MEDICINAL PLANTS: Intro / Research / Interview
Group 1 - The"Euphobians"

>> INTRODUCTION <<

As we all know that trees are used for many things, by many people and

Different cultures and beliefs, the things below are just some of the things trees are used for.

We as human beings have ignored the fact that trees play a very important

Role in our lives for quiet a long time and it is time for us to start caring, conserving and sustaining our trees for us the wildlife and our future generation.

Mawana - Baobab tree                                                  

Medicinally it’s used for anti malaria, diarrhea, fever and colds. Its also edible used as coffee and shelter for many animals like monkeys, snakes, lizards and birds. It’s also a conservative tree because it stores a large amount of water (Xerophytes). Baobabs were used for many things in the olden days like some tribes used the hollow part of the tree as a prison, some as a toilet and also bars.

Mother-in law tongue

Medicinally it is used for ear aches and can also make rope. The origin of the name comes from the pointy part of the leaves which is like the tongues of many mothers in law who are often ready to prick. The preparation is quite easy you just boil the leaves and pour some droplets in the person’s ear.

Leadwood/ Motswiri

The lead wood can be used for many things, for example, toothbrush and you can also make toothpaste using the ash from the dead branches. Medicinally it’s used for anti malaria, diarrhea, fever and colds. In addition, as it has a strong wood you can also make furniture.

Shepherd tree

Mostly used for shades and shelter, it is also used medicinally for anti malaria, diarrhea, fever and colds. Other uses of the tree range from food for many birds to a scratching post for elephants.

When do you harvest it for preparation?

·        Large fever berry – Doesn’t have a specific harvest time

·        Marula – December

·        Leadwood (Motswiri) – Depends on climate and weather.

·        Blue bush (Letlhajwa) – Its not harvested.

Where is it located?

·        Large fever berry – Swamps

·        Marula – All over Africa.                                                         

·        Leadwood (Motswiri) – All over Africa.

·        Blue bush (Letlhajwa) – Streams, rivers etc

How do you prepare it?

·        Large fever berry – Boil the roots or the bark, let this cool then drink.

·        Marula – You suck the fruit.

·        Leadwood (Motswiri) – Boil the roots or the bark, let this cool then drink.

·        Blue bush (Letlhajwa) – Branch and carve it.

What can you use it for?

·        Large fever berry – Anti malaria, fish suffocation.

·        Marula – Medicinally it’s used for anti malaria, diarrhea, fever and colds.

·        Leadwood (Motswiri) – Upset stomach, furniture, fencing, railway poles.

·        Blue bush (Letlhajwa) – Toothbrush.

Who mainly uses it in terms of culture?

·        Large fever berry – Bambukushu people discovered this, however the majority of Africans use this.

·        Marula – The majority of Africans.

·        Leadwood (Motswiri) – The majority of Africans.

·        Blue bush (Letlhajwa) – The majority of Africans.

Do animals rely on this as a food source?

·        Large fever berry – Yes, monkeys.

·        Marula – Yes, Elephants, monkeys and also humans.

·        Leadwood (Motswiri) – No.

·        Blue bush (Letlhajwa) – Birds eat the berries.

Is it commonly used for medicinal purposes?

·        Large fever berry – Yes by the locals who are living nearby the tree.

·        Marula – Yes.

·        Leadwood (Motswiri) – No.

·        Blue bush (Letlhajwa) – No.

In which season does it bloom?

·        Large fever berry – Autumn

·        Marula – Summer

·        Leadwood (Motswiri) – Depends on the climate.

·        Blue bush (Letlhajwa) – summer.

What is the dosage?

·        Large fever berry – A cupful

·        Marula – One piece of fruit.

·        Leadwood (Motswiri) – Depends on the illness.

·        Blue bush (Letlhajwa) – Depends on the illness.

Is it indigenous to Botswana or South Africa?

·        Large fever berry – Eish no

·        Marula – Eish no

·        Leadwood (Motswiri) – Eish no

·        Blue bush (Letlhajwa) – Eish no.

Interview done by the "Euphobians"

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