Kedrostis africana
Kedrostis africana (or baboon's cucumber) is a species of flowering plant in the family Cucurbitaceae. It is native to Namibia and South Africa.[2][3] It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit as an ornamental.[4]
| Kedrostis africana | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Cucurbitales |
| Family: | Cucurbitaceae |
| Genus: | Kedrostis |
| Species: | K. africana |
| Binomial name | |
| Kedrostis africana (L.) Cogn. | |
| Synonyms | |
| |
| Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz) | |
|---|---|
| Energy | 934.58 kJ (223.37 kcal) |
46.36 g | |
| Dietary fibre | 25.52 g |
1.12 g | |
6.95 g | |
| Minerals | Quantity %DV† |
| Calcium | 251% 2505 mg |
| Copper | 5% 0.1 mg |
| Iron | 692% 89.9 mg |
| Magnesium | 137% 485 mg |
| Manganese | 148% 3.1 mg |
| Phosphorus | 34% 240 mg |
| Potassium | 47% 2225 mg |
| Sodium | 29% 430 mg |
| Zinc | 51% 4.8 mg |
This data is derived from a nutritional evaluation.[1] | |
| |
| †Percentages are roughly approximated using US recommendations for adults. | |
Description
It is a succulent monoecious plant. It has a large underground tuber, called a caudex which can span to lengths of up to 50 cm. This caudex is a store of water, which makes it resistant to droughts.[2][5]
It is also climber with vines can grow between 1 – 6m in length. Its lobed leaves are between 6 – 10 cm long.[2]
Baboon's cucumbers form short racemes consisting of 1-12 male flowers. Their petals are light cream to green-yellow coloured. Female flowers are not grouped like male flowers and are also light cream to green-yellow. They bloom during the summer.[2][6]
They also bear orange fruit, with a diameter between 8 – 15mm.[2]
Cultivation
This species can be propagated with seeds or cuttings. Because they can produce separate male and female flowers on the same plant, they are self-fertile. This also allows their orange fruit to readily show. They also grow very slowly.[5][3]
This plant should be protected from drought, frost and excessive sunlight. Baboon's cucumbers should be grown in well-drained soil, with lots of water during the growing season. Providing with warmth and fertiliser during its active will also speed up its growth.[3]
During the summer, water regularly, but not during autumn or winter as this could leave it vulnerable to rotting. It should also be kept about 0°C.[3][6]
Because it's a climber, the stems will need some support.[3]
Uses
Traditional Medicine
Kedrostis africana is used to induce vomiting, urination, the prevention of fluid retention. It is also used to treat syphilis. A decoction of the crushed bulb is taken to manage obesity.[7][8]
References
- Unuofin, Jeremiah Oshiomame; Otunola, Gloria Aderonke; Afolayan, Anthony Jide (May 2017). "Nutritional evaluation of Kedrostis africana (L.) Cogn: An edible wild plant of South Africa". Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine. 7 (5): 443–449. doi:10.1016/j.apjtb.2017.01.016.
- "Kedrostis africana". www.llifle.com. Retrieved 2020-12-20.
- "Kedrostis africana (Baboon's Cucumber)". World of Succulents. 2018-08-24. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
- "Kedrostis africana". The Royal Horticultural Society. Retrieved 22 December 2020.
- "CAUDICIFORM Kedrostis africana (var 2)". www.bihrmann.com. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
- "Kedrostis africana". Planet Desert. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
- "Kedrostis africana - Baboons Cucumber (plant)". Herbalistics. 2017-10-16. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
- van Wyk, B.-E. (October 2008). "A review of Khoi-San and Cape Dutch medical ethnobotany". Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 119 (3): 331–341. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2008.07.021. PMID 18703129.