If you’re a green thumb or love learning about interesting uses of plants, ask your guide to track down and show you these three species, the next time you hop on a land cruiser to explore the bush on safari.
Image: Unsplash / Mark Stoop
Bushman’s candle
The bushman’s candle, also known as the baboon’s tail, might look like a cluster of burned stumps, at first glance. This shrub is actually just in a state of dormancy during droughts. When conditions are right, it produces beautiful pink, mauve, or white flowers.
Remarkably tough, it can survive long periods of drought and quickly resumes its metabolic functions after rainfall.
Traditionally, parts of the baboon’s tail have been used for their medicinal properties, such as relieving asthma and acting as an anti-inflammatory.
Interestingly enough, the tough stems were used by bushmen to transport smouldering coals, hence the name ‘bushman’s candle’.
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Khakibos
Khakibos gets its name from the khaki uniforms of British soldiers during the Anglo-Boer War – the plant was introduced to South Africa through fodder that had been imported for their horses.
The plant grows in disturbed areas and adapts well to various soil types, high temperatures, and low rainfall.
It has many valuable properties, including medicinal uses for treating respiratory issues, skin infections, wound healing, and parasitic infestations. Its essential oil is a natural insect repellent and is often used in pet remedies.
You might smell khakibos in the bush before you spot it.
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The devil’s thorn
The devil’s thorn is a common sight in the Lowveld areas, known for its thorny seed pods that are unpleasant to step on.
This ground-dwelling creeper does have more to offer than just a prickly surprise. Its striking purple trumpet flowers are beautiful, and its leaves contain ‘saponins’ that create a slimy mucilage when mixed with water, acting like soap.
This natural soap substitute, known as Bushman’s soap, is used by trackers and rangers for cleaning hands in the bush. Simply crush the leaves, add a bit of water, and rub your hands together to produce the cleansing natural soap with a subtle fragrance.
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