Medicinal plants

Geographical Distribution of Tamarind in Africa, Source ICRAF. Updated on 26^th March 2019.

Information on Pests and Diseases

Medicinal Properties and Uses

Fruits: The flesh of the fruits is edible. The sweet fruit pulp is used for the preparation of a refreshing drink and is eaten as an occasional snack. When the fruits are soaked in water overnight the liquid becomes a tasty fruit juice, which is especially appreciated by children (EcoPort).

Information Source Links

• Bekele-Tesemma, B. (2007). Useful trees and shrubs for Ethiopia. World Agroforestry Centre, Nairobi, Kenya. ISBN 92-9059-2125 www.worldagroforestry.org
• CRFG California Rare Fruit Growers www.crfg.orgl

Geographical Distribution of Sutherlandia in Africa, Source PlantZAfrica . Updated on 26^th March 2019.

Information Source Links

• Sutherlandia: www.sutherlandia.org 
• BBC news Africa, 30 November, 2001: Medicinal plant 'fights' Aids www.news.bbc.co.uk
• African Herbs / Afrikaanse Kruiden www.africanherbs.info

Geographical Distribution of Prunus in Africa. Source ICRAF. Updated on 26^th March 2019

General Information and Agronomic Aspects

Prunus africana is native to the montane tropical forests of Sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar. It occurs in wild in forests from 22 countries, majority in the Eastern and Southern Africa region such as Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, but also Cameroon, Nigeria, Sao Tome, and Angola. 

Medicinal Properties of Prunus Africana

The active ingredients in Prunus africana are effective treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate gland hypertrophy (enlarged prostate gland), ailments that affect about 60% of men over the age of 50, especially in Europe and USA. Traditional healers also use the bark in treatment of stomach ache and wound dressing, infusion of leaves is used to improve appetite, treatment of both bacterial and non-bacterial chronic prostesis and genital infection as well as hirsutism in women.

Information on Major Diseases and Pests

Information Source Links

• Hall, J. B., O'Brian, E.M. and Sinclair, F.L. (2000). Prunus africana - A Monograph. School of Agriculture and Forest Sciences, University of Wales, Bangor. U.K. (ICRAF)
• Prunus Africana. en.wikipedia.org
• ICRAF, Prunus africana www.worldagroforestry.org 

Geographical Distribution of Pelargonium in Africa. Source Wikipedia. Updated on 26^th March 2019.

General Information and Agronomic Aspects

Pelargonium sidoides is indigenous to South Africa and Lesotho but now also grown commercially in Kenya.

The pelargonium is a tender evergreen perennial, however commercial interests are based on root extracts of this medicinal herb.
 

Medicinal Properties and Uses

Pelargonium sidoides: This herb is most commonly known by the name "Umckaloabo" which originates from the Zulu language and means "heavy cough". It has long been used in South African traditional medicine to treat coughs and respiratory ailments. Tests in Europe show it may be especially useful against sore throats and bronchitis. The 3-year old roots are the plant parts most often used to obtain extracts, although all plant parts contain active agents. Use certified and tested products.

Information on Pests and Diseases

To avoid problems is obtain plants that are insect and disease-free. Diseases are rare on cultivated Pelargonium species. Overwatering can lead to root-rot; to avoid it regulate watering and use soil or a planting medium with good drainage. Never plant in containers that do not have drainage holes.

Information Source Links

• Margaret Roberts' A-Z Herbs: Identifying Herbs, How to Grow Herbs, the Uses of Herbs. Struik Publishers, ISBN: 9781868724994
• South African Biodiversity Institute: www.plantzafrica.com 
• UCI Arboretum 'Arboretum Quarterly' Vol. 3 No. 4: Pelargonium Species Part II
• Wikipedia www.wikipedia.orrg

Geographical Distribution of Ocimum kilimandscharicum in Africa. Source Encyclopedia of Life. Updated on 26^th  March 2019

Pests and Diseases

The most notable pests are termites, which attack the plant roots after the first harvest due to the handling disturbances. 

The attack is random based on the extent of disturbance per plant. 

When they attack, alkaline ash is sprinkled around the seedbed furrows. This deters the termites from attacking.

Information Source Links 

• Bekele, J., and Hasannali, A., (2001). Blend effects in the toxicity of the essential oil constituents of Ocimum kilimandscharicum and Ocimum kenyense (Labiateae) on two post-harvest insect pests: Phytochemistry 57: 385-391
• Encyclopedia of Life www.eol.org

Geographical Distribution of Neem in Africa. Source ICRAF. Updated 26^th March 2019

General Information and Agronomic Aspects

The neem tree is native to India and Southeast Asia, but it is now grown in the warm lowland tropics as well as in arid and semi-arid areas of the world.  

Medicinal Properties and Uses

Neem in Pest Control

The neem tree has over 100 compounds with pesticidal properties. The best known is azadirachtin. This substance is found in all parts of the tree. 

Neem in Reforestation

Information Source Links

• Biswas, K. and Chattopadhyay, I., (2002). Biological activities and medicinal properties of neem (Azadirachta indica). In: Current Science, Vol. 82, No. 11, 10 June 2002. www.ias.ac.in
• Ellis, B.W. and Bradley, F.M. (1992). The Organic Gardener's Handbook of Natural Insect and Disease Control. Rodale Press. ISBN:0-87596-753-1 

Local Reference Address for Neem Products

Geographical Distribution of Moringa in Africa, Source ICRAF. Updated on 26^th March 2019.

General Information and Agronomic Aspects

Moringa is a slender, fast growing, deciduous shrub or small tree reaching 9 to 15 m in height, with an umbrella shaped, open crown. It is an exceptionally nutritious tree with a variety of potential uses. 

Nutritional Values and Recipes

Moringa oleifera has an impressive range of medicinal uses and a high nutritional value. 

Medicinal Properties and Uses

In addition to its high nutritional value, M. oleifera is very important for its medicinal value. (Anwar 2007) 

The flowers, leaves and roots are widely used as remedies for several ailments. 

Contact information 

• You can buy high-quality seed and obtain cultural information from: 
  Dr. David Odee
  Head Biotechnology Division
  Kenya Forestry Research Institute
  PO Box 20412
  Nairobi
  KENYA
  011 254 (0)154 32891-3 or 32541 (voice) 
  011 254 (0)154 328-44 (fax) 
  email: director@kefri.org; put "ATTN DAVID ODEE" in the subject line. 
  website: www.kefri.org

Geographical Distribution of Artemisia in Africa. Source Ecoport. Updated on 26^th March 2019.

Medicinal Properties and Uses

Production and Markets

Commercial production of Artemisia in Africa has largely been limited to Kenya and Tanzania. Current demand for artemisinin has led to a significant increase in the commercial production, both in established as well as new areas. 

Leaf production is very variable depending on climatic conditions and harvesting techniques used. In East Africa yields average 2.5 t/ha.  

Information Source Links 

• Anamed - Action for Natural Medicine: www.anamed.net Artemisia annua Tea - a revolution in the history of tropical medicine (Circular letter May 2006): online-version 

Geographical Distribution of Mondia in Africa. Source PROTA. Updated on 26^th March 2019.

Medicinal properties and uses

Mondia whytei root infusion is popularly used as an aphrodisiac in Malawi and as a natural appetizer, enhancer of cerebral and peripheral blood circulation.

Case Study - Commercial Cultivation of Medicinal Plants

More than 500 members of the community adjacent to Kakamega Forest were trained in methods of cultivating Mondia whytei on-farm

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