Pedaliaceae The sesame family
Rogeria longiflora
Photos from Hope Mine Found in: R & G Common names: English: White-flowered rogeria Nama/Damara: Dau|anab, ||gam|awib
Afrikaans:
None found
Distribution: This plant occurs throughout the Northern Cape, southern Namibia and the Central Namib. Identification: Rogeria longiflora can grow tall, up to 2 m in places, and produce large and smelly dark green leaves and white, tubular flowers. The flowers are positioned close to the stem, often in groups of one to three. After fertilization, the flowers produce a large, wooden pod that remains on the plant for a long time. Ecology: This plant is a common sight along roadsides and drainage lines, as it is widespread in these disturbed areas. It also grows on rocky slopes and stony plains. The seedpods are divided into two compartments, one outer and one inner part. The outer part eventually dries out and opens, and gradually releases seeds. The smaller inner compartment stays closed and does not open until the pod starts disintegrating. This may lead to the seeds in the inner compartment not being released until decades after the plant’s active period. Uses: R.longiflora is used in traditional medicine as an ailment for wounds and burns. The Topnaar roast and ground the seeds, sometimes mixing them with fat, and applying it to wounds to stop bleeding. This mixture is also rubbed on burns to provide relief from pains. Warmed leaves are used as a poultice on women’s breasts to cure cracked nipples.
References: van den Eyden V et al. (1992), Burke A (2003b), Henschel J et al (2006) and Mannheimer C et al. (2008) Photos by: Maja SjĂśskog