Mlahleni - Curtisia dentata : 
Family: Cornaceae (Dogwood family)
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Ritual and magical uses :
A red coloured bark used for magical purposes.The magical use is kept very secret.
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Medicinal uses :
This important botanical is also traditionally used by the Zulus as an aphrodisiac.
The bark is also good for stomach ailments, diarrhoea, and purifying the blood.
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Botanical description :
This is a medium to large-sized tree, usually around 10 metres but sometimes up to 20 metres in height. The bark is smooth but can become rough in older trees. The leaves occur in opposite pairs on the twigs. They are dark green and glossy on the upper surface, covered with brown hairs below, with a distinct pattern of veins. Large, regular teeth are present along the leaf margins. The inconspicuous, cream-coloured, hairy flowers are followed by round, white berries of about 10mm in diameter.
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Plant parts used :
The bark is used.
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Active ingredients :
It appears that nothing is known about the chemical constituents of Curtisia.
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