Melianthus major
Meliantus major
Afrikaans: Kruidjie roer my nie.
English :
IsiXhosa: Irhabiya
Description and diagnostic features
It is a jagged leafed shrub with many upright stems. The flowers are carried under the leaves.
Part used
The stem is used to suck for cobra bite.
The leaves are used for making a poultice.
Uses
For cobra bite suck a piece of twig or root.
For allergic reaction to bee sting put poultice over sight of sting.
For dog bite apply poultice to wound. It causes the wound to clean itself.
Powdered root makes a potent snuff for headaches.
Warning
Intense nervous system stimulant. Do not use unless paralysis is setting in from something like a cobra bite.
Habitat
Mostly found in dry river beds in the Boland.
Propagation
It propagates from seed but the seed must be planted as soon as it is harvested.
