Page 11 - FEB2020

forager’s tips - wild morning glory

Ipomoea bolusiana, kgaane, is a traditional food
plant indigenous to Southern Africa, It is a perennial that
accumulates the necessary water, for its survival, inside a
‘caudex’, a large woody tuber which is edible, commonly
roasted or boiled, and is also a source of water in the
Kalahari. Flowers appear from November onwards.

Dicerocaryum eriocarpum, legatapitse, or

Devil’s thorn is a traditional medicine plant known for
its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a
prostrate perennial herb that is used as an aphrodisiac, a
soap and shampoo. To make the soap, soak a few leaves
or flowers in water, to yield a mucilaginous substance.
It is important to know what part of the plant to use and how it can
be used for culinary concoctions. Some are edible only in certain seasons
or after certain preparations. One should harvest plants responsibly and
have done thorough research on their identification and safety prior to use.
poisonous plants - datura

Datura species are native to the Americas, and belong to
the classic “witches’ weeds”, along with deadly nightshade.
The whole plant is toxic, and all Datura species have a
long history of causing delirious states and death. Daturas
contain scopolamine and atropine, both life-saving drugs.
Scopolamine is used to prevent nausea and vomiting, while
Atropine, ironically, is used to treat certain types of nerve
agent and pesticide poisonings. It is common in Botswana.
invasive plants- persian lilac
Melia azedarach, Persian lilac, is a deciduous tree native to
Australasia. It has many uses, and has attractive fragrant
flowers. The fruits, however are poisonous, but these
toxins are not harmful to birds, who spread the seeds in
their droppings. Today it is considered an invasive species,
because of its tendency to sprout where unwanted and
replace existing indigenous tree stands due to its fast
growth, drought tolerance, and quick self seeding ability.