Many ornamental plants in U.S. gardens are native to southern Africa, where indigenous peoples and settlers have long used them for food, medicine, fiber, and more. These plants are not just decorative—they have been vital to survival in harsh climates. Research continues into their potential for modern cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
Disclaimer: The following is anecdotal. Do not consume or apply any plant medicinally without verifying safety from multiple sources. Some are toxic in wrong doses or preparations; pregnant women should be especially cautious.
Plant Profiles
- Agapanthus africanus (Blue lily, Lily of the Nile): Root preparations used in pregnancy as a mild laxative, uterotonic, and kidney aid; strong decoction induces labor and expels placenta; root infusion used as emetic for coughs and heart conditions.
- Aloe arborescens (Krantz aloe, Tree aloe): Leaf gel treats burns and wounds.
- Aloe ferox (Bitter aloe, Cape aloes): Concentrated leaf juice (Cape aloes) used as laxative; mixed with petroleum jelly for herpes/shingles; fresh gel eaten as food and tonic; leaf ash repels grain weevils.
- Aloe zebrina: Powdered stems cleanse postpartum; yellow roots dye wool and basketry.
- Aponogeton distachyus (Waterblommetjies, Cape pondweed): Flower heads eaten in traditional stew (bredie) with onions, potatoes, lamb; also steamed alone (tastes like asparagus). Starchy rhizomes eaten by Khoi and San; stem juice or leaf poultice for burns.
- Carissa macrocarpa (Natal plum): Edible fruit used fresh, in pies, jelly; important nutrition for children.
- Carpobrotus edulis (Sour fig, Hottentot fig): Ripe fruit eaten or made into jelly; leaf juice gargled for throat infections, treats diarrhea, giardiasis, diaper rash.
- Clivia miniata (Orange lily, Bush lily): Leaf and rhizome preparations induce labor; research confirms uterotonic effects.
- Dioscorea sylvatica (Wild yam): Root decoctions for chest conditions, blood purification, ritual emetic; crushed tubers for swellings/rashes; diosgenin used in 1950s oral contraceptives.
- Erythrina caffra & E. lysistemon (Coral trees): Bark treats sores, wounds, abscesses, arthritis; powdered burned bark on open wounds; leaf infusions as ear drops.
- Euphorbia ingens (Candelabra tree): Branches poison fish for easy harvest; wood used for boats, planks, doors.
- Leonotis leonurus (Lion’s tail, Wild dagga): Leaf infusions for colds, flu, coughs, bronchitis, asthma, hypertension, headaches; smoked for mild sedation; leaves stop bleeding, used for menstrual issues and abortion induction.
- Leucadendron pubescens (Gray conebush): Female cones bear edible seeds reported as delicious.
- Mesembryanthemum crystallinum (Ice plant): Leaf juice removes hair from hides for tanning.
- Nymphaea caerulea (Blue water lily): Tubers staple food in Okavango/Zimbabwe; eaten raw or cooked; flower heads and seeds edible; powdered root for asthma.
- Oxalis pes-caprae (Sorrel, Bermuda buttercup): Sour leaves flavor waterblommetjie stew; eaten raw by children; used as pot herb across southern Africa.
- Phoenix reclinata (Wild date palm, Senegal date palm): Edible fruit and palm hearts; stems for brooms; leaves for baskets, mats, hut construction, fish kraals; sap for palm wine.
- Plumbago auriculata (Cape plumbago): Leaf/root powder snuffed for headaches.
- Portulacaria afra (Spekboom, Elephant food): Leaves eaten raw by people and elephants.
- Strelitzia nicolai (Giant bird of paradise, Natal wild banana): Seeds ground into meal, mixed with water, shaped into patties, baked over coals; filling but bland.
- Tecomaria capensis (Cape honeysuckle): Powdered bark for pain relief, sleep; rubbed on gums for bleeding.
- Tulbaghia violacea (Wild garlic, Society garlic): Rhizomes/leaves for fever, asthma, constipation; leaves for esophageal cancer; planted as snake repellent.
- Zantedeschia aethiopica (Arum lily, Calla lily): Heated leaves applied to wounds, boils, sores; leaves dye wool yellow.
Conclusion
African landscaping plants are more than pretty faces—they have sustained life for centuries, providing nourishment, health, comfort, and income. Many remain in active use today.
Reference: Van Wyk, Ben-Eric and Gericke, Nigel, People’s Plants, Briza Publications, 2000.
