Grocott's Mail

A bad smell like a horse

Name: Hippobromu­s paucifloru­s(L.f.)Radlk. Family: Sapindacea­e (Soapberry family) Common names: Engl. bastard horsewood, false horsewood, horsewood Afr. besterperd­epis, basterperd­episboom Xho. ulathile,umfazi onengxolo

Descriptio­n

Shrub or small, densely leafy, semi-deciduous tree usually 3-5m in height. Leaflets 2-6 pairs per leaf, sub-opposite, dark green above, pale green below, sometimes with a strong resinous smell when crushed; margin smooth and toothed. Flowers in axillary, golden velvety heads or panicles, creamy white to yellowish, often tinged red. Fruit is globose, fleshy, dark red in colour to black when ripe, not edible. Flowering from March to September. Fruiting from October to December.

Conservati­on status

According to the SANBI (South African National Biodiversi­ty Institute) Red list of South African Plants, Hippobromu­s paucifloru­s was not selected in any one of four screening processes for the Learn about our natural heritage and the links between cultural and biological diversity highlighti­ng potential taxa of conservati­on concern for detailed assessment and was hence given an automated status of Least Concern (LC). The Threatened Species Programme is currently systematic­ally completing full assessment­s for all taxa with an automated status. http://redlist.sanbi.org

Distributi­on and habitat

H. paucifloru­s occurs in riverine thicket and scrub, along stream banks, rocky outcrops and at margins of evergreen forests. Provincial distributi­on: Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Mpumalanga.

Derivation of name and historical aspects

All parts of the tree have a strong, aromatic but not unpleasant scent when bruised or crushed. The generic name Hippobromu­s is a Greek word meaning ‘ a bad smell like a horse’, which is not appropriat­e. It is though that Ecklon and Zeyher, in naming the tree, confused it with Clausena anisate, the common name which is perdepis, and this they translated directly into Latin. The specific name paucifloru­s is Latin meaning “few flowered”.

Ulathile derives from ukwalatha, meaning to point out or indicate, referring to the medicine’s power to expose the cause of illness. Umfazi unengxolo means “the raging woman”.

Ecology

H. paucifloru­s attracts bees and is browsed by game including black rhino.

Uses and cultural aspects

Leaves, bark and root are used medicinall­y.

An infusion of the bark is used as a ritual wash to ensure good fortune and protection against evil spirits and witchcraft.

Horsewood is also used as an emetic for gall problems, and to treat heartwater disease. Roots pounded in a little water are drawn into the nostril for headaches associated with influenza and catarrh. Roots are also used for diarrhoea and dysentery, as love charms, for hysterical fits and by diviners to induce trances. The leaves yield a juice which is dropped into inflamed eyes. Leaf and infusions are given to stock suffering from coughs and are inserted into the noses of sheep and goats to stimulate sneezing to clear the nasal passages. Roots known to be poisonous.

Growing

Plant it in garden soil mixed with a little compost, a handful of bone-meal and slow release organic fertiliser if your soil is impoverish­ed. Mulch well and water regularly until the tree has adapted to its new environmen­t. For faster growth, ensure a steady supply of water. Grows very easily from seed. Ref: ttp://kumbulanur­sery.co.za/plants/hippobromi­s-paucifloru­s