Page 11 - nov

lavender& sunflowers forager’s tips

edible plants - Ximenia caffra

Ximenia caffra, Morokologa, or large Sour plum, is
indigenous to Botswana. The trees are usually small, but can grow
up to 6m tall. Trees flower from September and usually have fruit
from December onwards. Ripe fruit have a sour taste, with a
vitamin C content of 27%, they are high in potassium and contain
protein. Jams and jellies can be made from the pulp. The seed has
a 65% oil content, is also edible and oil from the seed has a
multitude of uses. The tree is also used medicinally, from treating
sores to worms, dysentery and diarhhoea.

medicinal plants - Hoodia gordonii
Hoodia gordonii, Hoodia is a spiny succulent that grows
easily in our Kalahari sands, it can thrive in 40 degree heat and has
been used by for many years as an appetite suppressant. These
appetite suppressant properties have now been developed and
Hoodia derivative products are now marketed in many western
countries where obesity is becoming a problem. Hoodia is
commonly consumed raw, but trade in this plant is restricted.
One should harvest plants responsibly and have done thorough research on their
identification and safety prior to use.
poisonous plants - Euphorbia tirucalli

Euphorbia tirucalli, Fire sticks is a succulent shrub or small
tree that grows easily in Botswana, and is commonly used as a
fencing alternative as well as in horticulture. It is suited to arid
landscapes, as well as turning a beautiful orange to red colour in
our colder months. However it contains a milky, toxic and
corrosive sap that can cause blindness. Skin contact can cause
severe irritation, redness and a burning sensation. If ingested, it can
cause burns to the mouth, lips and tongue, it is also poisonous to fish.
So when gardening, handle with care.
invasive plants - Ailanthus excelsa
Ailanthus excelsa, Prison tree, or Tree of heaven
is native to India, and found throughout Ngamiland, Botswana. If
you’re visiting Maun, you will see this tree all over the town, and
controlling the spread is difficult as the tree re-sprouts aggressively
when cut back, and it self-seeds easily. It grows quickly and provides
much needed shade, but it is quickly forcing out indigenous trees.
The prison tree is a Category 3 weed in South Africa. Remove trees
manually when at all possible, and dispose of it responsibly, as this tree
can be propagated easily from cuttings or truncheons. Text & Photos
by S.C 11