78. Portulacaria afra

Description:

Rauvolfia tetraphylla is usually a much-branched shrub growing up to 1 m tall, but sometimes becoming a small tree up to 4 m tall. The plant contains a copious white latex. The leaves are in whorl arrangement of 3 - 5, ovate to oblong, measuring about 1 - 15 cm long by 1 - 4 cm wide, petiole measuring about 2 - 5 mm long. The flowers are small, white and measure about 5 mm. The fruit is a red drupe, turns black when ripen and measuring about 5 - 10 mm wide.

Use:

The latex, roots, leaves, bark and fruits are all used in traditional medicine in Central America. The roots are frequently used in India as a substitute of Rauvolfia serpentina for medicinal purposes. The latex in the plant is said to be cathartic, diuretic, emetic and expectorant. It is used for treating dropsy and various other diseases. It is applied to granulated eyelids. The plant is commonly used in the treatment of malaria in Guatemala, where it is also one of the reputed remedies for snake bites. The plant is a good source of the alkaloid reserpine, which is used in making allopathic medicines. It is harvested commercially for this purpose. The roots yield the alkaloid deserpidine, which is an antihypertensive and tranquilizer.

78. Scientific name: Portulacaria afra JACQ.

Common names:

elephant bush, dwarf jade plant, porkbush, purslane tree, spekboom, árbol de la abundancia, arbusto elefante, arbusto japonés, planta de jade enana, planta del dinero, monedita

Family:

Didiereaceae

Origin:

South Africa

Description:

The plants grow as evergreen and bare subshrubs or small trees and reach heights of up to 4 m. They form a smooth, peeling bark. Entire and succulent leaves are arranged decussately on the shoots, which are divided into segments. The small flowers are star-shaped and pink. The plant prefers to grow in warm regions on rocky slopes and dry river valleys in in rocky areas.

Use:

The leaves can be eaten raw. They are pleasantly acid and used to add a tart flavour to mixed salads. Crushed leaves can be rubbed on blisters and corns on the feet to provide relief. The leaves are chewed as a treatment for sore throat and mouth infections while the astringent juice is used for soothing ailments of the skin such as pimples, rashes and insect stings. The juice is also used as an antiseptic and as a treatment for sunburn.