 113 Ficus lutea 112 Ficus sur 113 Ficus thonningii 114 Flacourtia indica 115 Fuchsia magellanica 116 Galiniera saxifraga 117 Galinsoga parviflora 118 Garcinia kingaensis 119 Geniosporum rotundifolium 207 Geniosporum paludosum 207 Gladiolus dalenii 120 Gloriosa superba 121 Gnidia glauca 122 Gnidia involucrata 122, 123 Gouania longispicata 124 Grevillea robusta 125 Guizotia scabra 126 Gynandropsis gynandra 64 Gynura scandens 127 Hagenia abyssinica 8, 12, 128 , 273 Halleria lucida 129 Haumaniastrum venosum 130 Helianthus annuus 131 Helichrysum foetidum 132 Helichrysum odoratissimum 133 Helichrysum schimperi 134 Heteromorpha abyssinica 135 Heteromorpha arborescens var. abyssinicus 135 Hibiscus cannabinus 136 Hibiscus diversifolius 136 Hibiscus ludwigii 137 Hypericum quartinianum 138 Hypericum revolutum 139 Hypericum revolutum subsp. revolutum 139 Hypoestes triflora 140 I lex mitis 12, 141 I mpatiens gomphophylla 142 I ndigofera atriceps 143 I ndigofera goetzei 143 I ndigofera hedyantha 143 I nula stuhlmannii 144 I pomoea batatas 145 I pomoea cairica 146 I pomoea involucrata 8, 147 I pomoea tricolor 148 I pomoea wightii 147 I soglossa eliasbandae 149 Jasminum abyssinicum 150 Jasminum odoratissimum subsp. goetzeanum 151 Justicia diclipteroides 152 Kalanchoe densiflora 153 Kalanchoe lateritia Keetia guenzii Kniphofia princeae Kotschya recurvifolia Kotschya uguenensis Lagenaria sphaerica Landolphia buchananii Lantana camara Lantana viburnoides Leonotis myricifolia Leonotis ocymifolia Lobelia gibberoa Lopholaena dolichopappa Luffa sphaerica Maerua edulis Maesa lanceolata Maytenus undata Melia azedarach Mikaniopsis tanganyikensis Millettia oblate Momordica foetida Morella salicifolia Morus alba Musa spp. Myrianthus arboreus Myrianthus holstii Myrica salicifolia Mystroxylon aethiopicum Neoboutonia macrocalyx Neorautanenia mitis Nicandra physaloides Nicotiana tabacum Nuxia congesta Nymphaea nouchali Ocimum basilicum Ocimum gratissimum Ocimum lamiifolium Olea sp. Olinia rochetiana Olinia usambarensis Oreosyce africana Osyris lanceolata Osyris quadripartita Parinari curatellifolia Passiflora edulis Passiflora ligularis Pavetta abyssinica Pavetta spp. Pavonia urens Peddiea polyantha Pennisetum purpureum Peponium vogelii Periploca linearifolia Persea americana Phaseolus coccineus Phaseolus multiflorus Phaseolus vulgaris Phragmanthera usuiensis Physalis peruviana Phytolacca dodecandra Pinus patula Piper capense Pisum sativum Pittosporum viridiflorum 300 154 155 156 12, 99, 157 158 159 160 253 161 162 162 12, 163 164 159 167, 274 166 167 168 170 171 172 173 , 218 174 175 176 176 173 177 178 179 , 275 180 181 182 183 23 184 185 108 186 186 187 188 188 189 190 191 192 192 193 194 56 195 196 197 198 198 199 200 15, 201 202 203 204 205 206 Platostoma rotundifolium 207 Plectranthus caninus 211 Plectranthus defoliatus 208 Plectranthus esculentus 209 Plectranthus masukensis 211 Plectranthus punctatus 211 Plectranthus scutellarioides 210 Plumbago zeylanica 212 Polygala virgata 213 Polyscias fulva 8, 12, 214 Protea abyssinica 215 Protea gaguedii 215 Protea heckmanniana 215 Protea welwitschii 215 Prunus persica 216 Psychotria mahonii 217 Pteleopsis myrtifolia 218 Pycnostachys orthodonta 219 Pycnostachys ruandensis 219 Pyrethrum cinerariifolium 58 Ranunculus multifidus 220 Rauvolfia caffra 221 Reseda abyssinica 55 Rhamnus prinoides 222 Rhus natalensis 223 Rhus pyroides var. pyroides 224 Rhus vulgaris 224 Ricinus communis 225 Rubia cordifolia 226 Rubus adolfi—friedericii 227 Rubus apetalus 227 Rubus ellipticus 227 Rubus inganus 227 Rubus niveus 227 Rubus pinnatus 227 Rubus porotoensis 227 Rubus rigidus 227 Rubus schefflleri 227 Rubus spp. 227 Rubus steudneri 227 Rubus volkensii 227 Rumex nepalensis 228 Saccharum officinarum 229 Salvia coccinea 12, 230 Salvia leucantha 230 Sapium ellipticum 239 Satyrium macrophyllum 231 Satyrium neglectum var. neglectum 231 Satyrium shirense 231 Satyrium sphaeranthum 83 Scadoxus puniceus 232 Schefflera goetzenii 233 Schefflera sp. 12 Schefflera volkensii 233 Schoenoplectus corymbosis 234 Schoenoplectus corymbosus var . brachyceras 234 Scirpus corymbosis 234 Sechium edule 235 Selago thomsonii 236 Senecio deltoideus 237 Senecio manni 242 Senna didymobotrya 238 Senna petersiana 82 Shirakiopsis elliptica 239 , 275 Shuteria africana Smilax aspera Smilax goetziana Solanecio angulatus Solanecio mannii Solanum aeculeatissimum Solanum scabrum Solanum nigrum Solanum tuberosum Solanum umalilaense Solenostemon autranii Sparrmannia ricinocarpa Spermacoce dibrachiata Steganotaenia araliacea Stylosanthes guianensis Swertia usambarensis Syzygium cordatum Syzygium guineense subsp. huillense Tabernaemontana stapfiana Tagetes minuta Tecoma nyassae Tecomaria nyassae Telfairia pedata Tephrosia vogelii Tetradenia tanganyikae Thunbergia alata Tricilia emetica Tripsacum andersonii Tristemma mauritianum Triticum aestivum Triticum vulgare Triumfetta annua Triumfetta rhomboidea Turraea floribunda Vasconcellea cundinamarcensis Vernonia adoensis Vernonia myriantha Vigna unguiculata Zea mays * Numbers in bold are for main entries # Names in italics are for synonyms 301 25 240 240 241 12, 242 , 240 243 244 39, 64 245 156, 244, 246 247 248 249 250 84 251 12, 252 , 275 254 255 245, 256 257 257 258 261 , 274 262 263 264 265 266 267 267 268 269 270 271 272 273 259 274 Bees are important both for the production of honey and wax and particularly for their role in the pollination of plants, including some economic crops. Bees have been shown to increase the yields of sunflower, passion fruit, peaches, pumpkins and runner beans. This book provides information on 258 plants in Umalila, Mbeya district. A forage chart indicates the months when bees collect pollen and/ or nectar. Plants are listed alphabetically, and in addition to photographs, details of their botanical, vernacular and common names are given together with brief descriptions. The distribution, uses and propagation and management of selected plants is also provided where appropriate. About the author A beekeeper prepares a smoker prior to inspecting his hives at Shilanga in Umalila. Paul Latham is a retired Salvation Army officer, who has worked in Africa for over 20 years, much of the time spent on farmer training in Kenya. On retirement he has made a number of visits to Umalila in Mbeya district where he photographed and recorded the various uses of plants, with particular emphasis on those visited by honeybees. He has also been involved in the development of beekeeping in Bas-Congo province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He and his wife now live in Scotland.