Archive for the ‘African’ tag
Need a lift? Try some Sceletium
JOHANNESBURG – For hundreds of years, indigenous South Africans have chewed a plant which they say reduces stress, relieves hunger, sedates and elevates moods. On Friday, South African researchers obtained the first license to study and market it, and say they want to develop it to sell internationally — and over-the-counter.
And South Africa’s government said they’ll make locals happy too, by giving them a cut of the profits.
Sound too good to be true? Researchers say the plant, called sceletium tortuosum, has great potential and few downsides.
Ben-Erik Van Wyk, a professor of botany and plant biotechnology at the University of Johannesburg, said he’s extensively researched the plant and found no ill effects or evidence of dependency.read more
More information
Sceletium.org
Elephant ears aka African mask ( Alocasia Frydek )
This does very well indoors. Place it in an east or north window and keep the soil moist.
If you are someone who over waters your house plants you’ll like alocasias. They love water. Just be sure to let all the water drain out of the bottom of the pot before putting it back in its saucer.
Protect them from the cold, keep it away from drafty windows and doors if you are in a cold climate.
This plant wants a humid location. Keep it in a bathroom or kitchen or some other damp part of your home if your home is dry.
Alocasia will reach 1′ to 2′ tall indoors.
If it out grows its pot you can easily divide it into more plants. Slice the plant into parts with a sharp knife, keeping some leaves and roots with each section. Or you can leave it whole and just put it in a larger pot when the time comes.
The only problem might be if your home is too dry. If it isn’t doing well it is likely your home has dry air. Take a tray that is a couple inch deep, fill it with gravel and water and use that as a saucer for your plant. Keep water in the tray.
If you are not planting it in potting soil that has time released fertilizer, fertilize monthly.
The correct name for this plant is Alocasia micholitziana but most often you’ll find it labeled Alocasia Frydek or Alocasia Fryder.
This plant is native to the Philippines where they are an important food crop. The starch from the plants is combined with coconut milk in several dishes. Don’t try this at home, improper cooking can result in illness.
