Page 11 - aug20

forager’s tips

edible plants - Oxalis species

Oxalis semiloba, is indigenous to Botswana, and looks like a
miniature clover. Commonly found in semi-shaded areas under
trees, many Oxalis species do well where other plants can’t thrive,
and are frequently found in our gardens, where they are quite
often described as weeds - a good reason, therefore to be made
use of in the kitchen. The whole plant is edible, and it has a nice
sharp taste, like sorrel. It is sour due to the oxalic acid content, so
don’t overeat. The flowers can be used in salads and the clover-like
leaves used as a garnish in salads and dips.

medicinal plants - Cassia abbreviata
Cassia abbreviata, Wild senna, Monepenepe
This is the only Cassia tree found naturally in Southern Africa,
although others are cultivated as garden plants. It is popular with
both animals and humans. Various parts of the tree are used in
traditional medicine for treating everything from blackwater fever,
headache, toothache and stomachache to using it as a natural
abortion agent. An infusion is made from the root and drunk as an
aphrodisiac. The tree is also a lovely ornamental subject in gardens.
One should harvest plants responsibly and have done thorough research on their
identification and safety prior to use.
poisonous plants - Brugmansia
Brugmansia spp, Angel’s trumpets
Angel’s trumpets are woody-stemmed bushes with pendulous
flowers that hang like bells, and smell heavenly. Like most
poisonous plants, Brugmansia species have quite often been used
for their hallucinogenic properties, however all parts of
Brugmansia are potentially poisonous, with the seeds and leaves
being especially dangerous. Christina Pratt, in ‘An Encyclopedia of
Shamanism’, says that “Brugmansia induces a powerful trance with
violent and unpleasant effects.. and at times temporary insanity”.
invasive plants - Leucaena leucocephala

Leucaena leucocephala, is found throughout Botswana, and
commonly referred to as the ‘Miracle tree’ due to its fast-growing
nature, and multiple uses for stock feed, fencing, firewood, and for
improving soils. It is native to Central America and is now natural-
ized throughout the tropics. It self seeds easily and is highly invasive
in our country, and the fodder contains mimosine, a toxic amino
acid. Horses and donkeys which are fed it lose their hair. It is on the
IUCN’s top 100 most invasive trees, and we need to start managing the
spread of this tree, by ringbarking, and manual removal.
11 Text & Photos by S.C