Artemisia afra Jacq. ex Willd. -

Artemisia afra plant ready for harvesting

Project activities:

Germination tests carried out in country. A seed germinating for a test
Propagated
Planted in community gardens or woodlots. A small plant ready to be planted in the field.

Species information

Family:

COMPOSITAE

Synonyms:

Vernacular / common names:

Lifeform:

Plant description:

thick, bushy, slightly untidy clumps, usually with tall stems up to 2 m high, The stems are thick and woody at the base, becoming thinner and softer towards the top, The upper surface of leaves is dark green, undersides and stems are covered with small

Distribution:

Habitat:

Uses:

MEDICINES:

  • Digestive System Disorders (Leaves), colic, South Africa [162];
  • Endocrine System Disorders (Leaves and stems), Diabetes - certain areas more effective, South Africa [150];
  • Genitourinary System Disorders (Unspecified plant parts), Genital steamed to relieve menstrual cramps, South Africa [150];
  • Ill-defined Symptoms (Leaves and stems), Powdered leaf used as a snuff, taken orally or inhaled as a steam bath to treat headaches, South Africa [150];
  • Infections/Infestations (Leaves), Fever, South Africa [145];
  • Inflammation (Leaves and stems), Sore throats, South Africa [150];
  • Metabolic System Disorders (Leaves and stems), Gout, South Africa [150];
  • Muscular-Skeletal System Disorders (Leaves), Headache, South Africa [162];
  • Nutritional Disorders (Leaves), Botswana [18];
  • Pain (Leaves), Botswana [18];
  • Poisonings (Leaves and stems), Possible antihistaminic activities, South Africa [150];
  • Pregnancy/Birth/Puerpuerium Disorders (Unspecified plant parts), Genital steamed to relieve pain after giving birth, South Africa [150];
  • Respiratory System Disorders (Leaves), Botswana [16];
  • Sensory System Disorders (Leaves), Earache, South Africa [162];

SOCIAL USE:

Hallucinogens (Leaves and stems), Thujones are known to be psychoactive, South Africa [150].

Conservation

Red List:

NE;

CITES:

Not listed

References

  1. 16. Setshogo, M. .P.; Mbereki, C. .M. (2011). FLORIST DIVERSITY AND USES OF MEDICINAL PLANTS SOLD BY THE STREET VENDORS IN GABORONE, BOTSWANA. The African Journal of Plant Science and Biotechnology 5(1): 69-74 [Scientific paper]
  2. 18. Motlhanka, D M T; Makhabu, S. .W. (2011). MEDICINAL AND EDIBLE WILD FRUIT PLANTS OF BOTSWANA AS EMERGING NEW CROP OPPORTUNITIES. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research 5(10): 1836-1842 [Scientific paper]
  3. 145. Wyk, B. .E. van; Oudtshoorn B. van; Gericke N. (1997). MEDICINAL PLANTS OF SOUTH AFRICA. Not given [Book]
  4. 150. Van Wyk, B.; Gericke N. (2000). PEOPLE'S PLANTS: A GUIDE TO USEFUL PLANTS OF SOUTHERN AFRICA. Not given [Book]
  5. 162. Wyk, B. .E. van; Oudtshoorn B. van; Gericke N. (2009). MEDICINAL PLANTS OF SOUTH AFRICA. Not given [Book]