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FEATURE

The production of aloe bitters, gels and the people). Greatly revered in Zulu endangered plants, as well as popularising
aloin is a lucrative trade. A byproduct culture, branches of the tree are believed the ornamental planting of medicinal stock
of aloin is aloesin and one kilogram of to attract and transport the spirits of in domestic and corporate landscapes. The
this sells for about US$ 1600 to 1800. A ancestors to their final resting place. The sector can also contribute by gene banking
market exists in East Asia for aloesin as tree has two sets of thorns: one small, of indigenous plant resources and has the
a skin lightening product. A high capital hooked thorn represents looking back, potential to assist THPs and micro farmers
layout however is needed to manufacture and the long thorn represents looking in the bulking of wild plant stocks.
aloesin and the patent is held by the CSIR. forward. So-called ‘sbunge’ herbs are SANBI (South African National
used by entrepreneurs to enhance the Biodiversity Institute) has developed
Spiritual, traditional and cultural success of their ventures, for example 11 regional gardens that are designed
value the ‘businessman’s bush’ (Justicia to showcase South Africa’s botanical
Research has shown that over half of capensis). The ‘mpepo’ herb derived from treasure chest of floral resources in all
ATM plants are used for religious and Helichrysum species is burned at home provinces (www.sanbi.org). They inform
ritual requirements, and not only for in ceremonies where financial advice is the public on the value of medicinal
their healing properties. Increased sought from one’s ancestors. Decoctions plants and demonstrate how these
urbanisation or affluence does not derived from the Leopard orchid (Ansellia plants can be best used in landscaping.
diminish the demand for ATM as both gigantea) are said to influence romantic Each garden has a dedicated display,
young and old subscribe to the same affairs. Imbibing this potion and then demonstrating the connections between
cultural beliefs. Medicinal plants are often spitting it out while calling out the name local plants and the community. In most
used for multiple purposes as the diviner of one’s beloved is believed to secure the cases, samples of local medicinal plants
or herbalist wishes to address the holistic relationship. are showcased and their traditional value
needs of the patient, taking cognisance explained by means of storyboards and
of the three dimensional aspect of human Ornamental and landscape value labels, for instance the Zulu medicinal
beings so important to African society of medicinal plants plant garden in Pietermaritzburg.
– physical, spiritual and social. Some The horticulture and landscape sectors There is enormous untapped potential
examples from plants used in landscaping make a significant contribution to the for different industry players to grow,
illustrate the point. propagation, cultivation and retail sale of propagate and showcase medicinal
The mpafa tree (Zizyphus mucronata medicinal plants. The horticulture sector plants. Products derived from some
or Buffalo thorn) is also known as also adds value to conservation efforts species have export potential and are in
umlahlankosi (bury the chief). Some by pioneering new ex situ cultivation high demand for alternative health care
Zulus refer to it as mlandabantu (fetch techniques and propagation protocols for systems in Europe. n

A biodiverse garden has a rich planting palette that will support a range of medicinal plants. Photo courtesy of Linda de Luca, Random Harvest Nursery.

18 Landscape SA • Issue 132 2023 Check us out www.salandscape.co.za