A wide range of indigenous seeds from Africa. We focus on species of ethnobotanical and ethnomedicinal interest.
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Promoting the propagation and conservation
of African plants of ethno-botanical & ethno-medicinal value.
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Select the species from its' usage :
OR
Click a letter to jump to the botanical name that starts with that letter
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The minimum seed order is 1seed-pack @ $5.
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It is interesting to know that in many African languages the generic term for medicine is the same as the word for tree, pointing to the vegetable origin of most medicines.
For example the Xhosa word iMithi, Lamba uMuti, Zulu uMuthi, and Herero aMuti are all derived from the noun for tree.
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A 47-page document that includes historical information on over 300 species.
(All research is copyright The Botanical Source - do not use without permission.)
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Acacia ataxacantha :
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Acacia elephantorrhiza :
Family : Mimosa.It is an ubulawu plant used by the Zulu’s. Ubulawu is a term for plants that cause visionary and prophetic dreams, and allows one to connect with and receive messages from the ancestors and spiritual world.
It has a huge corky textured underground caudex and masses of yellow fragrant mimosa-like pale yellow flowers in spring before the leaves are fully developed.
The root is used by the Shona from Zimbabwe as an aphrodisiac.
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Acacia mellifera :
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Acacia nilotica :
The wood is used for fencing posts and for firewood.
The pods are eaten by game and stock, but are toxic to goats.
The bark exudes an edible gum, and is used medicinally -`Gum Arabic'.
The leaf has tested positive for tryptamines according to at least one scientific study.
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Acacia polycantha ssp. polycantha :
The leaf has tested positive for tryptamines according to at least one scientific study.
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Acacia sieberiana :
The leaf has tested positive for tryptamines according to at least one scientific study.
Another researcher suspects that the roots contain methylated-tryptamines.
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Acacia tortilis :
The leaves and pods, which are browsed by stock and game, are very nutritious.
The bark is eaten by elephants, and is also used medicinally by the locals.
Suspected of containing tryptamines by one researcher.
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Acacia xanthophloea :
This is one of the ubulawu plants used by the Zulu's.
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Adiantum capillus-veneris :
The Sutos smoke the leaf for head and chest colds.
Medicine made from the plant has detoxifying effects in alcoholism; the plant is used to detoxify those who abuse alcohol.
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Afzelia quanzensis :
In East Africa, roots are used as aphrodisiacs.
Bark infusions are used as body washes by Chewa chiefs in Malawi.
Bark is used as a lucky charm in Zimbabwe.
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Agathosma betulina - Buchu :
Buchu has an excellent reputation of being a general health tonic and medicine.
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Alberta magna :
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Albizia versicolor :
The roots and bark of the tree are used to make a medicine for driving out demons.
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Alepidea natalensis & thodei :
The dry rhizome and roots of Alepidea are smoked, or powdered and taken as snuff by diviners and healers to assist in divination and communication with the ancestors.
Smoking the roots results in sedation and vivid dreams.
The roots are also used as a smoking admixture, and the smoke disguises the smell of whatever it is that is being smoked in conjunction with this admixture.
Elderly people powder the dry rhizome and take it as a snuff.
The rhizome is carried as a lucky charm, and divining bones are ritually washed with Alepidea rhizomes.
Alepidea is also used for self-fortification and to ward off evil spirits.
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Anacampseros rhodesica :
Has been used in Rhodesia as an ingredient in beer making. It is also said to have narcotic effects on its own.
Various Anacampseros sp. are used in making traditional beers or intoxicating beverages. Available seeds incl. A. arachnoids, A. baeseckei, A. densiflora, A. karasmontana, A. telethiastrum, and A .rhodesica.
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Arctopus echinatus :
The roots have potent sedative properties.
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Argyrolobium tomentosum :
Root infusions are taken by diviners to sharpen their vision.
The root is also used by the Zulu's to facilitate divination.
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Aspalathus linearis :
Redbush is a traditional beverage of the Khoi of Southern Africa.
It is now cultivated commercially and is a popular health beverage which contains no harmful stimulants or caffeine.
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Athrixia elata :
The Chuanas use a decoction of this herb as a stimulant.
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Avonia ustulata :
The dried and pulverized roots and stems are used to brew mead (honey beer).
This plant may contain psychoactive substances, so that its' use may not only have been as yeast, but to improve the `kick' of the brew.
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Balanites maughamii :
Roots and bark are ingredients in infusions used by traditional healers in protective rituals against evil spirits.
Bark is used to make an exhilarating & stimulating bath.
The roots are pounded and made into a medicine for driving out demons.
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Behnia reticulata :
The roots are used to make `ubulawu'.
The roots are also ingredients in infusions taken as love charm emetics.
Branches and fruit are worn as a protective dancing charm by Xhosa traditional healers.
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Bolusanthus speciosus :
There is a substance in the roots which is reputed to have a sleep-inducing effect.
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Brachylaena discolor :
Roots and stems are used by izangoma (diviners) to communicate with their ancestors.
A leaf infusion is used as a tonic.
Onopordopicrin has been isolated from aerial parts (Zdero and Bohlmann, 1987).
The early Dutch settlers made alkali for soap-making from the ashes of the plant.
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Canthium ciliatum :
Roots are used by traditional healers to induce trance states before divining dances.
The Sotho traditionally administer bark and leaf infusions as enemas for pain believed to be caused by beetles present in the abdomen as a result of sorcery.
Plants are also used as protective charms in graves to prevent disturbances of newly interred bodies.
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Catha edulis :
Chat is believed to have 501 different kinds of cures equaling the numerical value of the letters of its Arabic name,
Ga-a-t (400 + 100 + 1).
The root is used in some parts of Africa as a remedy for influenza, for stomach troubles and diseases of the chest.
The leaf has a euphoric and stimulatory effect which produces a marked release from fatigue and hunger.
Traditionally, chewing khat leaves has been thought to improve a man's sex drive and ability to maintain an erection.
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Chrysanthemoides monilifera :
Small frequent doses of juice from the fruit are reported to be administered by the Zulu, Xhosa or Sotho as blood strengtheners and purifiers to men suffering from impotence.
In Lesotho, leafy branches are burned as a cure in the huts of mad men.
The ashes contain an alkali from which soap can be made.
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Cissampelos torulosa :
Leaf decoctions are traditionally administered as enemas for hallucinations.
Whole plants are used for ritual purification by the Vhavenda.
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Clematis brachiata :
Used to drive away evil spirits by the Sotho.
Is a ritual medicine for the Dorobo.
Powdered roots are used as a snuff for headaches in Zimbabwe.
Smoke from burning leaves is inhaled for blood problems in Botswana.
The leaves are also snuffed.
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Coddia rudis :
Pounded root decoctions are used for impotence.
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Convolvulus capensis `Klimop' :
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Curtisia dentata :
Bark is used as an aphrodisiac and as a blood strengthener.
The bark is also used as a love charm to make a man attractive.
A red colored bark used for magical purposes. The magical use is kept very secret.
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Cyanotis speciosa :
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Cyclopia intermedia
Honeybush Tea :
This uniquely South African herbal drink is used as a substitute for tea and as a health drink due to the lack of caffeine and other harmful substances in it. Honeybush contains no toxins, and has a positive effect on one's physiology.
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Delosperma ashtonii :
Is made into a snuff by the Sotho.
Does this traditional Sotho snuff have visionary effects?
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Delosperma mahonii :
The roots are used by the Bantu for making an intoxicating beer.
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Desmodium repandum :
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Dianthus mooiensis :
A cold water root infusion is used by diviners to ensure visions and sharpen their divining faculties.
The root is also used to make `ubulawu'.
Also of interest is the fact that this plant is in the same family as the Silene that is an oneirogenic (dream-inducing) plant.
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Dichrostachys cinerea :
(=Acacia engleri, A. spinosa; =Desmanthus nutans, Desmanthus trichostachys)
The roots are used as an aphrodisiac, and for local anaesthesia (pain relieving properties).
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Dodonea angustifolia :
The leaves are used for analgesic effects by traditional healers from Polokwane, South Africa.
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Entada rheedii :
Tobacco smoked in a pipe made from the seed causes vivid dreaming.
The large bean-like seeds are carried or worn on necklaces and pendants as lucky charms.
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Eriosema cordatum :
The root is used to make Bangalala.
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Erythroxylum delagoense :
`Small leaved coco tree'.
Family - Erythroxylaceae.
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Euclea divinorum
`Magic Guarri' :
Is used in divination.
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Euclea natalensis :
The root of `Magic Guarri' is hypnotic.
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Gerbera piloselloides :
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Glottiphyllum cruciatum :
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Grewia bicolor :
The flowers contain farnesol, which is antagonistic to the excitant effects of caffeine and potentiates the hypnotic effect of barbiturates without being hypnotic itself. It has also been found to have psycho-sedative action.
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Grewia flava `Brandy Bush' :
The Klaarwater Hottentots distill a spirit from the berries.
The Bushmen from Botswana use the fruits to make a beer. Fruit often appears in their folktales.
Khadi (the name of a native drink) appears to involve multiple plants including the fruits of Grewia species.
Grewia species have been reported to contain many alkaloids including traces of B-carbolines.
The production of the brew khadi is known to have arisen after the introduction of sugar by the Europeans but there is a distinct possibility that the plants involved reflects a prior ethnomedicinal familiarity to indigenous people.
While the primary intoxicant of khadi appears to be alcohol, the complex of plants involved and the potential pharmacological interactions is an area in serious need of in-depth study.
(We have several other Grewia species' seeds available.)
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Griffonia simplicifolia :
Griffonia simplicifolia seeds contain 5-HTP.
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is an amino acid that is the intermediate step between tryptophan and the important brain chemical serotonin.
There is a massive amount of evidence that suggests that low serotonin levels are a common consequence of modern living. As a result, many people are overweight, crave sugar and other carbohydrates, experience bouts of depression, get frequent headaches, and have vague muscle aches and pain.
All of these maladies are correctable by raising brain serotonin levels.
The primary therapeutic applications for 5-HTP are low serotonin states.
5-HTP has been intensely researched for the past three decades.
It has been available in several European countries as a medicine since the 1970s.
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Gunnera perpensa :
Stems and roots are peeled and eaten raw, and also used to make beer.
Root decoctions are taken for male impotence.
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Gymnospora senegalensis :
The root is used as an aphrodisiac.
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Harpogyphytum procumbens :
Devil's Claw is a veritable cure-all, and has long been known as a medicinal plant, with the San of the Kalahari having used it first.
Recent studies show very good results with devil's claw as an analgesic (pain-reliever).
Also used for cleaning the body from waste and toxic by-products of the metabolism.
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Helichrysum odoratissimum :
The smoke is inhaled by traditional healers (sangomas) to induce a trance state.
Smoke from burning leaves is sedative and is also inhaled for pain relief.
Helichrysum, known as `imphepho', is burned as a ritual incense with the purpose of invoking the ancestors.
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Helinus integrifolius :
Diviners use saponin rich species like Helinus integrifolius in an ubulawu mix which enables them to interpret dreams clearly.
(Saponins are a highly bioactive group of molecules.)
It is prepared by stirring with cold water until a froth appears.
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Hermannia depressa :
Diviners take whole plant decoctions.
The plant is also used to strengthen other medicines.
Also used as a protective charm and a charm against witchcraft.
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Heteromorpha arborescens :
The Sutos administer a decoction of the leaf in incipient and early nervous and mental diseases.
They also inhale the smoke from burning the plant to relieve headache.
The plant is stated to be a blood-purifier.
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Heteropyxis natalensis :
Used as a medicinal tea.
Bark is used to treat impotence and as an aphrodisiac. It is ground into a powder and licked off the fingers.
The lemon scented Heteropyxis natalensis is also used as a perfume.
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Hoodia gordonii :
The Bushmen use the succulent flesh to suppress hunger and thirst.
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Imperata cylindrical :
Used as a restorative for tiredness or weakness.
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Ipomoea albivenia :
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Ipomoea magnusiana :
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Ipomoea pes-caprae ssp. brasiliensis :
The seeds of Ipomoea pes-caprae are eaten by locals on the Transkei coast of South Africa when catching crayfish in the surf. This apparently makes movement more fluid in the sea.
The active substances in the seeds of various species of Ipomoea and other members of the Convolvulaceae are alkaloids such as ergine, lysergol, and various clavines.
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Khadia beswickii :
Family : Mesembryanthemaceae
Common name : `Khadi root'.
Also called `moerwortel' or `moerwortelvygie'.
`Moer' means yeast and `wortel' means root; these mesembs were used to enhance the fermentation process of the brewing of traditional beers like honey and sorghum beer.
The fleshy rootstock of this mesemb is an important fermentation agent in beer brewing. Khadi is the original name for a type of beer in which the root is used as a source of yeast. The fermenting ability of khadi root has been ascribed to the presence of fungi. There are possibly mesembrine-type alkaloids in the root, which may contribute to the intoxicating properties. The name `khadi' has been extended to several other plants with fleshy rootstocks used in a similar way, such as Raphionacme hirsuta.
[ Khadia acutiloba & Khadia acutipetala ]
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Ledebouria cooperi :
Medicines made with this plant and Phygelius capensis are used to inebriate boys during initiation ceremonies.
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Leonotis dysophylla :
Leonotis leonorus :
The herb is reported to have been historically smoked by tribes people from Southern Africa.
Leonotis nepetifolia :
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Lippia javanica :
Infusions are used as a tea, and are also taken as a general health tonic. As a tea, it has a calming and relaxing effect,
It is naturally caffeine free, and has a good taste and pleasant aroma.
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Lobelia coronopifolia :
Is used to make `ubulawu'.
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Lobelia erinus :
Is used in divination in Lesotho.
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Lobelia pinifolia :
The resinous root is taken as a stimulant.
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Lonchocarpus capassa :
Tonga diviners administer a drink made from the root of L. capassa together with the leaf of Datura stramonium, to disputants who appear before them for a settlement.
Smoke from the burning roots is used as an inhalant for colds.
The Luvale regard the plant as a lucky charm.
Saponins are indicated in the rootbark.
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Maesa lanceolata :
The bark of Maesa lanceolata is used in cold water infusions (ubulawu) for ancestor communication.
The Maasai from Kenya use the bark as a stimulant.
Maesa lanceolata contains triterpenoid saponins.
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Merremia bipinnatipartita :
Merremia kentrocaulos :
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Mesembryanthemum crystallinum :
Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum :
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Milletia grandis :
Roots are burned in the hut as a tranquillizer to dispel worries.
Recipes also exist for sleep-inducing cures based on the roots.
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Mimosa adianthifolia :
The roots are used by the Chwabo tribe to induce dreams and to
enhance memory.
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Mimosa cinerea :
(synonyms = Desmanthus nutans, Desmanthus trichostachys. There are two other Desmanthus species currently used as ayahuasca analogues, perhaps Mimosa cinerea has a similar chemical profile.)
Roots are an ingredient in a decoction taken to ease pain or rubbed into incisions cut over the painful area.
The root is used in East Africa as an aphrodisiac.
Bark is used as a ritual cleanser or for ritual cleansing.
The Pedi & Lobedu of South Africa use the pods to remove evil spirits.
The presence of alkaloids and saponins have been indicated in the roots and leaves.
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Mimosa nilotica :
The Maasai of east Africa use a drug called Olkiloriti which is obtained from the preparation of the root and bark of the Mimosa nilotica tree. It is used as a narcotic, excitant, stimulant, and to prevent hunger and thirst. Warriors use Olkiloriti prior to battle in order to enter a state of frenzy, and to prevent fear & fatigue.
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