Plants Visited by Bees and Other Useful Plants of Umalila, Southern Tanzania

Paul Latham

Plants Visited by Bees and Other Useful Plants of Umalila, Southern Tanzania

Paul Latham

2008, African Journal of Ecology

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AI-generated Abstract

The paper discusses various plants that are utilized by bees and other useful plants in Umalila, Southern Tanzania. It emphasizes the significance of these plants in both ecological and agricultural contexts, highlighting their roles in beekeeping and local biodiversity. The research contributes to understanding the relationship between local flora and bee populations, potentially informing conservation and agricultural practices.

Figures (417)

Map of the central area of the Southern Highlands : Cribb & Leedal (1982) The Mountain Flowers of Southern Tanzania.

Finger millet growing near /lembo in April

A Tanzanian Top Bar hive hung on wires between two poles to prevent ants and honey badgers from getting at the hive.

Eliya Mwampamba_ with a_ traditional beehive. The hive has holes bored in the base to allow rain water to drain out. Note the V shaped entrances cut at either end of the upper section.

Umalila is intensively farmed, normally without fertilizers, and much of the designated forest land is now in cultivation. However villagers do maintain woodlands, these being planted with eucalyptus, pine and cypress.

Beekeeping is an important secondary industry in Umalila. Many of the beekeepers are however elderly and beekeeping does not appear to be attractive to most young people. In addition much of the origina forest is in a degraded state and is being gradually lost to logging and cultivation. As the forest ha: traditionally produced the bulk of the honey the future for beekeeping is uncertain. This is unfortunate for three reasons:- 1. Beekeeping could provide a useful income particularly to young people, many o whom do not have access to land unless they hire it. 2. It is important for the adequate pollination o crops such as sunflower, passion fruit, peaches, pumpkins and pole beans. Bees are known to be the most important group of pollinators of all insects for these crops. 3. It is traditional to site hives in areas of forest thus affording some protection to the remaining patches of indigenous forest. One tree ir particular, Impembati (Po/yscias fulva), is frequently used, and even planted, because of its branchinc habit and thus its suitability for placing hives. Beehives were traditionally constructed from this tree, Iliogoti (Hagenia abyssinica) and \|langal (Euphorbia nyikae). Now they are usually made from Euphorbia nyikae and Cupressus lusitanica. The hives are made approximately 1 m long and divided into two halves. These are bound together with ¢ cord made from Isintu (/pomoea invo/ucrata), or other creepers. Hives are always placed in trees mainly to keep flying bees above people living nearby or cultivating surrounding crops, to catch the warmth of the early sun, particularly during the dry season, when it can be cold at an altitude of ove 2,000 m, and to provide some protection from pests. A serious pest known as Homba in Malila, probabl the large spotted genet, is able to climb trees and can get into a hive to take the honey unless it is ver well secured. It often gets into hives where the wood is rotten. New hives appear to be less at risk.

Design by Ntangu Targou A smoker made up from bamboo stems surrounded with banana leaves. This has a sling, which enables it to be hauled up the tree and secured to a branch during harvest or inspection. The lighted end is held downwards and smoke is blown or allowed to drift into the hive from the top.

When harvesting honey the beekeeper uses lighted pieces of bamboo or Ipekeso stalks (Conyza bonariensis) surrounded with leaves from Igawo, the false banana,(Ensete ventricosum), to produce smoke but he can nevertheless get badly stung. Sometimes he will lower the hive to the ground where two forked sticks are used to support the hive. Harvesting can then be carried out more easily as most of the flying bees will return to the original hive site in the tree. Not all combs are taken during harvest. Some of the honey is left, together with brood combs. There is normally a small harvest at the end of June (up to 10 litres being taken) but the main harvest takes place in November and December when between 18 and 25 litres can be taken. Honey has a ready local market being mainly eaten in the comb. Wax is sold separate from the honey and is used by local carpenters and for shoe repairs. Left : A bee suit enables the beekeeper to work with bees calmly and safely. A piece of plastic mosquito netting is sewn into the head section. A pair of trousers can be used as an alternative to the bottom half of the suit.

Inside the Top Bar Hive showing comb attached to the top bar. Top Bar hives differ from traditional hives in having moveable combs. The combs can be taken out, inspected and put back again so that the beekeeper can see when honey is ready, which combs have brood, whether bees are healthy and whether the queen is laying properly. Essentially the hive is an open box 1 m long, 50 cm wide and 30 cm deep. The top of the box is made up of bars 48 cm long and 3.2 cm wide. The width of the top bar is very important and the bars must fit tightly together with no gaps between them. In a traditional hive the centres of each comb, looking vertically down on them, are 3.2 cm apart and it is for this reason that Top Bar hives follow the same dimension.

Certain plants, such as sisal, produce a bitter honey when on their own. However, as long as there are plenty of other sources of nectar flowering at the same time, this should not flavour the honey adversely. Ilangali (Euphorbia nyikae) and |woti (Lobelia gibberoa) are said to produce poisonous honey. Again, providing they are not the only source of nectar at the time, there should be no problem with the honey produced. Many of the plants illustrated in the following pages have multiple uses. The information is given to help farmers and development workers identify them and, in some cases, to encourage them to plant or conserve them. The author would be particularly glad to hear of other important bee plants and additional information regarding uses for those mentioned.

Common names Naluyami (Malila), muwati (Swahili), black wattle

————————————————————————EEi it is moderately easy to work and polishes well. It is used for house poles and maize stores, tool handles and general construction. The bark is an important source of tannin, containing 30 - 45% high quality tannin. Bees are reported to be the main pollinators. If densely planted, the tree can be useful in erosion control. It also fixes nitrogen, thus improving the soil. sii aii eee

Common names Inzonya, ihahatu (Malila), bear's breeches Acanthus ueleensis Uses In Umalila the leaves are pulped, put in water, together with the leaves of Physalis peruviana and Co/eus sp., and taken to relieve stomach-ache. Another species, A. montanus, present in upland forest, is used in Nigeria mainly as a cough medicine. A. arboreus, A. eminens, A. montanus and A. pubescens are also used as medicinal plants in Africa. A. eminens and A. sennii, present in the Ethiopian highlands, are visited by honeybees when other sources of nectar and pollen are in short supply. Some species, for example A. montanus and A. mollis, are grown for their foliage and ornamental flowers.

DR Congo, Cameroon and Nigeria in upland forests and secondary growth often near paths and streams between 1,450 and 2,050 m altitude. (Zingiberaceae) Right : Flowers and fruits are borne on a stalk 10 - 40 cm long.

Common names I/zenya (Malila), myunguvo (Swahili) Ecology Grows at the forest edge or in secondary forest and in high altitude grassland. Also found in Cameroon and Fernando Po, and widely dispersed in East, Central and southern Africa and in Madagascar. The shrub is fire resistant. Synonym Agauria salicifolia

Description Sisal is a short lived perennial with a thick stem up to 120 cm high having a rosette of leaves each growing up to 120 cm long. The plant produces 200 - 250 leaves each tipped with a sharp spine. A flowering pole, 5 - 6 m tall, is produced at the end of the plant's life. Though the plant flowers, seeds are rarely produced and the plant multiplies by bulbils produced on the flowering pole after the flowers have fallen. Sisal grown as a hedgerow plant near Sasyaka. of pollen shortage. It provides sufficient nectar for stimulating brood rearing. The honey is however dark and of strong and unpleasant flavour. The plant also has a number of medicinal uses.

Kikapu made from sisal fibre Uses Sisal is widely grown in villages in Umalila as a hedge plant. The fibre is extracted from the leaves, and used for making string and rope for tethering livestock. It can also be used for making bags and mats. Leaf fibres may be up to 1 m long and are very strong. Sisal is naturally hard wearing and resistant to sunlight and these qualities have ensured its continued use. The poles are used for fuel once they are dry or can be split and used for light construction work, though they are very susceptible to termite attack. Sisal is a valuable bee plant because of its irregular and long lasting flowering periods and is of great attraction especially during times

Description A large deciduous tree up to 30 m high. Bark grey and smooth. Up to 16 pairs of leaflets, 1 - 2 cm long, shiny, dark green, almost rectangular with a diagonal midrib and one outer corner rounded. Flowers white with long protruding red stamens. Bundles of flat, shiny brown pods are produced, having raised edges, 20 cm long and 3 cm wide. The tree is fast growing. Ecology Grows in East and Central Africa and in Madagascar. In Tanzania the tree is found from the coastal hills to Kilimanjaro and Kagera at altitudes between 600 and 2,350 m. It is often associated with high altitude forests.

Propagation Best grown from seed rather than wild seedlings. The seed should be collected from the fruits as soon as they mature to prevent insect damage. Soak in hot water unless seed is fresh. Seed can be stored for up to 2 years if kept cool and dry. Photo : Najma Dharani

Common names Ishitunguru (Malila), kitunguu (Swahili), onion, bulb onion, shallot the greater risk of disease. A dry period is required for ripening the bulbs. Shallots are grown onasm scale and are best planted so that they ripen in the dry season. Tiegh )=6— og AF FENG GRD ot BY 728

Description An erect herb, 30 - 60 cm tall, with a shallow root system. The bulbs are composed of a disc-like stem, thin dry scales, which are the bases of foliage leaves, and smaller bulbs or cloves formed from buds of the younger foliage leaves. Uses The cloves are used to flavour meat, fish, sauces and salads contains a chemical with anti-bacterial properties and is also usec colds, but can react with some other medicines. The juice can be used to repair glass and china. Garlic extract has been shown to be effective in killing root knot nematodes. It is also used to repel birds and to control a variety of insect pests. Soak 100 g finely grated garlic for 24 hours in 2 teaspoons of engine oil. Dissolve 10 gm soap in 500 ml water, mix with the garlic and mineral oil, stir well together and filter through a fine cloth. Dilute this solution with 20 parts water for spraying on crops. Alternatively soak 3 finely ground garlic bulbs for 2 days in liquid paraffin and then stir well with a large spoonful of soap flakes and 10 litres water. Use the mixture straight away to protect crops.

Description An annual herb up to 2 m tall. The leaves are twice or three times as long as wide and often have pointed tips. This species is known to be highly resistant to root-knot eelworms. Ecology Cultivated throughout the tropics and subtropics. Growth rate is best at high temperatures, in bright light and with adequate water and minerals. Daily watering is required as shortage of water causes early flowering, reduces yield and produces a poor quality crop. Amaranths perform better than Celosia species in open areas, the latter preferring some shade. The crop responds well to organic manure, which tends to encourage leaf production and delay flowering.

References FTEA 1974, Blundell 1987, FZ 2000, Burrows & Willis 2005

Common names | patatiho (Malila), albino berry margins. Altitude range 1,250 - 2,450 m. The shrub is also present in Kenya, Malawi, Zan Zimbabwe, South Africa, Madagascar and on the Mascarene islands of the Indian Ocean L 4.064% . Synonym 4. mauritiania, A. myrtifolia

Description A spiny annual herb, which grows up to 1 m tall. Leaves are green or bluish and deeply lobed. When cut they produce a yellow juice. The margins are sharply toothed. Flowers are pale yellow and up to 5 cm across. Seed capsules are smooth or bristly and 3 - 4 cm long. They explode when dry. Seeds are round, black, have a pitted surface and contain an oil. Ecology A weed of waste ground, often found in dry places, on roadsides and abandoned cultivation. The plant was introduced from Mexico. Usually the altitude range is from 1 - 1800 m though the above plant was growing near Ilembo town at 2000 m. The plant is present throughout East Africa.

Common names Mwarubaini, mkilifi (Swahili), neem Azadirachta indica growing at an altitude of 2,000 m in Umalila Azadirachta indica

Uses Stems are widely used for construction purposes - houses, huts, bridges and fences. They are also used as irrigation pipes. Split poles can be used for baskets and fences (see below), roofing tiles, and planting tubes for tree seedlings. Stem sheaths are used as covers for beehives. They last longer than banana stem sheaths. Goats browse the leaves. The plant is especially useful for ts are edible.

Common names Nderema (Swahili), vine, Indian or Ceylon spinach. Basella alba growing over a fence in llembo village

traditionally used as a vegetable in Umalila they are widely eaten elsewhere. They are sometimes fed to cattle. The plant is used to relieve constipation in animals and humans. Description A soft, twining perennial plant up to 4 m long. Stems are fleshy, green, often tinged brownish-purple. Leaves heart shaped with pointed tip, soft, shiny, dark green, blade up to 10 cm long or more. Flowers are small, fleshy, cream or white and borne on an erect stalk.

Common names I|wozya Begonia sutherlandii growing on a tree in llomba forest.

Uses The red stems and the leaves are eaten in Umalila. An infusion of the leaf and stem of the plant i: used medicinally by Zulu people in South Africa to treat heartburn and vomiting of blood.

requires full sun and fertile soil. Common names Kakato

Ecology The plant is widespread above 1,600 m in the Southern Highlands and western Tanzania, and also present in Malawi and Zambia. It can be cultivated aS an ornamental but

Flowers produced in October at Sheyo wooded river valleys, at the edges of evergreen forest and Iso in open woodlands. In Tanzania the tree is common in highland forest margins in the Mbeya gion. A high altitude tree growing between 2,000 and 2,400 m. Bersama abyssinica is widespread ver much of Africa though the subspecies does not occur south of Malawi.

Uses Wood is soft and not durable and is used mainly for firewood, though it is sometimes used for carving and making utensils (stools, water-pots and beehives) and for medicine. The leaves are crushed and used as a snuff for colds. The roots and bark are used as a purgative and, in stronger doses, aqgainct intectinal worme <A decoctinn of the ctem hark jc Neuwinger 2000, Dharani 2002, Lovett et al. 2006

Description A perennial herb or shrub, from 60 cm to 3 m high. The plant produces many branches. Leaves are deeply divided, 6 - 20 cm long and 5 - 16 cm wide, with saw toothed edges. Flower stalks 2 - 20 cm long. The seeds are dark brown. Bidens magnifolia in flower in July

(Asteraceae) Jses Bees collect nectar from the flowers. Honey from the plant is pleasantly fl slowly. B. magnifolia (Indelengu), 8. pinnatipartita (Intengu), B. schimperi (Li Mputira) are also visited by bees in Umalila. The leaves of 8. pélosa are vegetable and in soups. They have a bitter taste, but the young shoots, 2.5 - 5.0 cm long, are a favourite dish throughout southern Africa, eaten resh or dried and stored for later use. The plant is readily browsed by all Jomestic stock including poultry and has a high nutritive value. In Umalila he leaves are sometimes used as a tea substitute. They are reported to elieve excessive wind in the stomach. Plant extracts have shown anti- yacterial activity. The leaves are used to treat stomach-ache and intestinal ; Norms in Tanzania. The roots are used to treat constipation and malaria. y

Matambo Salima with his family at lzumbwe. The house is roofed with split bamboo poles.

Description An annual herb from 0.7 to 2 m high. Leaves are much divided, up to 35 cm long and 26 cm wide. The yellow to orange flowers are borne either singly or in open groups. Fruits are smooth or with very few hairs and two bristles, not hooked. The plant has a very long flowering period, from March to October. However, as fields in Umalila are normally cultivated in June and July, the actual flowering season may be restricted. Bidens steppia

References Moriarty 1975, FAO 1988, Burrows & Willis 2005

Description An erect perennial herb up to 1 m tall. The leaves and bracts are spiny. Flowers are bright blue, set in clusters among prickly bracts. The seed hairs swell up when wet. References Mabberley 1997, Hepburn & Radloff 1998, Neuwinger 2000, Burrows & Willis 2005

(Asteraceae) References Blundell 1987, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Neuwinger 2000, White et al. 2001, Burrows & Willis 2005

Common names lgagara (Malila), figile (Swahili), Ethiopian kale, Ethiopian mustard, Abyssini mustard.

Common names Ilepu (Malila), sukuma wiki (Swahili), leaf cabbage, kale holes in the leaves.

Management Harvest tender side shoots before they become too large.

-ommon names lliyisia (Kimalila), mwisya (Nyakyusa), mkarati, mtutu (Swahili). Uses In Umalila the trunk is used for making beehives and the flowers are reported to be visited by bees in March. The wood is greyish to yellowish - white with a dark brown heart, hard, heavy and termite proof. When worked it takes a good polish and large timbers are good for indoor carpentry and furniture. The wood is very durable in contact with the ground and in water. It is resistant to termites and used for hut and fence posts. It makes good firewood and charcoal, giving out an intense heat. The roots are extensive and are useful for binding soil along drainage ditches etc.

References Irvine 1961, Busson 1965, Uphof 1968, Wild et al 1972, Williamson 1975, Kokwaro 1976, Coates Palgrave 1983, Ambougou 1991, Burkill 1994, Katende et al. 1995, Venter & Venter 1996, Msanga 1998, SEPASAL 1999, Ruffo et al 2002, Lovett et al. 2006

Bamboo pipes are frequently used for channeling water from streams and rivers to villages for domestic water supply and for irrigating vegetable gardens.

Uses Bees were seen collecting nectar in June. Honeybees are known to collect nectar and pollen from a related species, B. madagascarensis in Ethiopia. The stems are sometimes used for firewood. In Burundi leafy twigs are pounded and used as a dressing for dislocations. Leaf sap is taken for dizziness. A leaf decoction is drunk to treat fever and colds.

(Solanaceae) Moonflower being grown as a hedge at /lembo

References Hay 1978, Hessayon 1983, Brickell 1994, Llamas 2003 Near Shilanga in the rain season Remarks Plants are often attacked by nematodes.

Common names I nswina ipete (Malila), butterfly bush, orange-eye, summer-lilac Buddleja davidii

Remarks The shrub is often attacked by insects. scrubland beside rivers, on rocky hillsides and mountain grassland. Altitude range 1,200 - 2,500 m. Found from South Africa to Angola and north to Kenya. It is a common pioneer species. References Wild et al. 1972, Coates Palgrave 1983, Venter & Venter 1996, Mutshinyalo 2001, Burrows & Willis 2005 straggling shrub or smal evergreen tree with whitish branches up to 4 m tall. Many stems often grow up from the base and the branches tend to droop. Leaves are long and narrow, opposite, olive green above and greyish and hairy below, 4-17 cm long and 0.8 - 4.5 cm wide. Flowers are white to lilac, sweet scented and in_ large clusters at the ends of the branches.

Common names Sagewood Buddleja salviifolia

Common names Inyangwa (Malila), Mysore thorn, Mauritius thorn. Caesalpinia decapetala being grown as a hedge Caesalpinia decapetala

Williamson 1975, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Mbuya et al 1994, Burkill 1995, Katende et al. 2000, Neuwinge 2000, Ibnu Utomo 2001

Common names Bottle brush, weeping bottlebrush. Fichtl & Adi 1994, Mbuya et al. 1994, Bryant 1996, Llamas 2003 Callistemon viminalis

Laiton and Hezron Ulenje, beekeepers near /lomba with Envoy Ndere (right)

Ecology Grows in upland or river forest. It either grows on other plants or among rocks. It has an altitude range of between 1,600 and 3,200 m. Description A creeper which either climbs into trees or grows along the ground. The plant is covered with a waxy surface. The root is thick, often with a corky surface layer. Stems are erect and climbing, up to several metres in length, usually with a fine purple mottling. Leaf blades are triangular to oval in shape, up to 10 cm long, with a toothed edge. The petiole is short. The flower is funnel shaped, up to 7.5 cm long, orange to orange-red with veins running the length of the flower tube. Fruit is a berry.

Common names Ingaya (Malila), Canna lily Propagation Either the clumps can be divided and planted just before the rains or the seeds can be sown. Canna hybrida Management The rhizomes grow outwards and may need to be dug out to prevent them spreading.

Ecology Originally from central America. Plants require full sunlight and humus rich, moist soil.

Elsewhere the plant is normally grown from seed but these are reported to produce mostly male plants. Uses The flesh of the fruits is eaten stewed and sweetened, as a preserve or candied, and seldom eaten raw. It can also be made into a drink and is recommended for dyspeptics. Both pulp and seeds are eaten and the juice is useful for flavouring — fruit salads.

Carica pubescens grown as hedge in Ilembo village Propagation [In Umalila trees are often grown from 1 m long branches taken from fruit bearing — trees. ranorted to nroduce mostiv male pnlants.

The plant is also used to feed rabbits and goats. The boiled leaves are used medicinally to treat stomach pains and for intestinal worms. Bees were seen visiting the flowers in July and are Known to collect pollen and nectar over an 8 month period in Ethiopia.

Uses In Umalila the young leaves and stems are eaten after being chopped up and cooked with

Chassalia discolor in flower in forest near Yalenga in October Common names Intwati ya misengo

References FTEA 1976, Beentje 1994, Lovett et al. 2006

Description A perennial herb 30 - 60 cm tall with a shallow root system. Leaves are alternate 10 - 30 cm long with a long slender petiole. Flowers, 3 - 4 cm in diameter, are borne singly on long stalks. The plant is 99% cross pollinated. The greatest content of pyrethrin is produced in the flowers when two or three rows of disc florets have opened. Pyrethrin content can vary greatly between plants.

References Williamson 1975, Coates Palgrave 1983, Beentje 1994, Katende et al. 2000, Lovett et al. 2006 Uses The timber is light coloured, of good density, and used for cabinet making and building. It makes good firewood and charcoal. The fruit is edible. Bees are reported to visit the flowers.

Propagation Seed can often be found below mature _ trees. Collect the fruit from the ground extract and dry the seed before storage. Add ash to protect it from insect attack. Seed can be sown in pots or wild seedlings can be transplanted. Grow

Description A herbaceous creeper. Leaves are roughly circular 2 - 12 cm in diameter. The petiole is from 1 - 7 cm long and joins the leaf 1 - 4 mm from the base. Male and female flowers are separate, arising from leaf axils, and may be up to 10 cm long. The fruit is a drupe 4 - 6 mm long and 3 - 4 mm wide. Ecology Found in upland and lowland rainforest, often persisting on cleared ground and in cultivated land; also grows in secondary vegetation and near rock outcrops between 0 - 2,300 m.

Description A shrub or small tree growing to 10 m high. Bark is smooth and grey. All parts of the plant have an unpleasant smell when bruised. Leaves are compound up to 38 cm long composed of 11 - 37 leaflets, | densely dotted with glands and more or less hairless. Flowers are small, white, in loose branched clusters and smell of aniseed. Berries are small, up to 0.7 cm in diameter and turn red- purple or blue-black when ripe. References De Wildeman 1934, FZ 1963, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Burkill 1997, Burrows & Willis 2005, Lovett et al. 2006

Common names |kuwi ? (Malila), shock-headed Peter the insane and to treat coughing. A root infusion is drunk to stimulate the appetite, as a tonic and t treat female infertility. Leaf pulp is applied to treat toothache. In Sudan the root, after boiling in water is used to dress sores. The plant is used together with Hermannia betonicaefolia to treat ches complaints in South Africa. Synonym C. scabiosifolia, Clematis kirkii Clematopsis villosa

es lis ele SUSU SMe Pemtamere mat Naan Saat flowering, tall, green stemmed plants with many large leaves. Seeds are best stored for 6 - 12 months to break dormancy prior to sowing. Broadcast seed on well cultivated land in pure stands or mixed with Brassica species, Solanum nigrum or Corchorus olitorius and tridens. Synonym C. pentaphylla, Gynandropsis gynandra, G. pentaphylla

Uses Leaves, often with the flowers, are widely used as a vegetable, eaten cooked or fresh as < spinach or in soup. By themselves the leaves are bitter. They are therefore best boiled, butter addec ee, oe ee | a a ee ee aa

Description The plant grows either as a shrub which may reach a height of 1.5 m or as a creeper, up to 20 m long. The bases of the leaf stalks are hooked and spiny, and used to scramble up into the tree canopy. Leaves are opposite or in threes, 6.5 - 19 cm long and 3.5 - 14 cm wide, and may have a rounded base, with the tip being shortly pointed. The lower surface of the leaves has a dense mat of hairs. The scented flowers are white and borne in many flowered terminal heads. The fruit is orange to black, about 1 cm long but often having galls.

References Kokwaro 1976, FTEA 1992, Beentje 1994, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Hepburn & Radloff 1998, Neuwinger 2000, White et al. 2001

Coffea mufindiensis in Itare forest in November Description An evergreen shrub or small tree, up to 4.5 m tall. Leaves are oval, 2 - 6 cm long and 0.8 - 3 cm wide, crowded together, with crinkly or wavy edges. Stipules are present and are 2 - 7 mm long, triangular with a fine point. One or two white flowers are produced in the leaf axils. Fruits are orange - red oval berries up to 1 cm long.

Common names Amasimbi (Malila), magimbi (Swahili), taro Uses The leaves are used as a vegetable and the corms are eaten in Umalila. The soft, white corms are eaten throughout the tropics. They are rich in starch and can be eaten after removing the sharp crystals. To do this the corms are boiled, baked, roasted or fried in oil. The starch is easily digested, but if large quantities of the corm are eaten, goitre can result. Excessive consumption is also reported to increase the possibility of contracting leprosy. However eating the corm lowers the incidence of tooth decay.

Description A trailing annual or perennial herb, growing from 30 to 150 cm tall. Leaves are stalkless and 3 - 12.5 cm long and 1.5 - 7 cm wide. The solitary orange yellow flower heads are 1.8 cm across on long stalks. Flowers are produced throughout the year but mainly after the rains.

References Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962, Kokwaro 1976, Burkill 1985, Blundell 1987, Konda et al. 1992, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Neuwinger 2000, Burrows & Willis 2005

Common names I|sekeseke Description A shrubby, much branched perennial, 1 - 4 m tall. Leaves are composed of 3 - 5 leaflets each 5 - 11 cm long. Flower heads are 11 - 28 cm long. Flowers usually have reddish-brown veins. Fruit pods are 4 - 5 cm long containing 30 - 40 seeds. Crotalaria cleomifolia

Ecology Grows on the margins and in clearings of upland rain-forest, upland evergreen bushland and grassland, also persisting on roadsides and cultivated ground. Altitude range 1,150 - 2.550 m. Locally common and widespread in tropical Africa.

Description A perennial woody herb or small shrub with one to several thin upright stems from 1 - 2.6 m tall. Leaves are crowded on short lateral shoots, and made up of tufts of 3 - 5 leaflets. Leaflets are up to 4.2 cm long and hairy on the underside. The yellow flowers turn red in a terminal flower head, up to 22 cm long. Fruit is a cylindrical mottled dark-green and blue-black pod 3.5 - 4.5 cm long, containing 25 - 40 seeds. = ee Mere wee milk to make the leaves more palatable. In Malawi leaves are cooked with potash giving a mucilaginous product. In Tanzania the plant is also used as a green manure and an ornamental plant. The bark from fresh roots is chewed, and the juice swallowed as a treatment for boils. Bees were seen to be active on this plant in Umalila in J une.

References Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962, FTEA 1971, Brickell 1994, Bosch 2004, Burrows & Willis ANN Remarks Several Crota/aria species are edible but some are known to be poisonous both to man and livestock. Some species are used medicinally.

diameter. The fruit is large, round or cylindrical, 15 - 50 cm long, green with white stripes and lighter markings, having a smooth, hard skin. The flesh is white, coarse and tough, fibrous and rather dry with many black to pale buff coloured seeds 1.5 - 2 cm long.

Management Plants are normally grown over a trellis or fence in Umalila) The plant is known to be strongly resistant to pests and diseases. Bees are mainly responsible for pollination. Leaves can be harvested from 2 months after planting and picking can continue for a further 4 months.

Description A short-lived perennial vine up to 30 m long, climbing with long branched tendrils. The tap root may be 2 m long. The stem forms numerous runners which may root at the nodes. Leaves are alternate, and similar to fig leaves, 18 - 25 cm in diameter. Flowers are yellow to pale orange up to 7.5 cm in

Common names Iliungu (fruit), ipwiza (leaves) (Malila), mtango (Swahili), winter squash, pumpkin. Description An annual herb, usually trailing on the ground, but occasionally growing as a bush. Some cultivars produce very large fruits. Male or female flowers occur in a ratio of about 20:1 and open fo! one day only, often early in the morning. Both produce nectar. Bees are the main pollinators and the number and weight of the fruits increase with the amount of pollen deposited on the stigmas. The fruits are orange, green or grey, smooth or ribbed, round or oval. Seeds are large and plump, white or brown 3 - 6 fruits are produced per plant with fruits weighing from 2 - 5 kg.

Common names Mkambo kambo, mtarakwa (Swahili), cypress used for planting out. Seed can be stored for up to 6 months.

Common names I|pombo (Malila), pombo (Nyakyusa), umbrella tree, cabbage tree. An isolated tree /eft in crop land near Sasyaka.

Propagation Fresh seed germinates easily when sown in seedling trays filled with a mixture of river sand and compost (1:1). Germination takes from 15 - 30 days. Most seeds germinate in the third week. It can also be grown from long cuttings

livestock return home with the fruits sticking to their coats it is time to harvest honey

Rinaga Jangi carrying Cyperus grass (Amanzila) stems for making mats (/shiriri) References Kokwaro 1976, FTEA 1985, Blundell 1987, Neuwinger 2000

Common names | pana (Kimalila), mgogwe (Swahili), tree tomato, tomatillo. warm sunny days are followed by cool nights. Suitable for growing with other crops, as it does shade out shorter plants.

Propagation The plant is usually grown from seed but can also be grown from stem cuttings. Seed can be stored without problem. Transplant seedlings when 30 cm high.

Description A small tree or climbing shrub, which may be up to 25 m long, with some coiled branches. Leaves are made up of 6 - 10 leaflets which are elliptic, have a rounded base and apex and are 4 - 9 cm long and 2 - 5.5 cm wide. Flowers are mauve white to purple in large clusters. Fruit pods are 10 - 17 cm long and 3 - 4.5 cm, leathery, flat and hairless and contain a single seed. Ecology Widespread in mountain and mid-altitude rain forest up to 2,220 m. Also present in the highlands of Cameroon, south east Nigeria, eastern D.R. Congo and from Ethiopia to Zimbawe and Mozambique.

Common names /zanji (Malila), green leaf desmodium, Kuru vine.

Dickson Mwahalende with young Hagenia abyssinica (Iliogoti) trees. He also has a nursery of Syzygium cordatum (/fwomi). Indigenous trees have a wider range of uses and are better adapted to local conditions than many imported species.

Uses Bees were seen gathering nectar in October near Shilanga. Leaves are browsed by livestock. The fruit is edible but has a bitter-sweet taste, and is therefore not popular, but the seeds can be roasted and ground to make a good coffee References Wild et al. 1972, Coates Palgrave 1983, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Mbuya et al. 1994, Venter & Venter 1996, Kihwele et al. 2001, Viljoen 2002, Burrows & Willis 2005, Lovett et al. 2006

Common names Ifita (Malila), bladder nut VUNOLILULE., Pie WUUU lo whitish with brown to purple stripes, dense, even grained and strong. It is used for making furniture and tool handles. The bark is used to ease painful periods in South Africa and the leaf or root extract is rubbed on to treat a burning skin rash. The shrub can be grown as a hedge plant. A_ related species, D. mespeliformis, African ebony, is known to be a very valuable bee forage, particularly for nectar, at lower altitudes in West, East and southern Africa and in Ethiopia.

Description A shrub or small tree up to 6 m tall. Leaves are 4.5 - 16 cm long. The purple flowers are distinctive and produced after the leaves fall. Dissotis melleri in flower near Yalenga in October

Dodonaea viscosa growing in grassland at Inyala, Common names Inzigula (Malila), mkaa-pwani (Swahili), Sand olive.

Propagation Regenerates rapidly after bush fires but can also be planted direct using seed. Wild seedlings can also be used for planting. Seed can be stored for up to a year.

Description A shrub or tree 1 - 6 m high. The leaves, 4 - 17 cm long and 3 - 13 cm wide, are covered with short soft hairs on both sides. Flowers are white or pink, in bunches with long stalks. The petals are 14 - 24 mm long. The dead flowers remain attached to the branches for some time. Fruits are round, about 1 cm in diameter, and very hairy. species produce exceptionally good honey with fine crystallization. Elsewhere in Tanzania a leaf decoction is drunk to treat malaria and leaf pulp is applied to leprosy sores. In South Africa the bark is used to make baskets and in Kenya the bark fibre is used to make rope; the wood is used for bows and building poles; twigs are used as fire- sticks. Various parts are used to make a cough medicine. In Uganda the roots are used to treat stomach pains. eS a woaeeyst.Se@ — - 2 5 ep Maen re

Propagation Seed germination is good and seedlings emerge after 3 weeks. Use fresh seed as viability declines after 3 months. Sow seed in a 3:1 mix of river sand and compost. Cover with a thin layer of sand and keep moist. Transplant into pots at the 2 leaf stage. Seedlings and young plants transplant easily. Protect seedlings from heat and sunlight until hardened off.

Description A much branched, fast growing, deciduous forest tree which can grow up to 25 m tall Bark grey and smooth. Leaves are large, up to 28 cm long, hairy and heart shaped with a pointed tip Young stems and leaf stalks are often red. Flowers are borne in groups on stalks up to 30 cm long an have orange anthers. Petals turn yellow-brown and surround the fruit capsule which contains about 1 seeds. Ecology Grows between 1,800 and 3,300 m altitude in mountain forests, often growing along forest edges. It also persists in forest patches and gallery forests and is often seen as a single tree in mountain grassland and farmland. Rainfall range is from 1,000 to 2,000 mm per year.

Uses The flowers are reported to be visited by bees in Umalila. Fruits are edible and may be sour or sweet. Wood is hard and used for firewood, tool handles, and beds. The leaves are pounded, soaked in water and taken for indigestion. The roots are used to treat venereal diseases. Dovyalis abyssinica

Management The tree can be grown as a hedge and can be trimmed and coppiced. Photo : Najma Dharani Propagation Can be grown from seed. Soak fruits in water for 24 hours, break them up and collect seeds. The seeds store well.

Common names Iteti (Malila), dragon tree UITIdilld. DECHIVEs ale often placed in this tree. Elsewhere it is grown as a windbreak and as a boundary marker. The leaves are used for wrapping certain foods. Bees collect nectar and pollen and, because it flowers after the main honey flow, it is a valuable plant for strengthening colonies. The root is used as a remedy for rheumatism in Tanzania and for the relief of wind in East Africa. The root is used in baking in Ethiopia. Dracaena steudneri

Description A vigorous creeper which scrambles over other plants. Flowers are produced in October ir Umailila. Common name Uwutupwa, isasami, ikusa

Uses Reported as a good bee forage though the honey produced is said to be rather bitter. The plant i: also used as a fish poison.

Description A much branched, crooked, fast growing tree or shrub, very variable in size. It may grow up to 20 m high. Bark is pale brown with prominent lenticels. Leaves are simple and alternate on short petioles 1.2 - 3.5 cm long. The tree is often covered with the small, white, sweet scented flowers. The plant was seen in flower in October. Common names I|tundumusi

Common names lhoho (Malila), Cape ash, dog plum. planted in sand. Alternatively large cuttings (truncheons) can be planted direct at the permanent site.

Propagation Germination of fresh seed good but slow (37% after 4 weeks and 6( after 6 weeks). Fruit is best collected fr the tree. Flesh must be removed from | seed by soaking in water and squashing hand. The seeds are then washed in wat They do not store well and should be so within 4 weeks of harvest. Plant no dee than 5 mm in river sand. Seedlings can a be collected from the wild. Cuttings can taken from the tips or from older wood < cuttinas (truncheons) can be planted direct at the permanent site.

Description A tufted annual grass, growing 40 - 170 cm tall, and taking between two and a half anc six months to mature. It has narrow grass like leaves and many tillers and branches. The head consists of a group of finger like spikes. setting and reduce crop yield.

Ecology A common plant in cultivated land and beside paths.

Yalenga village from Isaho forest References Blundell 1987, Fichtl & Adii 1994

Ensete ventricosum in forest in Umalila forests. Rainfall range 900 - 2,250 mm. The plant can be found growing wild in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa. It thrives in the cool tropics between 1,700 - 2,450 m and grows well on deep, well drained soils of volcanic origin with a pH of between 5.6 and 7.3. The plant can grow in wet and weed infested soils.

Ecology Common in forests in Umalila. Found in disturbed places in upland forest, often in ravines and on steep slopes, or in swamps and on river banks, but also sometimes in drier lowland Squeezing out liquid from a section of stem. This can be drunk

Ensete ventricosum in flower pseudo-stem and corm. Occasionally the young flowers are cooked and eaten. The corms can also be cooked unfermented. The young plants produce leaves which are used as a vegetable and mature leaves are used for thatching in Kenya. Pieces of stem are boiled and the liquid is drunk for the treatment of liver problems. Juice from the stem is drunk by Meru women to protect them from childbirth problems. A white powder is made from the seeds and used to treat wounds. In Malawi the fibre from the outside of the leaf stalk is used to make a strong string.

References Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962, Williamson 1975, Kokwaro 1976, Peters et al. 1992, FTEA 1993, Beentje 1994, Raemaekers 2001, Ruffo et al. 2002, Schippers 2002, Lovett et al. 2006, NRC 2006 Ripe fruits (Imbidio) have poor taste and contain large seeds

Uses In Umalila the leaves, slightly wilted, are used for wrapping foods. The stem and leaves are used as a cattle fodder during the dry season and the stem produces a brown dye. The liquid squeezed from sections of the stem is drunk for refreshment when no water is available (see above). It is also splashed into a beehive, apparently to encourage bees to build comb. Bees visit the flowers for nectar. The fruit is occasionally eaten in Umalila but elsewhere is used only as a famine food. Leaf strips are used for binding material. The leaves are also used to make up bee smokers for harvesting honey (see below). The black seeds are used for making necklaces and in the game of bao (see above). The plant is grown for shade and as an ornamental. In Ethiopia it is an important traditional food being cultivated for the flour obtained from the fermented

Common names lhale (Malila), mahogany Ecology Grows in mountain rainforest between altitudes of 1,500 and 2,000 m. Also present in Uganda, D.R.Congo and Malawi. Entandrophragma excelsum

Uses An important timber tree, though the timber warps and twists unless well seasoned. The wood is used for heavy construction, carpentry, tools, firewood and charcoal. The tree is used for soil stabilization and to provide shade. The fallen leaves produce a good mulch and are used medicinally in Rwanda. Root bark ash is rubbed into scarifications made when a person coughs up blood. At Ilomba the flowers are reported to be visited by bees.

tree flowers profusely after rains. Fruit is yellow, egg shaped to 3.5 - 6 cm with brown-black seeds T flesh is acid-sweet.

Uses The fruit is normally eaten fresh but can be made into an excellent jelly. It is rich in vitamin A having a high carotene content, but the quality of the fruit is very variable. The fruit is a good source o acid and pectin. The wood is used for firewood, poles and carving, and the tree is planted as % boundary marker in Arusha and Kilimanjaro areas. The tree provides shade, mulch and makes a goo¢ windbreak. Because of the long flowering period it is a valuable bee forage. Bees collect both pollen anc nectar. Nectar secretion is moderate to good but is reduced during dry periods, especially if dust i: carried onto the flowers. Sugar concentration of nectar is high, from 30.5 to 65% and pollen yield i: also good. Honeybees are the main pollinators. Ecology Originally from China, Japan and northern India. It is grown occasionally in home gardens in Umalila. The tree does well in the Tanzanian highlands from 1,500 - 2,400 m. It is drought resistant once established, but prefers a moderate to high rainfall range of between 900 and 1,200 mm. It produces the best fruit in sheltered areas. Soil should preferably be acid and well drained.

and can be coppiced or pollarded. Management Trees are slow-growing

MIGHILCU THE TIUPSeHe Ss Gi Ulett transferred to plastic sleeves before planting out. The young plants should be grown in full sunlight and kept clean weeded for the first two years. Seed remains viable for a long time if kept dry. Trees start bearing seed from 7 - 8 years of age. Common names Ilongoti (Malila), mkaratusi, mtimbao (Swahili), Sydney blue gum, saligna gum Eucalyptus saligna (Myrtaceae) Management The tree is fast growing and can be coppiced.

References Smith 1960, Crane et al. 1984, Mbuya et al 1994, Brooker & Kleinig 1996, ICRAF 1998

Common names I langali, irangari References Beentje 1994, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Neuwinger 2000

Description A deciduous shrub or slender forest tree growing up to 17 m high with a dense crown. The trunk is often twisted. Leaves are up to 16 cm long and 3 - 3.5 cm wide. Flowers are 12 - 15 cm long and 2 - 3 cm wide, greenish-creamy white, and smell of coconut or honey. The tree resembles a Eucalyptus. It sprouts from an underground stem. Seed is dispersed by wind. Photo : Braam van Wyk

Common names Indolo or Indola (Malila), mkuyu (Swahili), giant leaved fig. Ecology Although this tree normally grows beside rivers in the lowland tropics, it is also present in some highland situations. Present in Eastern and Southern Africa and in Angola and D.R. Congo. Propagation Short branches up to 60 cm long strike easily and grow fast in warm moist conditions. It can also be grown from seed. The ripe figs should be opened and dried for a day or two. Cover seed lightly and keep moist and in sunlight. Germination takes place from 10 days to one month. Ficus lutea

References Waitt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962, Coates Palgrave 1983, Burkill 1997, Dharani 2002, Burring 2004, Lovett et al. 2006 Description A large spreading buttressed tree, often having « short trunk, but which ma: grow up to 30 m high. The tre may have aerial roots and i sometimes epiphytic. Bark i dark brown to grey an smooth. Cuts in the bar produce latex freely. Leave have clear yellow veining an are 7 - 25 cm long and 3 - 1 cm wide, simple, alternate an in a spiral. The petiole is 1.3 13. cm long. Flowers ar produced in leaf axils or jus below. Fruit is stalk less, round 1 - 2.5 cm, yellow orange o brown when ripe.

References Cobbina & Reynolds 1988, Keay 1989, Mbuya et al. 1994, Venter & Venter 1996, ICRAF 1998, Maundu et al. 1999, Neuwinger 2000, Lovett et al. 2006 Management Protect the tree from browsing when young. It should not be planted near buildings as the roots may damage the foundations.

Branch from a tree growing near Yalenga Description A deciduous shrub or small tree, up to 10 m tall. The trunk bears straight or sometime branched spines, up to 12 cm long. Branches may also have large spines. Bark is rough, powdery, pal yellow-grey. Leaves, red or pink when young, are variable in size, up to 12 cm long with toothed edge: The tree bears small, cream, fragrant male and female flowers. Fruits are reddish-purple to black, roun and juicy but rather acid, up to 2 .5 cm diameter, containing up to 10 seeds. The fruits remain on th bare tree after the leaves turn bright red-purple and fall. seedlings can also be used.

Propagation The tree cannot be _ vegetatively propagated but is grown from seed, which however needs to be cracked, nicked or pierced before planting. Germination may take up to 9 weeks. Wild Photo : Ken Love, University of Hawaii

Description A shrub growing from 2 to 3 m high. The leaves are in opposite pairs or whorls of 3. Flowers are produced in large numbers over a long period. They are 4 - 5 cm long and borne on stalks which arise in the axils. They have a crimson tube and sepals and purple petals with protruding stamens.

Description A shrub or small tree up to 14 m tall with smooth grey bark, and often having long down- curved branches. Leaves are simple, opposite, on short petioles, 8 - 18 cm long and 3 - 7 cm wide, often with reddish veins. Triangular stipules are present between the petioles. Flowers are fragrant and white with pink-tips. The fruits are red and round, 7.5 - 9 mm across. Common names lliepwa

up and cooked as a vegetable with simsim or groundnut paste. They are also eaten in Indonesia and can be fed to chickens, rabbits and pigs. 100 g fresh plant contains 3.2 g protein. The herb has strong cardio-vascular properties and is used occasionally for dressing wounds. Stems and leaves are chewed to cure colds or sores. Description A small annual herb up to 20 cm high but it may grow to 60 cm in fertile soils. Much branched, almost hairless. Leaves are opposite and simple, up to 6 cm long with a pointed tip. The tiny flowers are produced all the year round in heads, up to 1.8 cm in diameter, and have many yellow tubular florets in the centre. There are 5 outer female florets composed of small white petals which have 3 lobes.

Uses Fruits are edible and have a refreshing acid-sweet taste. Extracts of the leaves and flowers have been found Garcinia kingaensis in flower at Sheyo in October

Slender form flowering in May Ecology Widespread in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania, often beside tracks and roads, especially at the base of hedges. The coarse form is found in rocky sites while the more slender form is found in seasonally wet areas. Also found on grazed hilltops, riverine forest and arable land; altitude range 1,150 - 2,775 m. Widespread in tropical Africa.

Common names Ishirungu Management Porcupines may dig up and eat the corms.

References Jex-Blake 1957, Watt & Breyer- Brandwijk 1962, Cribb & Leedal 1982, Hessayon 1984, Philips & Rix 1997, Neuwinger 2000 Propagation Small corms can be separated from the parent plant and should be planted out 12 cm deep, spaced at 12 cm. Deep planting helps the plants stay upright.

Description A shrub up to 3.5 m tall or, less commonly, a small tree with a spreading crown and up to 13 m tall with a woody stem and fibrous bark. Leaves are alternate, but appear as a rosette, 3 - 6.5 cm long and 0.8 - 1.6 cm wide towards the ends of the branches. The flower head is 3.5 - 5 cm across with between 20 and 50 yellow or orange slightly fragrant flowers surrounded by bracts. Ecology Common throughout the southern highlands above 2000 m and often associated with Hagenia and Kotschya species. Widespread in tropical Africa from Sudan and Ethiopia to Malawi and Zambia.

Ecology The plant is common in the seasonally burnt grasslands above 1,500 m in the Southern Highlands. Also found in open and wooded grassland and in deciduous bushland and woodland between 1,000 - 2,700 m altitude, in Ethiopia, Sudan, Uganda, and south to Mozambique. Description An erect perennial herb with green to reddish stems, growing from a creeping, wood) rhizome. Stems are sometimes brown. A very variable species, especially in the degree of branching, which appears to be related to variations in the weather and the intensity of burning. The hairless and commonly un-branched stems are up to 40 cm tall, but may branch and reach 2 m in plants growing at lower altitudes. Leaves are 1.2 to 1.5 cm long and 1.5 to 4 mm wide. Flowers are yellow or creamy- yellow, (Sometimes orange-red or pinkish to red), about 1.5 cm long and have large reddish or brown bracts, 8 - 10 mm long. The plant flowers from September to J anuary though this photo was taken near Yalenga in April.

Common names Lihambako distributed in eastern Africa from Sudan to Mozambique.

Propagation Can probably be grown from seed. Uses Reported as an important bee forage in Umalila. Bees are known to collect nectar and pollen in Ethiopia from this plant. Gouan/a species are known as bee forage in equatorial and dry savannah areas of Africa. G. /upuloides and G. polygama are reported to be important honey sources in tropical Central America. The leaves are eaten in Morogoro district. A root decoction is taken to treat hard pussy abscesses. Stems are used for tying in Tanzania.

Common names Grevillea, silk oak, silver oak.

Management Moderate to fast growing. Young, but not mature trees, can be coppiced. The tree can be pollarded. When grown with food crops, branches are pruned and pollarded and lateral roots may also be pruned to reduce competition with the crop. Remarks Although this tree is not grown widely in Umalila farmers are interested in it and it is likely to become widely planted in future. ADP Isangati have a small plantation at Santiliya.

Description A very variable, erect, usually rough, perennial herb which can grow up to 2 m high. It has a wiry rootstock. Leaves are opposite, simple, have no stalk and clasp the stem. They are often toothed, 5.5 - 10.5 long and 1 - 3 cm wide. The yellow flowers are borne in terminal heads and are produced throughout the year but most abundantly after the rains. Ecology Fairly common in upland grassland in Umalila. Also found in abandoned fields. It is widespread in Tanzania between the altitudes of 1,520 and 2,780 m in all regions except Tanga and Morogoro. Also present in Nigeria, Cameroon, D.R. Congo, Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabwe.

Description A weak creeper which may grow to 12 m long. The plant has an unpleasant smell. Leaves are fleshy and toothed, 2.5 - 12 cm long and 1.5 to 8 cm wide. The flower heads are composed of many orange-red flowers, 11 mm across. In Umalila flowers are produced in October. Gynura scandens

References Kokwaro 1976, Blundell 1987, Neuwinger 2000, Burrows & Willis 2005

Common names Iliogoti (Malila), mtulenya, mturunga, nturunga (Nyakyusa

Uses Bees collect pollen from the male and nectar from the female flowers and the tree is an important honey source. It is valued Hagenia abyssinica with male flowers in October at Shilanga

Description A small tree growing up to 15 m tall with a crooked and branched trunk. Bark pale grey. Leaves simple, opposite, and 4.5 - 10 cm long and 2 - 6.2 cm wide, on a petiole from 0.4 - 1.2 cm long. Flowers are often borne in clusters on the trunk or branches and are orange-yellow with a curved tube. The fruit is a dark purple berry with sweet gelatinous flesh. Halleria lucida in flower in the Southern Highlands in October

/nuha growing in bush on Mt. Mbogo References Agnew 1974, Cribb & Leedal 1982, Paton 1997

A large clay jar used for water storage, cooking or beer making

Common names Amabangayeye (Malila), alizeti (Swahili), sunflower Sunflower growing near /zumbwe

Common names I|nzumba (Malila), straw flower.

Children carting un-burnt building bricks in llembo References Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962, Kokwaro 1976, Blundell 1994, Fichtl & Adi 1994, van Wyk & Gericke 2000, Kihwele et al. 2001, Burrows & Willis 2005, Nonkululeko 2005

Description A straggling, open-branched shrub or small tree up to 7 m high. Bark is reddish brown to purplish brown, smooth, waxy in appearance, peeling in papery flakes. Leaves are alternate, compound, glossy, light green or grey green, becoming yellow to red, having 3 - 9 leaflets arranged in an unusual and variable manner. Flowers are small, greenish white or yellowish, often strong smelling in dense round heads, up to 5 cm in diameter. Fruits are formed in two parts which split away from each other. These are flattened, rather heart shaped, 5 - 7 mm long, drying to creamy brown. Ecology Occurs at medium to high altitudes and frequently found at the edges of evergreen forest, wooded ravines, on hillsides and rocky outcrops from Sudan and Ethiopia to southern Africa and into Angola and Namibia. It grows to a tree in high rainfall areas. Found in moist plateau or mountain grassland in Malawi.

Propagation Cultivated ornamental species grow easily from cuttings. For shrubby species take 10 cm cuttings having a heel. MTOWTT LO TOTAQGE TOF VOTE alle > used as fire sticks in Malawi sruised leaves are used tc 2ase the pain from stings. / ea made from leaves anc wigs is taken for bronchiti: ind chronic coughing. The sax )f leafy twigs is drunk fo jaws. The Swati people use « Jecoction of the root anc lower for pneumonia. Shee 1nd goats eat the leaves.

Uses Bees are reported to visit the flowers in Umalila. Bees collect pollen and nectar from this plant in Ethiopia. The stem fibre is used in Uganda. A preparation of the root is used in Rwanda to treat anthrax. Ecology Common between altitudes of 1,520 and 2,440 m in cleared forest grassland throughout Tanzania, except Songea, and also present in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Malawi, Zimbabwe and in the highlands of Cameroon.

Common names Tandankwari Description A shrub growing to 4.5 m tall. The lower stems are woody and tawny brown while the young shoots are 4 angled. Leaves are opposite, up to 8 cm long by 2.2 cm wide and when young are tinged with red. They have black dots on the edges and glands on their upper surface. The yellow flowers are borne in a cluster and are 5 - 8 cm across. Flowers are produced from May to September. Leaves, glossy green.

Common names Giant St. J ohn’s wort, curry bush have a curry-like smell after rain or when crushed. Flowers are solitary, terminal, up to 4-5 cm in diameter with petals 25 - 30 mm long. Fruits are woody 5 valved capsules, containing many small black seeds. Flowers are produced all year round. Synonym H. /anceolatum

Description A straggling annual plant, very variable in size, but often growing to a height of 50 cm. Leaves are borne on short stalks. The pale mauve or white flowers are produced in groups of three and are 2.5 cm. long; each flower has two stamens. Seen flowering in October and November in Umalila.

also planted around fields and along roadsides and river courses as a hedge in Rwanda. Common names | vuguvugu (Malila), ginger bush.

cology Often planted as a >dge around compounds in nalila. It is found on rocky itcrops and at the margins evergreen forest, often sar ~=6o water. It grows tween altitudes of 1,400 id 2,400 m. Requires 800 m or more rain per num. The plant prefers ep well-drained soils. It is References Watt & Breyer - Brandwijk 1962, Williamson 1975, Coates Palgrave 1983, Egli & Kalinganire 1988, Beentje 1994

Management Transplant seedlings into plastic sleeves when they have two leaves. Seedlings grow easily and fairly fast. Plant out, preferably beside running water, and protect from fire and livestock.

ome time to improve the flavour. In Jrows on the rotten trunks of this tree during the rains. Leaves form a lather when rubbed in water. The fruits are eaten and can vary from being slightly sweet to bitter. The boiled roots are also reported to be edible. The bark is used as a mild purgative in South Africa Ecology Common in forest reserves and beside water in Umalila. Found in moist to dry upland forests and thickets, also in woodland beside streams between altitudes of 900 and 3,000 m. Present from Ethiopia to South Africa.

Honey labels used to sell honey from Umalila beekeepers

References Moriarty 1975, Howes 1979, Cribb & Leedal 1982, FTEA 1982, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Burrow: & Willis 2005 Common names |mbogwa Impatiens gomphophylla

Common names | mbatata (Malila), sweet potato Description A perennial, creeping plant, up to 4 m long, which is usually grown as an annual.

Voto PUNEITS Gio VNAKRCYU, NVYUHOCU UI Hite. Chips may be dried in the sun and then ground into flour. There are three main types 1) Dry and mealy when cooked. 2) Soft and watery. 3) Coarse fleshed. The young shoots and leaves of the last two are eaten as vegetables. Vines can also be used as a livestock feed. Bees sometimes collect nectar from the flowers.

Description A perennial herb which grows up to 5 m long from a tuberous rootstock. Stems twine uf other plants or grow along the ground. Leaves are divided into 5 - 7 lobes, 3 - 10 cm long on a petiole 2 - 6 cm long. The leaf lobes are narrow and are up to 4 cm long. Outer lobes often split again. Flowers are funnel shaped, usually pale pink to mauve but can be white with a darker throat. Fruit is a round capsule up to 1.2 cm across, papery brown, containing several black, hairy seeds. Ecology The plant was present in hedgerows at |zumbwe village. It also grows in clearings in forests, swampy grassland and on lake shores and waste or cultivated land from 750 - 1,890 m. It is found throughout East Africa and from Ethiopia to Zimbabwe. It is present in many countries throughout the tropics and is an invasive plant.

/pomoea involucrata in cleared forest at Songwe

Uses In Umalila a fibre from the stems is used to make string and the bitter root is used to relieve wind. The plant has a number of other medicinal uses. Bees were seen collecting pollen and nectar from this plant and from /. wightii Some /pomoea species flower nearly all the year round. These produce pearly white honey of a delicate flavour. Leaves of this and some related species are edible. In Nigeria the plant is used as a ground cover and can be grown as a screen over a suitable frame.

References Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962, FTEA 1963, Hay 1978, Crane et al. 1984, Burkill 1985, Blundell 1987, Brickell 1994, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Martin et al. 1998, Neuwinger 2000 Ecology = Found in grassland, woodland and in abandoned cultivation; altitude range 100 - 2,700 m in East Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Common names Lusisia (Malila), morning glory. Description A stout, perennial, twining plant growing up to 2.4 m or more. The thin stems carry pale green, heart shaped leaves. This species flowers freely, the flowers opening in the morning and then fading in the afternoon.

Common names Inswina ipete References Agnew 1974, Crane et al. 1984, Fichtl. & Adi 1994 Isoglossa eliasbandae

Tabia and Mwaji collecting leaves of Cleome gynandra in a garden at |lembo

Common names |sanzo Propagation /asminum species can be grown from seed or semi-ripe cuttings. Plants can also be grown by layering. Jasminum abyssinicum

References Hessayon 1993, Beentje 1994, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Bown 1995, Hepburn & Radloff 19¢ Neuwinger 2000 Uses Stems are used in Umalila for tying the frame in hut construction. The Maasai use the roots to make soup and the stems as String in building huts. In Umalila bees have been reported to visit the flowers. In Ethiopia bees are reported to visit occasionally. The roots are used to dress wounds in animals in Ethiopia. In Rwanda the leaf extract is drunk for constipation. In Burundi a leaf decoction is used to wash with for dizziness and a decoction of leafy twigs is drunk for insanity or possession. In East Africa the roots or leaves are steeped in water and the liquid drunk to treat snake-bite.

Common names | wovi, impyuyu Jasminum goetzeanum growing at the edge of /soho forest

References FTEA 1952, Hepburn & Radloff 1998, White et al. 2001

and placed on painful swellings. The juice is squeezed from the dried leaves of Ka/anchoe species an applied to septic wounds. In Ethiopia other Ka/anchoe species are occasionally visited by bees. Description A succulent perennial, from 20 cm to 1.5 m high. Leaves are simple and borne on short stalks on the main stem. They are up to 16 cm long and 8 cm wide. Flowers are borne in small terminal heads and may be red, reddish orange, salmon pink or pale yellow. Each flower is about 15 mm across. Remarks = Another species K. densiflora, known as_ Itivwa (Malila) is widespread above 1,800 m_in_ the Southern Highlands. It is found in flower between August and November.

References Kokwaro 1976, Cribb & Leedal 1983, Blundell 1987, FTEA 1987, Fichtl & Adi 1994

Ecology Grows in forest and woodland often on swampy ground. Altitude range 90 - 2,450 m. Found from Cameroon to Ethiopia and south to

plants come into flower much more quickly. Uses Bees visit the flowers. In Ethiopia bees collect only pollen from several Kniphofia species. In Umalila the leaves are formed into a cushion for carrying head loads. In Malawi the leaf fibres are used to make a strong cord. Other species are used medicinally in South Africa. The flowers are sucked for sweetness by children.

References Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962, Williamson 1975, Brickell 1987, Fichtl & Adi 1994 Johannsmeier & Allsopp 1995, Stern 2002, Burrows & Willis 2005 Brassica oleracea in a plot of Solanum umalilaense in flower

Kotschya recurvifolia is often found in dense clumps in grassland. Photo taken near Inyala.

References Cribb & Leedal 1982, Beentje 1994, FZ 2000, Burrows & Willis 2005

Synonym L. mascarena, Luffa sphaerica —— NE NE ee ei and rounded petals, 2.2 - 6 cm long; male and female flowers are on separate plants. Male flowers are in groups of 2 - 10. Female flowers are solitary and stalked. The flowers are large and open in the evening. The fruits, which are found throughout the year, hang from a stout stalk and are 6 -10 cm across, deep-green with pale-green or yellowish, slightly raised patches. They have a hard shell and whitish flesh and have a foul smell when ripe. Seeds are white to yellowish, oblong-triangular in outline, flattened, 1 - 1.5 cm long.

Ecology Grows over hedges in villages in Umalila. Found naturally in tropical and southern Africa from Somalia down to the Western Cape; it also grows in Madagascar. The plant grows in full sun and semi- shade in forest margins, on river banks and in dry river beds. It is usually found in well-drained loam and stony, sandy soils. The flowers are produced throughout the year, but mainly from December to May. In southern Africa it grows from about sea level to an altitude of 915 m, in both dry and wet area: with an annual rainfall of 200 - 1,200 mm. The flowers are visited by bees, ants and flies.

Ecology Common in rainforest, normally at medium altitudes up to 1,600 m. Plants produce more fruits on the forest edges. Present in West Africa, Congo basin to Kenya,

References Peters et al 1992, Burkill 2000, Neuwinger 2000,

Description A lemon scented shrub or woody herb up to 1 m high. Ecology The plant was growing beside the road at approximately 2,000 m. but is most commonly found in the drier parts of tropical and sub-tropical Africa and also present in Arabia and India.

Common names Ifipa colds and headache. In Sudan a warmed decoction of the leaves is drunk to relieve fever and gastro- intestinal pain. Pounded roots and leaves are added to the drinking water of cattle and poultry to treat gall bladder problems and general sickness.

Uses Leonotis species are known to be a source of nectar and pollen. The flowers are often sucked for their nectar by children or, in Uganda, are cooked as a vegetable. A leaf tea is used medicinally in Namibia to treat coughing and to purify the blood. In South Africa the leaf tea is used to relieve hypertension and to treat

Ecology Grows on the margin of primary and secondary forest, in swamp or riverside forest, and at the edges of bamboo thicket. It prefers partial shade and adequate moisture. Also present on Mt. Kilimanjaro and in Kenya, Burundi and Rwanda.

Lobelia gibberoa growing in ltega forest near llomba

Description A bushy shrub growing to 2.4 m, occasionally to 3 m high. Often several stems arise from the tuberous rootstock. Leaves are stalked, greyish-green, leathery, alternate, oval or round, approximately 3 cm long. The solitary yellow or whitish flowers have a wavy, feathery appearance and arise in the axils of the upper leaves. They often close slightly during the heat of the day and are 20 mm across, on stalks as long as the leaves. The fruit is up to 3 cm long borne on a long stalk. Ripe fruits are yellow or orange, 20 mm in diameter. Synonym ™. subcordata, M. edulis, Courbania glauca

Common names Inkuti Maesa lanceolata bearing fruit in November Maesa lanceolata southern Africa and in Madagascar and the Arabian peninsula.

Photo : Hugh Glen Propagation It is reported that the tree can be grown from seed.

Description A shrub or well branched tree up to 10 m high. Bark is grey-brown, smooth but later finely grooved. Branches have no spines or hairs. Leaves are alternate, often shiny above, oval to circular, 3.2 - 13cm long and 1.2 - 7.5 cm wide with toothed edges. Fruits are yellow to red and 4- 7 mm long. Ecology Found in lowland and mountain savannah areas in East and West Africa and in dry upland forest, often associated with Cedar or Olive. It is also be found in degraded forests, in bush-land or in clumps of woodland in grassland.

Common names /zeru Common names /zeru Description A scrambling shrub or creeper. Mikaniopsis species resemble those of Senecio. Mikaniopsis tanganyikensis

Common names Inyole (Malila), Mnukia muuma (Swahili) Description A hairy climber or creeping herb growing from a perennial rootstock. Tendrils arise from opposite the leaves and are simple or forked. Young stems are spotted dark green. The plant has an unpleasant smell. Leaves are alternate, 8 - 12 cm across. Male and female flowers are on separate plants. Female flowers are borne on long stalks arising from the axils. They are pale yellow and have a black centre. 4 - 8 male flowers are borne together. Fruit pale yellow to bright orange, up to 6.5 cm long covered with soft orange bristles. The fruit bursts when ripe revealing the seeds in a red pulp. Momordica foetida

Common names Mforsadi, mfurusadi (Swahili), mulberry. but can be made into juice, jam or chutney. The tree can be used as a hedge or planted close together along the contours to stabilize steep slopes. Wood is suitable for house building, furniture, tool handles and makes a medium quality fuel. Leaves can be fed to livestock and are highly nutritious. In some countries the leaves are eaten as a vegetable or used to raise silkworms.

Uses The sweet, juicy fruit is rather tasteless when eaten fresh

manure from time to time. Common names Indoki (Malila), banana.

The small dessert bananas known as ‘Kambani’ are commonly eaten as a snack. ‘siya’ is a larger type which can be eaten fresh or cooked. Propagation By sucker. Remove old roots and diseased parts and place suckers in a sack and dip in boiling water for 30 seconds to control nematodes and_ borers. The best method of planting is to dig out a hole 60 x 60 x 60 cm, add 5 debes (20 litre tins) of manure and mix with top soil in the base of the hole. Plant the sucker in the pit at the beginning of the rains and add household waste and

Ecology Present in rain forest, and in mountain forests, sometimes at the edges or in forest regrowth and along rivers between altitudes of 900 and 2,100 m. Occurs from Mozambique and Zimbabwe northwards to Zambia, and in D.R. Congo, Uganda and Kenya. Common names I twiza, iswizya (Malila), mswiza (Nyakyusa), giant yellow mulberry

References FZ 1991, Katende et al. 1995, White et al. 2001, Ruffo et al. 2002, Burrows & Willis 2005, Lovett et al. 2006

Management The tree can be coppiced but is slow growing. It is fire resistant. Common names Isiwiziwe

References Kokwaro 1976, Mbuya et al. 1994, Hepburn & Radloff 1998, White et al. 2001, Burrows & Willis 2005, Lovett et al. 2006

Common names Itobero, insambwa (Malila), kooboo berry. Photo : Braam van Wyk Synonym Cassine aethiopica, C. velutinum the bark as a drench for worm infestation in calves. Root bark is used to treat diarrhoea and dysentery. Bark tea is drunk by children for stomach pain. The bark is used for tanning leather.

Uses The flowers are reported to be visited by bees. The fruit is edible and sweet and ripens in March and April. The thin sticks are used to sew up sacks as the wood is very hard and strong. In South Africa the Xhosa people use the wood to make tool handles and as firewood. Zulus prepare a milk infusion from

Common names I|papama Uses The wood is soft, white and fibrous and suitable for firewood, carving and paper pulp. The tree can be planted along contours to conserve soil. Bees were seen collecting nectar in June. The root, bark and leaves are used medicinally in Burundi and eastern Congo. Neoboutonia macrocalyx

Propagation Can be grown from seed or wild seedlings. Harvest the capsules just before they open. Spread out on polythene sheeting and collect the seeds when the capsules open. Seed can be stored in sealed containers in a cool place but must be sown within two months.

reported to be visited by noneybees In Umalila. The powdered root is sometimes sprinkled on to bees to make them quiet while harvesting honey. However as the root powder is used by the Wahehe and Sukuma people as an effective protection for stored maize against insect attack, this practice is not recommended. The root powder is also widely used in Tanzania, Malawi, Zimbabwe and D. R. Congo as a fish poison. The cooked leaves are used medicinally, bound onto areas affected by scabies or pounded and applied as a repellent for sand fleas. In Rwanda the powdered root, mixed with butter, is used to treat calves with mange. The root is poisonous and reported to contain the chemical Rolvarine. It can be used to rub on furniture to protect against borers. However the root serves aS an emergency source of fluid for people in the deserts of south western Africa. They slice off the top and pound the flesh. The sap separates and is then removed for use. The fruit, though used as a fish poison, is also used as a food by the Sukuma people in times of famine. The plant is effective in killing bilharzia carrying fresh water snails. Sap is used as a soap substitute in Zimbab

Uses In Umalila the root is washed, peeled, chopped and dried in the sun before being ground to powder. A pinch of powder is then put in the funnel of the maize plant to control stalk-borer. However this should be done during the rain season to avoid the risk of burning the plants. The dried root is sometimes used for firewood. The flowers are

Common names Ifuate, ifoti (Malila), apple of Peru. Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and South Africa. It is sometimes the dominant weed in maize. Nicandra physaloides Uses Young tender leaves are collected in the rain season and used as a vegetable in Tanzania. They are sometimes sold commercially. Flowering takes place nearly all year round and bees are reported to collect pollen and some nectar.

Description An annual or short lived perennial herb growing 1 - 3 m high sprayed plants). Filter out the solid material. Spray immediately using a fine nozzle. Clean out all utensils carefully after use. Nicotine is a very toxic organic poison. It is important not to allow the spray to come in contact with the skin during application. Tobacco is also a useful bee plant providing both pollen and nectar. Though the honey from tobacco is unpalatable by itself it is normally brought in with nectar from other plants, which masks the unpleasant taste. Common names Intumba (Malila), tumbako (Swahili), tobacco Nicotiana tabacum References Purseglove 1968, Crane et al. 1984, Stoll 2000

Common names |mbaza (Malila), brittlewood, common wild elder

Ecology Grows in the lower storey vegetation in forest edges and in drier evergreen highland forests. Altitude range is from 1,500 to 3,100 m. Present in West, Central and East Africa, north to Eritrea and in southern Africa. ROKWalO 12/0, FL L905, PICU & Adi 1994, Bekele-Tesemma et al. 1993, Katende et al. 1995, Hepburn & Radloff 1998, Hyde & Wursten 2002-6, Lovett et al. 2006

Synonyms 0. viride, O.suave southern Africa. The strongly scented leaves are rubbed between the palms and snuffed as a treatment for blocked nostrils. The leaves and oil are used to treat fevers, headaches, impotence, diarrhoea, dysentery and worms in children. They are also rubbed on to the skin to treat rheumatism and lumbago. This and other species of Ocimum are frequently rubbed onto hives, especially around the entrance, to attract bees. Other species are known to be important bee forage plants which flower over long periods. Ocimum gratissimum

(Lamiaceae) Propagation Can be grown from seed. Uses A hedge plant. Bees were collecting pollen and nectar in April. The plant has a_ long flowering period. Ocimum species are known to be important bee forage plants. In Ethiopia the leaves are reported to have value in reducing fever.

Description An erect, robust, branching shrub up to 3 m high. Leaves are opposite and covered with fine hairs. Flowers are white or very pale purple in compound or simple terminal flower heads.

Common names |wobe Synonym 0. usambarensis

Ecology The tree was growing in grass/bush land in Umalila. It is also found on the margins c evergreen forest, near streams, in gallery forests and rocky outcrops on the Nyika plateau in Malawi. | Uganda the tree grows in dry upland forests between 1,600 and 2,900 m. It is especially found i secondary forests and on forest edges. In Ethiopia it grows between altitudes of 1,300 and 3,200 m i various types of forest: mountain, evergreen, riverine and frequently on forest edges. It also grows i evergreen bushland and is sometimes left as a single tree in grassland and farmland derived fror forest. The tree is present in D.R. Congo, Rwanda, Kenya, Angola, Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe an South Africa. Photo : Reinhard Fichtl

Oreosyce africana growing in a hedge at Shilanga village

substitute in Umalila. Elsewhere — in Tanzania the leaf, roots and bark infusions are drunk as a tea and as a tonic. The fruit is found from July to December and is eaten raw. The roots and bark are sold locally and also exported to make perfume. The wood is very hard, strong and heavy and used for carvings, mortars, firewood, pestles, pegs, beds and building poles. The roots are used to make a red dye. The shrub can be planted as an ornamental and for soil conservation. Flowers are produced throughout the year and bees collect pollen and nectar. Root fibres are used to make baskets. Common names | weya (Malila), mbula (Nyakyusa), African or East African sandalwood.

(Chrysobalanaceae) Propagation Grow from seed or use wild seedlings or root suckers. Collect fresh seed from fruit on the tree. Clean the flesh away and dry the seed in the shade. Immerse in boiling water for 15 minutes, allow to cool, then soak for 24 hours. Sow in sandy soil and cover with a thin layer of sand. Take care not to damage the tap-root when transplanting, which should be done at the 3 leaf stage. Plant out after 2 years. The young trees grow quite fast. Germination of seed may be poor and very slow, taking up to 6 months. It should also be possible to use root suckers, which are produced after cutting or damaging the root. ee ee ee eee ee eee

Common names | pokhola (Malila), passion fruit, granadilla. southern Brazil. In Umalila it is widely grown over hedges, fences and on trees. It prefers a cool highland climate and, between altitudes of 1,200 and 1,500 m, plants produce for up to 8 years. The plant requires a well distributed rainfall but rain should be minimal during the flowering period.

Management Pinch out the top shoot and allow 2 - 4 leaders to grow. Tie the new shoots to the fence or trellis. Pruning should be light and carried out after the crop has been harvested. It encourages new growth and maintains high yields. Remove all vines that touch the ground. Always cut growth a few nodes away from the main stem. Do not throw long vines over the fence. Thin out some vines growing on top of the fence and leave them there to dry out and fall naturally. gamaged fruit Is removed. Remove stalk and cut fruit in half. Remove flesh. Seeds are separated from pulp with a centrifuga extractor or can be sieved out. Water and sugar are then added to taste. Filter again. Sterilize anc bottle after cooling. Juice can be stored for 3 months at 25 - 28°C. Consume within 24 hrs. of opening the bottle.

Common names Sweet passion fruit, sweet granadilla

Management The plant needs to be supported off the ground and can be grown over a tree or trellis.

Ecology Grows in mountainous regions, 900 - 2,700 m altitude in the tropics or at lower altitudes in the sub tropics. The plant originates in tropical References Purseglove 1968, Verheij & Coronel 1991, Nakasone & Paull 1998, van Wyk 2005

Description Pavetta abyssinica is a forest under-shrub or tree 2 - 8 m tall. Leaves are opposite, glabrous, 4 - 16 cm long and 1.5 - 6 cm wide, often drying black. Leaves of Pavetta species often have bacterial nitrogen fixing nodules, visible as black or pale dots or stripes. Flowers are borne terminally on leafy branches or short leafless shoots. Fruits are black and up to 1 cm across. Common names /zenya zenya

Remarks There are known to be 70 species of Pavetta in East Africa. The identity of this species, determined from the photographs, is likely to be P. abyssinica (H. Beentje - personal communication).

Common names |wawa Pavonia urens in flower near Ilembo in june

Ecology Napier grass will grow up to an altitude of 2,000 m and can withstand periods of drought. It prefers a deep soil though it will grow in a wide variety of soils. It does not however stand waterlogging. Description A robust, erect, deep rooted perennial grass with stems growing 2 - 6 m high and forming large clumps. Leaves 30 - 120 cm long by 1 - 5 cm wide with a prominent midrib. The leaf sheath is hairy.

Description A creeper up to 8 m long, normally possessing rough hairs. The tendrils divide into two. Leaves are 5 - 18 cm long and 7 - 26 cm wide and are 5 lobed. The leaf edge has sharp pointed teeth. Flowers are bright yellow, opening at night and only seen in the early morning. The fruit is bright red, hairy, thin-skinned, 15 cm long, and borne on a stalk 7 cm long. The fruit has a beak and contains small dark seeds in fleshy pulp. Ecology Found in upland and lowland rainforest, particularly at the edges and where there is a high water table, in upland bamboo thicket, woodland and in bush near open water. Also present in rocky places. Altitude range is from 100 to 2,400 m. Also present in West and Central Africa and south from Ethiopia to Mozambique and in the Seychelles.

Common names Ingururusi for bathing for skin diseases. Leaves are soaked in water and used as a dressing for the treatment o mastitis.

References Brummitt 1973, Beentje 1994, Neuwinger 2000, Burrows & Willis 2005

Common names Itakapera (Malila), avocado pear SECUINIYS, GLE USEU TUL PUULSLULRS GHW UIE Cilus Ut I Indian races produce the best rootstocks but Me However they are not compatible with West Indian scions. Seed remains viable for 2 - 3 weeks and seed coats should be removed for better germination. Plant in a nursery with seeds 35 cm apart and cover with no more than 1 cm of soil. Young plants should be side grafted with terminal tips 6 cm long, older stocks may be shield budded. Budded and grafted plants can be transplanted with a ball of earth round the roots after about 18 months. They start yielding fruit after 2 or 3 years compared with 8 - 10 years for trees grown from seed. Persea americana

Common names Tandawala (Malila), multiflora bean, runner bean, scarlet runner bean Management In Umalila runner beans are normally grown with the maize crop so that maize acts as the support and no stakes or trellises are required. The beans can be grown without support if the leading shoots are pinched out. This encourages a bushy growth. Pollination and seed production can be increased up to 5 times by honeybees.

Leaves being dried for later use as vegetables Mrs Mwampamba with mixed beans (left), Maini (centre) and Masusu (right). Varieties in mixed group include Sunga wa pene, Inyangwa, Magwargwanje (has very good taste), /njeru, Kambani, Kigoma, Ndirema and Kabarengete.

Common names |mbonzo (Malila), mharagwe (Swahili), French bean, snap bean Propagation The seed is planted direct, 3 - 4 cm deep with 4 - 5 seeds per site, spaced 20 - 25 cm in the row and 80 - 100 cm between rows. Rows should run across the slope to limit erosion. Fertilizers are rarely used in Umalila.

Ecology Beans are frequently planted in March and April. Some varieties do better than others if rain is very heavy. Beans are sometimes planted between lines of maize in August. The plant has a wide range of tolerance. Most varieties are adapted to growing up to 2,000 m in soils with a pH range between 5.5 and 6.5. Acid soils should be avoided as they reduce the activity of the Rhizobium nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Moderately heavy loam soils are suitable. Pole beans give better results than dwarf varieties in the rain season. Management Weeding is important until the plant flowers. Beans can be harvested from 70 - 90 days after planting and should be picked before the pods split open. Aphids are an important problem and can be controlled either by treating the seed prior to planting with a systemic insecticide or with a tobacco

y, Uses The sticky latex from the fruits is used as a bird lime. e The fruits are opened and smeared round a long stick which is then set up and watched to trap birds (see left). Kumbikumbi (termites) are fixed on the top to attract birds. licked with salt to treat diarrhoea in D.R. Congo. Heated stems are applied to

Common names Inzungu (Malila), Cape gooseberry, Peruvian cherry Propagation The berry is crushed, dried out in the sun and the seeds extracted. Seeds should be stored in a cool place. Sow seeds 0.5 cm deep in a seed-bed choosing seed from strong plants with large fruits. This is normally done at the beginning of the dry season. Germination takes 10 - 15 days. Transplant seedlings to 10 cm apart in the nursery when they have developed 2 - 3 leaves. Cuttings also take very easily. Transplant into the field after 2 - 3 months, with a ball of soil around the roots.

Uses The fruit has a sweet, slightly acid distinctive taste and has a high vitamin C content. It can be eaten raw, cooked or preserved. In Umalila it is often eaten with ugali (maize porridge). Each plant will produce 500 gm - 1 kg fruit. The fruit makes a very good jam. Bees collect pollen and small amounts of nectar during the long flowering period. Flowers are produced from February to April. Leaves are used fresh as a vegetable and are not normally dried for storage. The plant has several medicinal uses.

Phytolacca dodecandra growing beside a footpath near Shilanga Description A fast growing shrubby or woody climber to 7 m high or 15 m long. Nodes are up to 10 cm apart and stems can be 9 mm in diameter. Leaves are usually hairless, 4 - 15 cm long and 2 - 10 cm wide, oval to elliptic and have slender stalks, 1 - 5 cm long. The central flower stalk may grow 40 cm long with the scented flowers being red, white, yellow or green.

Common names Pine (name used in Umalila), msindano (Swahili), Mexican weeping pine, patula pine only 700 mm per annum. Rainfall however should normally be 1,000 mm per annum for good gro\ Altitude range 1,000 - 3,000 m. Pinus patula Propagation Collect seeds by shaking the mature cones into a basket, rub off the wings with wet hands and sieve out the debris. Seed can be stored for 6 months. Dry the seeds in the sun. Seeds germinate between 35 and 60 days after planting. Seed should be planted in trays in fertile soil and then planted out after 8 to 10 months. Growth stops if nursery techniques are not good and once checked plants take a long time to recover. Many seedlings grow after felling, particularly after burning the cut branches.

Ecology A common plant of forest undergrowth in the wetter highland forests. Present throughout Tanzania between altitudes of 1,500 and 2,750 m. Also present in Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, D.R. Congo, West Africa and south to the Cape. Description An evergreen shrub or tall herb up to 3 m high. The stems are soft, green and often trailing. Stem nodes may be swollen. Leaves broadly ovate, glossy, deep green, with the upper surface distinctly marked and the lower surface more or less hairless. Flowers are borne on a single whitish spike 3 cm long. Leaves and fruit are strongly spicy-aromatic when crushed, with a peppery taste if chewed.

virus diseases. Some varieties are resistant but effective control can be obtained using nicotine spray (see page 157). The crop may also be affected by fungi if grown on wet, poorly drained soil. 2,000 kg/ha is a good yield. Description An annual, climbing herbaceous plant, growing from 20 to 30 cm tall, showing very considerable variation in form and habit. The tap root is well developed and can grow to a depth of 100 cm. Leaves are alternate having 1 - 3 pairs of leaflets and ending in a branched tendril. The flowers are white to purple, usually self-pollinated. Fruit is an oblong pod 3.5 - 15 cm long. Uses Mainly grown for dry seed but young shoots are also eaten in Umalila. They are generally cooked separately. Peas are a nutritious food crop with a protein content of approximately 21%. They are best picked while still soft and green and cooked, or they can be harvested when dry, soaked in water and then cooked. There are at least two local varieties - Mbagayeye (takes 3 months to maturity) and Ihaya (2 months to harvest). Some varieties can take several hours to cook

Pittosporum viridiflorum in lsoho forest Common names Iliova (Malila), cheesewood covered and kept moist. They take 8 - 12 weeks to germinate. Seedlings transplant easily. The tree will grow in full sun or light shade and is fairly tolerant to drought.

Propagation The tree is most easily grown from seed. Seeds should be lightly Photo : Ben-Erik van Wyk, Medicinal Plants of South Africa, Briza Publications

Plectranthus esculentus growing in a home garden at !lembo

Ecology Native to tropical Africa. The plant is highly adaptable, able to grow in any climatic zone, provided the rain is evenly distributed over the growing season and the soil is well drained. Minimum rainfall requirement is 1,000 mm.

Description Evergreen, trailing or bushy perennials. Leaves are fleshy, simple, with soft to coarse hairs, aromatic when crushed, and often patterned. Flowers tubular, 2 lipped, the upper lip being 3 - 4 lobed. There are 53 species of Plectranthus in East Africa. Plectranthus masukensis (above) and Plectranthus defoliatus (\vuguvugu) (right)

Ecology Commonly found growing in grassland and on roadsides. Some species have a very limited range. Some, e.g. P. defoliatus, grow well in semi shade and cool conditions. Though shallow rooted, they are drought resistant being able to store water in their leaves.

Description A straggling shrub from 1 - 2 m high, occasionally climbing to 4 m. Leaves alternate, widest about or below the middle, 70 x 25 mm. White flowers are borne at the ends of the branches. The flower calyx is cylindrical, over 10 mm long, and covered with long glandular hairs. When the fruit is ripe the glands become very sticky, the calyx breaks off easily and clings to fur, clothing and even skin. Ecology The plant in the above photograph was growing in a home compound at Yalenga. It is normally found in dry bushland throughout East Africa up to 2,000 m, where rainfall is below 400 mm per annum. The plant is widespread throughout the tropics.

Common names Baziwanga (Malila), pride of Manicaland. Polygala virgata Propagation Can be planted from seed or using cuttings with a heel. Seedlings often appear below an existing plant and can be transplanted.

brown hairs. Fruit is small, black, more or less oval and often ribbed. (Araliaceae)

Ecology Found in the wetter highland forests and in the bamboo zone in Tanzania. Widely distributed throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Altitude range 1,180 - 2,500 m, with an annual rainfall of 1,500 - 2,000 mm.

Common names Insega (Malila), sugar bush Description A shrub or tree from 2 to 8 m tall. Young branches are thick, hairy and orange-yellowish Older branches expose a rusty inner surface. Leaves are narrow and spear shaped, 10 - 15 cm long anc up to 2 cm wide. The tip of the leaf is blunt or rounded, the base tapers slightly. Flower heads are up tc 10 cm diameter. Flowers are white with pinkish stamens and styles. Synonym P. abyssinica

References J ex-Blake 1957, Wild et al. 1972, Cribb & Leedal 1982, Blundell 1987, FTEA 1993, Hepburi & Radloff 1998

Propagation Grown either from seed or large cuttings. The latter should be transplanted in the dormant season. Mulch young trees if possible and feed with liquid manure during the growing season.

gy rosie tewstrneenr error se er? erieNmroretenrres §— Meaeieateeme | AATatn epeeceens | Sieenteitieerenate Pahatee © rime | [RSs FRanGenrerntoneenionene: See Sered the aim is to encourage plenty of strong new growth each year to carry fruit the following year. Prune only when the sap is rising, just as the young shoots appear, and before the onset of the rains. It is sometimes necessary to cut back older wood which has become bare to young healthy replacement: Avoid making large wounds because these encourage disease. Several branches can be left in th centre of the tree. 10 - 45 kg. fruit can be produced per year from a tree. Trees start to bear after 3 - years. Fruit ripens in November in Umalila. References Jex-Blake 1957, Williamson 1975, Howes 1979, Baker 1980, Mbuya et al. 1994, Burkill 1997

Uses the small hard fruits are eaten raw or cooked and are rich in carotene. Fruits are sometimes sold in local markets. This variety is used as a stock on which to graft or bud other varieties (eg Mwera Hill - Malawi), (Waldo, Shackleford etc - Kenya). The flowers are visited by bees. The tree is a source of both nectar and pollen and bees are important for pollination. The timber can be used for firewood. Bark is a source of a rich golden dye. The leaf is said to be purgative. It is also used in various countries for whooping cough. The fruits can be fed to pigs.

slender stalk up to 6 cm long. Fruits are oval 5 - 6 mm wide, yellow turning red when mature. Common names Kirausiku (Malila), large psychotria

References Kokwaro 1976, Coates Palgrave 1983, White et al. 2001, Burrows & Willis 2005, Lovett et al. 2006

Description A bushy, densely leafy shrub or tree from 3 - 12 m high, though, in closed forest it may grow to 25 m. Bark grey to dark grey, rather smooth in smaller specimens becoming rougher with age. Leaves are opposite, rarely alternate, approximately 9.5 cm long and 3 cm wide. They are usually shiny

Common names |sale Propagation Stem cuttings strike easily. Seed can also be used. Pycnostachys spp. Uses Bees were active on P. ruandensis. P. orthodonta is also reported to be visited by bees in Umalila Bees are known to forage for pollen and nectar on related species in Ethiopia. References Wild et al. 1972, Troupin & Ayobangira 1985, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Brickell 1994, Bryant 199¢

Description A perennial herb usually having erect stems up to 12 cm tall, but less frequently the stems grow along the ground and root at some of the nodes. Leaves vary in shape, the final segments being coarsely and irregularly toothed. Lower leaves have long stalks but upper leaves become smaller and are eventually sessile. Flowering stems are much branched in the upper part with numerous relatively small typically buttercup-like flowers borne at the ends of the branches. Petals 5, shiny-yellow, 3 - 7 mm long. and deeply cut. Ecology Also found in Uganda, Kenya and from Ethiopia to Cape Province in S. Africa and west to Nigeria and Angola. Grows in wet ground near rivers, ditches and streams, on moist slopes in bushland, grassland or on the margins of forest at altitudes between 1170 - 3450 m. It is the most common buttercup in tropical Africa.

Common names Isiongoti (Malila), mpugupugu (Nyakyusa), mkufi, mwembemwitu (Swahili), quinin tree Description A much branched evergreen tree from 6 to 40 m high with a leafy spreading crown. The tree resembles a mango in shape but is not so dense. Bark is light brown or greyish-white with irregular fissures. All parts produce bitter, white latex. Leaves are shiny and dark green above, slightly leathery and arranged in whorls of 3 - 5 towards the end of the branches. They are 2 - 50 cm long and 2 - 15 cm wide. Flowers are in large dense clusters up to 20 cm across with each flower being small, white and sweet scented. The spherical fruit is in paired fleshy lobes, each being about 1.3 cm in diameter, green at first, with whitish spots, changing to blackish - purple and wrinkled when ripe. It has 1 or 2 seeds. Water drips from the tree at certain times of the year.

fruits are red when ripe, round, with a thin flesh and a waxy covering, 5 to 6 mm in diameter. Common names Isanyantwa, ishesheru (Malila), mkono chuma, mkumba (Swahili). Ecology Grows in bushland and woodland, in riverine vegetation and especially on forest edges, often on well drained sites, from 1 - 3000 m. It tolerates a wide variety of soils. Present throughout Tanzania and from Guinea to Somalia and the Arabian peninsular and south to D.R. Congo and South Africa. It can grow on a variety of soil types but prefers clay soils.

Description A variable, hairy, branched tree from 1 to 9 m high. Bark smooth brown with yellow red- brown branches, often densely hairy. Leaves are composed of 3 leaflets, with the central leaflet larger, 4 - 11 cm long and 2 - 6.5 cm wide, dull green and softly hairy. Flowers are small, cream to green- yellow, in loose terminal heads, 5 - 20 cm long, all densely hairy. Fruits are red-brown drupes with thin flesh, 3 - 5 mm across. Common names Ishesheru (Malila), mkono chuma, mlama mwitu (Swahili), fire-thorned rhu:

Common names |mbono (Malila), mbono (Swahili), castor oil WOPlCs aNhQ YrOWS WHGQ Wl East Africa. Castor oil plants prefer humus rich soil and often grow in disturbed ground. They are sometimes cultivated. They require a warm climate and are killed by frost. They can be grown over a wide area in both high and low rainfall areas. The plant is drought and termite resistant.

Propagation It is best to grow varieties that do not shatter on ripening. Seed is viable for up to one year. Even germination is obtained by pouring boiling water over the seeds and leaving them to soak for 24 hours. Germination is normally 90% in 3 weeks. Sow 3 seeds per hole and thin out to one.

Rubia cordifolia growing over a bush near Yalenga Description A climbing or creeping perennial, up to 10 m long. Stems are thin, green, square anc rough on account of short bristles. Leaves are in groups of 4, and are 2.5 cm long and 1.5 cm wide borne on short stalks. Flowers are small and greenish yellow. The fruit is a black berry 3 mm ir diameter. Ecology The plant is commonly found growing in hedges. It is common in the Southerr Highlands between altitudes of 1,100 and 2,600 m, on forest margins, in clearings in the forest and ir scrub and grassland. Widely distributed in Africa.

Blackberry growing over a fence at /lembo. Description Prickly scrambling bushes with hooked prickles growing up to 4 m long. A very variable and complex group of species. several species. Honey produced is white and has a delicate flavour.

Common names Isyamo (Malila), dock, sorrel Synonym 2. steudelii, R. bequaertii, R, quarrei Rumex nepalensis References Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962, Fichtl & Adi 1994, van Wyk & Gericke 2000, Jansen 2004

Common names lowa (Malila), muwa (Swahili), sugar cane Uses Mainly grown for chewing which promotes salivation with a cleansing action, as with a chew- stick. Elsewhere Sucrose is extracted for sugar and molasses for local use or commercial sale. Industrial alcohol is made from molasses and can be used as a motor fuel. Molasses is also used to make yeast and as a stock food. Under certain conditions the treatment of molasses with urea converts sugars into a protein substitute which can be eaten by ruminants. The fibrous residue, bagasse, is used as a stock feed, often with molasses, but can also be used to make paper, cardboard and fibre board. Bees forage for sap exuding from cut stems and from the burnt canes. Saccharum officinarum

Management Sugar cane is a perennial crop. The first crop takes 15 - 16 months to mature. After harvest the stumps are left to produce two to four further crops, each taking about a year to mature.

cultivated in home gardens. The plant is also found in waste ground and beside roads. It is common around villages. It prefers a sandy well drained soil in full sunlight. Common names Mexican bush sage.

Common names Shigogo Remarks The tubers and cakes are sold in markets in the Southern Highlands. The plants are becoming increasingly rare though they can easily be propagated.

VSes Hl Ulidaliid Ue lWUVETS dale Washed, cooked and pounded with groundnuts and salt and eaten with eggs. They may also be fried. Elsewhere in Tanzania other species, e.g. S. macrophyllum and S. neglectum var. neglectum, are dug up during and after the rain season, peeled, cooked and eaten like potatoes. They may also be_ peeled, pounded and the flour baked into cakes to be eaten with tea. The tubers can be stored for several weeks if kept dry and cool. In Malawi the tubers of several species of Satyrium may be mixed. They are washed and pounded to remove the skin and pounded again. They are then boiled in a solution of potashes and the surplus liquid is squeezed out and the product left to dry. It forms a very firm jelly, reddish in colour and is often sold like this. The jelly is then cut into strips and boiled with salt. When it is cooked, pounded groundnuts are added. The dish is very well liked because it resembles meat, being red and having a texture like gristle. There is considerable trade from the hills to the plains in Malawi. Se ot ES SSPE OE Sa Sa See, ee Sore esy oe oe

Scadoxus puniceus in flower near Sasyaka in November Common names Itindi (Malila), royal paintbrush, red paintbrush

Schefflera volkensii growing as an epiphyte near Inyala

Ecology Grown throughout the tropics but not very popular in Africa, though it grows well in Umalila. The plant requires high relative humidity with between 1,500 - 2,000 mm rainfall at an altitude of between 300 and 2,000 m. It does best in rich well drained soil and is not tolerant to water-logging. It is susceptible to frost, drought and high wind. Tolerates high temperatures, though relatively cool nights appear to encourage fruit development. Produces well in light shade. Description A vigorous, climbing perennial herb with a large tuberous root. The plant may grow from 10 - 15 m in one season. Tendrils are large and branched. Leaves simple and spirally arranged, 7 - 25 cm in diameter. Male and female flowers are separate but on the same plant. Fruit is a one seeded fleshy berry, commonly pear shaped, furrowed, yellow green, 7 - 20 cm long. Fruits exposed to sun are light yellow but in shade are dark green. They contain a single white seed.

Ecology The plant is a weed of cultivation. Found in moist or dry forest or forest margins, secondary bushland in the forest zone, at altutudes between 700 and 2200 m in Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Swaziland and South Africa. Common names Umuwula Senecio deltoides Uses The flowers are reported to be visited by bees in Umalila. Senecio apiifolius is an important bee forage in South Africa particularly for building up colony strength. Bees collect pollen and nectar from three other Senecio species in Ethiopia and several species are also visited by bees for nectar and pollen in the United Kingdom. Senecio species are known to have long flowering periods. The plant has minor medicinal use as an emetic in East Africa. A paste made from the leaves is used by the Xhosa people in South Africa to treat sore eyes.

treat fits. A decoction of the leaves, stems and roots is widely used in East Africa as a purgative. A decoction of the roots is used to treat mental illness in Tanzania. The roots provide an antidote to poisoning caused by the stem and leaves. The leaves have a strong smell, like that of peanut butter, which repels bees. This is used in Tanzania to smoke out bees when collecting honey. Senna species fix nitrogen and can also be used for green manure. Synonym Cassia didymobotrya, C. nairobensis Senna didymobotrya

Uses In Umalila the leaves are reported to be soaked in water and used to wash the face in order to

Management The tree can be coppiced and pollarded. Synonym Shirakia elliptica, Sapium ellipticum

form a loose hedge. Synonym Senecio manni, Crassocephalum mannii Uses Frequently grown as a hedge plant in Umalila. Bees were seen collecting pollen and some nectar. In Umalila people push the stems into mole runs to clear them out. Sometimes the stems are used to support bananas bearing fruit. The plant has a number of medicinal uses, for example the roots are used as a purgative, and to treat intestinal worms, dysentery and indigestion in East Africa.

Propagation Cuttings take easily and the plant grows quickly.

Description A woody annual or short lived perennial herb with strong green or purple stems which are either round or winged. Plants are usually about 60 cm high but can grow to 120 cm or more. There are both small and large leaved cultivars with different leaf shapes and the leaf colour can be either green or dark-purple. Flowers are either white or have a purple tinge. Fruits are 10 - 16 mm in diameter. The dark purple fruits have a distinct bloom when young and become glossy when they get older. It is the only species whose berries remain on the plant at maturity. Ecology Occasionally found in forested areas in Umaalila. It is more common in West Africa and many different varieties can be seen, often of local importance only. It is cultivated in several locations in Africa’s humid highlands but less in the lowlands. It prefers fertile sandy loams with a pH of 6 - 6.5 and adequate organic matter. The plant is also present in Europe, India, China, the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, North America and the Caribbean.

Common names Intafwanya (Malila), kiazi cha kizungu (Swahili), potato Solanum tuberosum wilt even when there is adequate moisture, can only be controlled by using clean seed and uninfect land. Resistant varieties are being developed.

i a a Na aN to stand 40 cm between rows and 20 cm in the row. The leaves can be picked 3 to 4 weeks after planting out and picking continues for about two months until flowering commences. The leaves then become bitter. Common names I|nsungwe Solanum umalilaense Uses An important vegetable in Umaalila. Leaves are commonly eaten with maize porridge or Irish potatoes. They are available in November and December and then from February to May.

Propagation Planted from seed. Branches are first heaped over the seed-bed and set on fire so that the soil is partially sterilized. Manure is added and the seeds are then sown.

Common names Insabi, ingwayuzi a i a lk Leaves are densely hairy, have mauve flowers are produced over a long period. Fruit is brown and covered in 2 - 3 cm long bristles which catch on clothing and animal fur. Sparrmannia ricinocarpa

References Coates Palgrave 1983, Beentje 1994, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Hepburn & Radloff 1998

cology One of the commonest species of Spe \roughout Tanzania and from Rwanda to D.R. Con f 2,250 m. It grows in a variety of habitats om woodland to grassland and even in ultivated areas. The plant photographed was een growing beside the road. Description An annual or biennial herb up to 75 cm tall with single or branching stems, sparsely to densely covered with hairs. The leaves are 4.5 - 12 cm long by 2.8 cm broad. Blue to violet-blue flowers are borne in heads 2.5 cm long.

Common names Nyongampembe (Malila), pop-gun tree, carrot tree

Ecology Found in short, dry grassland at altitudes from 1,800 to 2,500 m. Common on shallow soils and short mountain grassland in Kenya and Tanzania and also present in Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Ethiopia. Description An erect, hairless herb up to 50 cm tall, with a stem that branches near the base or near the top. The spirally arranged basal leaves widen towards the tip. Stem leaves are long and narrow. The white to pale blue flowers are borne in loose heads. Flowers may have short or long petals and have two nectar producing pits at the base of each petal.

Uses Bees are important for pollination and, as flowering often takes place over long periods, with abundant nectar secretion, a good honey flow results. Timber is used for construction and furniture. The wood is medium hard and heavy oer ee eee 2 SSS — Seay Se - Brandwijk 1962, Kokwaro 1976, Coates Palgrave 1983, Crane et al. 1984, Tredgold 1986, Beentje 1994, Mbuya et al. 1994, Venter & Venter 1996, van Wyk 1997, ICRAF 1998, Maundu et al. 1999, Carolus 2004, Lovett et al. 2006

and works well but should be water seasoned. It is particularly good for boat building, as it is resistant to borer attack and does not rot in water. It makes a good fuel-wood. The tree is planted for erosion control and to stabilize river-banks. The fruit is edible, slightly acid and made into jam or a drink by being broken open and left to stand in water for some hours. A dye is produced from the bark. The root or a decoction of the bark is drunk to ease indigestion. The wood smoke has a pleasant smell and is sometimes used to season gourds. Ecology The tree is found beside fresh water in East, Central and southern Africa. It occurs at medium to higher altitudes, along water-courses, often in thickets and forests. It is fire resistant.

Description An erect, strong smelling annual herb, 1 - 2 m tall, very variable in habit, having deeply divided leaves and 4 to 6 pairs of toothed leaflets. The under surface of the leaves bear a number of small glands which exude a strong, unpleasant aroma when crushed. The creamy-yellow flowers, 5 mm across, are grouped in terminal heads. Seed is black, spindle shaped, with 4 short but sharp awns at the apex. RE eet SA EEE ERR PEL) PAE het, MEE oR Cee ee he alten eesti Mine aii iensininien iinet by distilling plants. as they produce seed, is suggested as a fly and vermin repellent. It is reported to be effective for killing maggots in wounds and can be rubbed into the fleece of sheep to prevent blow-fly infection. Tagetes species have fungicidal, insecticidal, nematicidal and insect repellent properties. Place large quantities of crushed flowers (roots and leaves can also be added), in a bucket of water. Leave to stand for 5 - 7 days and stir each day. When decayed, strain through a cloth and keep the liquid. Dilute with equal amounts of soapy water. Use potash based soft soap that is used for washing dishes, not modern washing powders that contain caustic soda, as they will harm plants. Spray once per week on plants to repel aphids, caterpillars, diamond back moths, ants, termites. The liquid is reported to help potatoes, beans, tomatoes, and peas resist blight, mildew and other fungal diseases. If a sprayer is not available the liquid can be shaken onto plants with a whisk made from branches or grass. Mexican marigold, in combination with chillies, garlic and onions can be used to deter most insects. Decayed flowers, leaves and stalks can be used as a mulch around the base of plants to deter pests. A rotation of Tagetes minuta will kill off root-knot nematodes in the soil as the roots give off a substance which poisons them. Effective treatment occurs over a period from 42 to 70 days. Tagetes minuta

NIE NODDED ANOLE to South Africa. Sometimes left on field boundaries in Umalila. It is also found along drainage lines i dense woodland. Grows in full sun or semi-shade. Synonyms 7. capensis subsp. nyassae

References J ex-Blake 1957, Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962, Fichtl & Adi 1994, Bryant 1996, Venter & Venter 1996, Mutshinyalo 2001, Dharani 2002

Common names Itandu (Malila), mkweme (Swahili) oyster nut, Zanzibar oil vine A single oyster nut plant growing over a bamboo trellis near Yalenga

seeds. Seeds are circular, flattened, up to 4.5 cm in diameter, yellow or brown, with no obvious rim, and are covered with a network of fibrous material. The plant is hardy, deep rooted and drought resistant. It can produce for 20 years or more. Two crops may be produced each year.

Remarks The production of oyster nuts has never become very popular because a) the problem of providing adequate support. b) the difficulty of mechanizing the removal of seed coat. However the nuts are a traditional and valuable source of protein and have a ready sale in local markets. Management Plants were grown in Kenya using a double wire trellis arch of similar height to that for passion fruit. The fruits then hang down and seeds can be collected from the ground when the fruits break off and drop. However the plant seems to prefer growing over trees, which it does almost smothering them. Sexes are normally separate and must be grown together to get fruit. Fruits take 4 months to mature. The nut stores fairly well. To open cut round edge to separate fibrous coat then lightly tap edge or continue to cut until two halves separate.

medium loams with good drainage and an annual rainfall of 900 mm. It does not grow well in areas affected by strong winds.

A beehive probably damaged by a black spotted genet

Many houses have a hole in the wall to allow chickens to come and go. The hole can be blocked off with a brick as necessary, to keep hens in until they have laid or to prevent snakes from entering.

Common names Utupa (Malila), kibazi, mtupa (Swahili), fish poison bean

Description A perennial climbing or trailing plant up to 2 m long. Leaves are opposite and slightly hairy. The flowers are often numerous, 4 cm in diameter, usually orange but can be white, red or yellow, having a brown to purple throat. Flowers are produced over a long period. Fruit is round, woody, and topped with a beak. When ripe it explodes releasing the seeds. Ecology Present in bush and grassland in East Africa. Often found in partial shade at the forest edge and in river fringes. It grows up to an altitude of 2,400 m, particularly in the wetter, higher areas. It is sometimes planted as an ornamental.

References J ex-Blake 1957, Wild et al. 1972, Williamson 1975, Burkill 1985, Blundell 1987, Peters et al. 1992, Neuwinger 2000, Llamas 2003

water should be rejected. The tree can also be grown from cuttings. These should be taken fr layered branches or one year old coppice growth. Cuttings are sometimes eaten by termites. Uses The timber is used for firewood, poles and tool handles. Wood is straight grained and easil) planed and, though attacked by borers, is used to produce attractive furniture and shelving. A swee milky, edible liquid is obtained from the fruit arils which is used in cooking. The aril must be removec from the seed, the coat of which is extremely poisonous, and crushed in water. The seeds can also be skinned and eaten or soaked in water and the contents squeezed out and ground and the liquic produced is mixed with vegetable leaves. The leaves can be used as fodder. The flowers are reported tc be visited by bees both in Umalila and in South Africa. Oil content of kernel is 55 - 65%. The oil car also be used as a hair conditioner, to nourish and revitalize skin and as a furniture polish. The bark is used to treat pneumonia and as an emetic or enema. Oil from the seeds is used for making soap and tc treat cuts and bruises and a decoction of the root is taken for fever and as a purgative. Leaf and frui poultices are applied to bruises, cuts and eczema. Pieces of bark or powdered bark are soaked in warn water and used as an enema or as an emetic for intestinal complaints. A bitter medicinal oil is obtainec by boiling the ground seed in water which is taken for rheumatism. The tree produces good shade anc has a non-aggressive root system.

cm, when they reach 100 cm, or at 6 week intervals. Uses The plant has good potential as a stock feed and can be grown to control soil erosion. It is possible to harvest up to 195 tons fresh fodder (40 tons dry fodder) per ha in 13 months. Fresh young leaves may contain up to 9% digestible protein, making it a valuable livestock forage.

Ecology Usually found in marshy places, but occasionally among rocks. Found from Senegal to Uganda and from Sudan south to Angola. This plant was growing on rocky soil at the forest edge near Yalenga. Description An erect herb or shrub up to 2 m high, usually short lived with thick square stems and covered with bristles. Leaves are borne on stalks 1 - 4 cm long, and are opposite, oval and up to 12 cm long with 5 - 7 conspicuous parallel veins. Flowers are pale-pink mauve in terminal heads. Fruits contain soft, white sections which are sweet.

Management Weed control is important. The most important diseases and pests are:- Yellow or stripe

Common names |zumba (Malila), mulenda (Swahili), burweec Description Erect annual or short lived perennial up to 1 m tall. Leaves alternate, 3 - 9.5 cm long and 2 - 6 cm wide, sometimes almost rounded, with a pointed tip. The leaf margin is lightly toothed. Flowers are small, yellow, and produced in the leaf axils. Fruit is round, 10 mm, and has many hooked bristles.

Ecology The plant occurs from Nigeria to Ethiopia and into South Africa. It is widespread at medium altitudes up to 2,150 m and in shady places and is also a common weed of cultivation. In Umalila it is sometimes cultivated in home gardens.

Description An erect, hairy, woody plant up to 1 m high. Stems are grooved along their length. Leaves are simple, alternate and lobed. The red/yellow flowers are in small crowded clusters. Fruits have hooked prickles 1 mm long. Triumfetta rhomboidea growing beside the road near [lembo

Ecology Commonly occurs along paths and roadsides in upland forests, dry country and grassland; altitude range up to 2,280 m. Often a weed of cultivation and recorded throughout tropical and southern Africa.

Description A shrub or tree, sometimes a creeper, up to 10 m tall. Leaves are 9 - 20 cm long and 4 - 10 cm wide, elliptic with a wedge shaped base, densely hairy when young and also on the veins of older leaves. Flowers white. Fruit about 2 cm in diameter. Common names llyilu (Malila), mlangilangi-mwitu, mtamagoa (Swahili), wild honeysuckle tree.

References Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962, Williamson 1975, Kokwaro 1976, Beentje 1994, Msangé 1998, van Wyk & Gericke 2000, Neuwinger 2000, Lovett et al. 2006

Common names |pasapasa Synonym VV. shirensis with milk and flour to treat gonorrhea. In Nigeria the roots and pounded leaves are boiled in water and the liquid drunk to relieve indigestion. In Kenya the Maasai crush the leaves in cold water and apply to cattle sores caused by ticks. Vernonia adoensis

Management A fast growing shrub which coppices well and can be planted along contour ridges and grass strips. Common names |poroto

Propagation Can be grown from cuttings or seed. The seed remains viable for up to a year.

Management Weed control is very important. Stalk or stem borers are a major pest in Umalila. They can be controlled by tobacco, or Tephrosia vogelii \eaf solution which is poured down the centre funnel into the plant (see pages 224). The powdered roots of Maerua decumbens and Neorautanenia mitis may also be used. e pages 144 & 155). Cut worms, cob borer and

Bruno de Almeida Souza

Floresta e Ambiente

Beekeeping is affected by adverse climatic conditions and availability of floral resources. This study aimed to survey and characterize the flora in São João do Piauí, a semi-arid region in Piauí, Brazil, and to identify species providing resources to bees. Flowering plants were observed for 18 months, and records were taken of flowering date, growth habit, visitation and resources collected by bees. Melissopalinological analysis of honey produced in the area was performed. A total of 67 flowering plant species were recorded, of which 49 were considered as bee plants, with a predominance of herbs and shrubs. The low rainfall reduces the number of flowering species, which makes important the conservation and multiplication of species which bloom in dry season, such as Ipomoea glabra, Myracrodruon urundeuva, Sida cordifolia and Ziziphus joazeiro, as well as species that contribute to honey production such as Mimosa tenuiflora, Mesosphaerum suaveolens and Croton sonderianus.

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A synopsis of the Bee occurrence data of northern Tanzania

Henry Njovu

Biodiversity Data Journal, 2021

Bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Anthophila) are the most important group of pollinators with about 20,507 known species worldwide. Despite the critical role of bees in providing pollination services, studies aiming at understanding which species are present across disturbance gradients are scarce. Limited taxononomic information for the existing and unidentified bee species in Tanzania make their conservation haphazard. Here, we present a dataset of bee species records obtained from a survey in nothern Tanzania i.e. Kilimanjaro, Arusha and Manyara regions. Our findings serve as baseline data necessary for understanding the diversity and distribution of bees in the northern parts of the country, which is a critical step in devising robust conservation and monitoring strategies for their populations. In this paper, we present information on 45 bee species belonging to 20 genera and four families sampled using a combination of sweep-netting and pan trap methods. Most species (27, ~ 60%) be...

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International Journal of Agriculture and Environmental Research PROMOTING MODERN BEEKEEPING IN THE EAST USAMBARA MOUNTAINS: WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES? International Journal of Agriculture and Environmental Research

Iddi Mwanyoka

Beekeeping in Tanzania plays a major role in socioeconomic development and environmental conservation. It is a source of food (e.g. honey, pollen and brood), raw materials for various industries, medicine and source of income for beekeepers. It is estimated that the sector generates about US$ 1.7 each year from sales of honey and beeswax and employ about 2 million rural people. It is an important income generating activity with high potential for improving incomes, especially for communities living close to forests and woodlands. Despite whole range of benefits emanating from this sector; its potentials are yet to be adequately tapped to respond to the goals and objectives of the existing policy, legislations and National Beekeeping Programme and indeed contribute significantly to the rural community livelihoods improvement in Tanzania. Studies indicate that there is a huge mismatch between honey production potential and actual production in Tanzania. This paper draws from the proje...

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Assessment of Current Beekeeping Management Practice and Honey Bee Floras of Western Amhara, Ethiopia

Adebabay Kebede

The study was conducted in 2010 with the objective of characterizing the current honeybee production system and identifying major and minor honeybee flora species with their corresponding floral calendar in Western Amhara. In this study, 27 representative kebeles from nine zones were purposively selected based on their honeybee production potential and floral coverage. Semistructured questionnaire, checklists and field observation were used to collect the required data. A total of 56 beekeeper farmers were selected purposively for the interview purpose. SPSS (version 16) was used to analyze the data. According to this study there are three main honeybee production systems based on the type of bee hives used, namely the traditional, transitional and modern beekeeping. Within these production systems, 28.6% of the respondents emphasized that colony transferring was practiced during August and September while 20.25 of them transfer their colony in June. In the study areas there are two honey harvesting seasons, the main and the first seasons are October to December (52.6%) and the second are April to June (30.8%). From the total respondents used for the survey, 75% indicated that they plant different pollen and nectar source honeybee forages around their homesteads. According to the respondents the peak months in which feed shortage occurs are April (17.3%), March (16.2%) and February (16.2%). During these dearth periods 62.5% of beekeepers give additional feed like sugar syrup, honey syrup and, hot pepper to keep the strength of their colony and to get additional honey yield. Beekeepers also indicate January, December (23.1%) and April (15.4%) were the main months which colony migration occurs. Respondents (30.4%) indicates that September, October (28.1%) and November (42.1%) were the main seasons on which colony swarming occurs. April (17.8%), July (13.3%), and January (11.1%) take the first three main colony absconding months in the surveyed area. In western Amhara more than 249 major honey bee floras including trees, shrubs, bushes, crops, spices, flowering weeds, and grasses were also reported as a source of pollen and nectar. In general, from this study it was noted that beekeeping in the study are have practiced for getting additional income with its challenges. Therefore it is wise to invest on the sector for improving the income through integrating with natural conservations and further research activities on identification and characterization of poisonous plants indicated by beekeepers were recommended.

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Major plants foraged by bees for honey production in Ghana: mapping of bee floral sources for the development of the apicultural industry

Gabriel Ameka

Grana

Honey is increasingly being used as a food supplement and to treat various diseases and disorders in Ghana. Information on floral nectar preferences of foraging honeybees is, therefore, imperative to increase production to keep pace with demand. However, in Ghana, these floral nectar preferences are yet to be investigated and identified. This study was conducted to determine bee forage sources in the three main agro-ecological honey-producing zones of Ghana. Forty-eight unblended honey samples sourced from beekeepers were analysed. Pollen spectra of the honey samples revealed 27 different pollen types of which eight were identified to family level, while 15 and four were at the level of genus and species, respectively. The results also showed that, in general, 48% of the analysed samples were unifloral honeys with the most important pollen types coming from Sapotaceae/Meliaceae, Anacardiaceae and Burkea africana. Combretaceae, Sapotaceae/Meliaceae and Anacardiaceae, as well as Lannea-type and Burkea africana were found to be the most frequent (with occurrence greater than 50%) sources of nectar utilised by bees to produce honey. The predominant pollen sources of the honeys in the three main apicultural zones of the country were Sapotaceae/Meliaceae and Anacardiaceae (Forest zone), Sapotaceae/Meliaceae and Lannea-type (Savannah-Forest transition zone) and Sapotaceae/Meliaceae, Anacardiaceae and Gynandropsis gynandra (Savannah zones). Identification of the major bee floral sources can be used as a guide by beekeepers in the location of their apiaries as well as reforesting disturbed sites with these plants to act as sources of bee forage.

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Identification of Honey Bee Floras and Their Flowering Times in Wondo Genet, Southern Ethiopia

Tariku Olana

Journal of Resources Development and Management, 2019

The present study focused on identification of honey bee floras and their flowering times in Wondo Genet, Southern Ethiopia. Purposive sampling technique and combination of Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA) tools were employed to identify the major and minor honey bee floras, and their flowering times. The data were collected from 36 sampled bee keepers in four peasant associations. Descriptive statistics and other statistical parameters were used in organizing, summarizing and describing the data. The average number of traditional, transitional and moveable frame beehives was 10.51±3.80, 2.88±1.85, and 1.12±1.21, respectively. The average honey yield per harvest/colony was 5.1±0.72, 13.20 ±0.92 and 17.2±0.73 kg for traditional, transitional and moveable frame hives, respectively. Hence, there was a highly significant difference (p<0.05) in terms of yield per hive/harvest between the three types of hives. A total of 47 bee flora species belonging to 42 genera and 30 families were identified by the sample respondents. The plant species were comprised of trees (48.94%), shrubs (27.66%), fruit trees (10.64%), herbs (6.38%) and food crops (6.39%). Of the total number of bee flora plants identified in the study area, 17 (36.17%) were major honey bee flora where as 30 (63.83%) were the minor ones. The major parameters that the beekeepers used in identification of bee floras were flowers visited by honey bees. The beekeepers expressed that the frequency and number of bees visiting the flowers can help them to identify as the major and minor honey bee floras. The identified plant species bear flowers mainly from September to November and in March. The current investigation revealed that there are various plant species in the study area with different flowering times, and this will provide basic information for further researches focused on bee flora and their conservation strategies.

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Options for stingless honey-beekeeping around Udzungwa Mountains National Park, Tanzania, and implications for biodiversity management

Marcelian Njau

International Journal of Biodiversity Science, Ecosystem Services & Management, 2010

Resident stingless honey-bees in the Udzungwa area were investigated for a period of 1 year. Specimens of stingless honey-bees were captured on flowers and on natural nest entrances. Six local stingless honey-bee species, namely Dactylurina schmidti, Plebeina hildebrandti, Axestotrigona erythra, Meliponula ogouensis, M. lendliana and M. ferruginea, were found in the area, all of which are known to the local people. Honey productivity per colony in experimental hives varied according to species: M. ogouensis average 3.2 L, M. lendliana average 2.7 L, D. schmidti average 1.6 L and P. hildebrandti average 0.6 L. These findings indicate good potential for beekeeping in the lower altitude area at the foot of the Udzungwa Mountains, where the stingless honey-bee species diversity is greatest. The article discusses some options for intensification of management of the bee resources while maintaining natural biodiversity in the area.

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Trees and plants for bees and beekeepers in the Upper Mara Basin : guide to useful melliferous trees and crops for beekeepers

Joseph Hitimana

This guide provides information for:  Beekeepers-to ensure the presence of plants providing nectar and pollen year round and plants useful for beekeeping, such as making and baiting hives, and using in smokers.  Farmers-so that they can plant species that will encourage bees and also pollinate their crops.  WRUAs and CFAs-to optimize their water basins and community forests for beekeeping and to ensure pollination.  Researchers, NGOs and service providers-researching or promoting water-wise agroforestry, agriculture and apiculture.  Nursery owners-so they can grow seedlings of interest to beekeepers and farmers.

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Ecological Importance of Honeybee Plants and Foraging Distance of Apis mellifera in Ngaoundal Subdivision, Adamaoua, Cameroon

DONGOCK N G U E M O Delphine

International journal of science & technoledge, 2020

The flowering plants have special modifications to attract bees, and these are known as adaptations. These adaptations lead to mutualism between Hymenoptera (bee and Wasps) and angiosperms (USDA, 2010).In most ecosystems, bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) are the primary pollinators of flowering plants (Ajao et al., 2018). The honeybee plants are plant species on which the bee takes substances, including nectar, pollen and resin to feed and to develop its various products such as honey, bee bread, bee venom, bee pollen, propolis, and royal jelly (Visweswara et al. 2017; It is well known that the products of the hive reflect in quantity and quality the nature of the pollinated plants (Lafleche, 1981). In other words, the bee colony efficiency and its development as well as production of honey, beeswax and other bee products depend on quality and quantity of pollen and nectar obtained from bee forage plants (Brodschneider et al., 2010).Bee plants form part of vegetal resources with multiple virtues that has to be protected and they are playing a great role in the dynamics of ecosystems through pollinating insects (Bradbear, 2011). The knowledge of honeybee's plants for any specific area is important in guiding prospective beekeepers and in the identification of crops that may benefit from pollination by honeybees (Dukku 2013). Such knowledge on the bee flora helps in the effective management of bee colonies during the honey flow period and dearth period (Bhalchandra Waykar and Baviskar, 2015). Many works considering the identification of bee flora have been performed in Africa :

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BEEKEEPING IN ZIMBABWE Paper presented at the APIEXPO Africa 2014 held in Harare 6-11th October, 2014. BY Smith Nyatsande

Andrew Chitesa

2014

Apiculture in Zimbabwe started as far back as the 18 Century. Evidence of beekeeping is shown by rock paintings in the Matopo Hills. Honey used to be harvested from caves, cliffs, hollows of trees and ground. Modern beekeeping methods were introduced by various actors in the hope of improving the quality and yield of honey. The paper explores the distribution and adoption rates of modern beekeeping technologies and the productivity levels of the different types of hives progressively introduced over time. Zimbabwe has a hive population of 85 794 of which 80% are traditional hives. Midlands province has the highest population of modern bee hives while Matabeleland South province has very little beekeeping activity, has the lowest. Beekeeping is seen as an intervention that can improve both livelihoods of farmers as well as the environment as the need for bee forage inevitably requires conservation of trees and forests. Langstroth hives constitute the lowest number in the country whic...

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Niguse Gebru

Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare, 2015

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Stingless bee Meliponula Cockerell (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini) ground nest architecture and traditional knowledge on the use of honey in the Amhara Region, Northwest Ethiopia

ALEMU TAREKEGN

Israel Journal of Entomology, 2020

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Bee keeping sub-sector challenges in Atsbi-Wemberta District of Eastern Zone, Tigray Region , Ethiopia

Ranjitha Puskur

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Some honeybee plants of Bas-Congo province, Democratic Republic of Congo

Paul Latham

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Improved beekeeping practices, honey bee flora potential and flowering calendar in South Ethiopia

asrat diriba

PloS one, 2024

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Bees for Development Journal 134 WEBSITE FINAL

Hema Prashad

Sharma HK, Thakur P, Prasad H, Sharma R and Devi M. 2020. Pollination Management -A Bee Town for a Better Tomorrow. Bees for Development Journal.134: 5-7, 2020

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BEE FORAGING PLANTS IN SELECTED ECOLOGICAL ZONES IN SOUTHERN NIGERIA: IMPLICATION FOR APIARY MANAGEMENT

Gabriel ADEDEJI

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Establishing Honey Bee Floral Calendar in West Arsi and East Shewa Zones of Oromia, Ethiopia

Taye Beyene

Cross Current International Journal of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences

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Indigenous Knowledge, Habitat, and Nest Characterization of Stingless Bee (Meliponula beccarii) in West Arsi Zone of Oromia, Ethiopia

Mekonen wolditsadik

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Melissopalynological analysis and floral spectra of Apis mellifera scutellata Lepeletier bees in different agroecologies of southwest Ethiopia