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herb guru - african potato, parsley & chillies

Native Mexican plants tend to do well in Botswana, like Agaves and Yuccas,
and Chillies are no different. They love hot sunny weather, and with over 150
varieties and 5 species native to Mexico, there is a Chilli to suit most palates,
plus many are incredibly ornamental and will look lovely in the herb garden.
The Scoville scale measures the levels of capsaicin, or ‘spiciness’ of a Chilli,
and the world’s hottest at the moment is ‘Carolina Reaper’ at 2.2 million in
Scoville units. Pepper sprays are 2 million and over, so beware not to choose
the lethal varieties, and try some of the sweet, smoky, fruity, earthy or mildly
hot chillies. S.C (Text & photos)
Hypoxis hemerocallidea - African Potato, Tshuka
This plant has been used in southern africa
for centuries, and is one of the most common
‘mutis’ sold in traditional medicine markets. It
is used to build up the immune system of
patients suffering from diseases like cancer
and HIV, among many other medicinal uses.
It must be used with caution, as raw it can
be toxic. The plant also has a very attractive
flower and is indigenous to Botswana.
Garnish - Petroselinum crispum or parsley, is native
to the Mediterranean. The plant is a biennial, and grows easily
in Botswana provided it is watered regularly, in sun or semi-
shade. It has many health benefits, rich in Vitamin A,C, K,
Potassium, Magnesium and a source of antioxidants, com-
monly seen to promote bone health, and a weak diuretic. It
makes for a delicious garnish spread over soups, stews or in
salads. The flat leaf or curly varieties are attractive plants plus
fairly disease resistant, but watch out for aphids.

Spice - Capsicum annuum ‘Black Pearl’ Chillies
are native to Mesoamerica, and evidence shows that they have
been cultivated for over 6000 years. They are perennials that
can be grown as annuals, and varieties come in a range of
flavour, spiciness and appearance: from ‘Ghost’ chillies,
multicoloured Bell and Tabasco peppers, to red ‘Bird’s
eyes’, green ‘Poblano’ and ‘Jalapeño’ chillies all the way to
‘Black Pearl’ or ‘Chocolate Habanero’ types. All grow quite
easily here, plant in full sun, and water fairly regularly. ** When
taking herbs, one should always consult one’s health practitioner for the safe and appropriate use of that herb.**
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