Gomphocarpus fruticosus
Gomphocarpus fruticosus
Afrikaans: Vleiklapper, Tontelbos.
English :
IsiXhosa:
Description and diagnostic features
It is a milkweed that oozes milk when the plant is damaged.
It is a soft herbaceous plant. The fruits are like balloons filled with cotton like fine threads that are attached to the seed and can carry the seed on the wind.
The toxic leaves are eaten by the Monarch butterfly larva to protect them from bird attacks. The toxins are retained in the pupa from the larvae and even into the flying adult butterfly.
Part used
Leaves are used as snuff.
The freshly picked stems are pealed immediately and dried for later use.
Uses
The leaves are used as snuff.
The dried white stems are used in a mix to cure the pains of venereal diseases. (Jan van der Westhuisen uit die Kalaharie)
Warning
It has milkweed toxins in the leaves and stems.
Using too much of the leaves as snuff can start nose bleeds.
To be used carefully with Artemisia afra mixed in to protect the liver.
Habitat
It grows all along the edges of roads and disturbed soils.
Propagation
It grows from seed.
