Plant Information

Common Name: ELAND'S BEAN
Scientific Name: Elephantorrhiza elephantina
Alternative Names: Elandsboontjie (Afr.), Mupangara (Sho), Mositsane (So, Tswa), Intolwane (Xho, Zu).

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PriceR92.00

Elephantorrhiza elephantina

Description

  • Perennial
  • Eland’s Bean occurs in grassland areas over large parts of southern Africa, including Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and the South African provinces of Limpopo, Northwest, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Northern Cape and Eastern Cape - as well as Swaziland and Lesotho.
  • It has several unbranched, annual stems of nearly 1m of height, growing from an enormous underground rhizome of up to 8m long.
  • The finely divided leaves have numerous small, narrow leaflets.
  • Clusters of small, cream-coloured flowers are produced along the lower half of the aerial stem.
  • It is followed by seed pods of up to 200mm long, with inner parts breaking free and peeling of from the persistent margins.
  • The plants are hardy, needs sun and are drought resistant.

Parts Used

  • The underground rhizomes commonly referred to as roots.

Medicinal Uses. It is said that

  • Xhosa and Zulu medicinal application of the plant includes using the root as a remedy for diarrhoea and dysentery, stomach disorders, haemorrhoids and perforated peptic ulcers, and as emetics.
  • It is popular for treatment of skin disease and acne.
  • The grated root is steeped in water for 24 hours or more, after which it is strained and ready for external use.
  • To treat acne, the face is held in the vapour arising from a warm infusion.
  • For internal use, however, the infusion must be boiled for 10 minutes, and very small quantities are taken three times a day.

Other Uses

  • In the Kalahari the roots are dug up and used for dyeing and tanning.
  • The bark is removed and pounded to a pulp - a little water may be added.
  • The paste is then applied to hides – not only to dye them, but also to make them soft.
The information contained within this website is for educational purposes only. This site merely recounts the traditional uses of specific plants as recorded through history. Always seek advice from a medical practitioner.

Mountain Herb Estate, and its representatives will not be held responsible for the improper use of any plants or documentation provided. By use of this site and the information contained herein you agree to hold harmless Mountain Herb Estate, its affiliates and staff

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