FAMILY :: FABACEAE (LEGUMINOSAE)
CANARY ISLAND BROOM: Originally from the Canary Islands, this semi-tender broom has been introduced into Mexico and is used by Yaqui shamans. It is also classified as Genista canariensis. Grows up to 6′ and has many scented, bright yellow flowers.
FAMILY :: FABACEAE (LEGUMINOSAE)
Liane staub, liane sabre, m’fure m’fure, Sea Bean, African Dream Herb: A very large liana growing to more than 100 meters long bearing large, woody seedpods up to 2 meters long with a number of large, dark brown, 10 cm diameter seeds inside. These seeds have an air pocket within that allows them to float for long periods of time, ensuring their wide distribution thoughout Africa and South East Asia.
The seeds are used decoratively and purportedly as a dream enhancer. Supposedly the powdered seeds are smoked for this effect.
Cultivation is easy in tropical climates. Germination is easily achieved by nicking the side of the seed opposite the germ and soaking it for a day or so in water. Then, after planting about 2-5 cm deep in well-drained soil, the seeds sprout in as little as 2 weeks. The vines grow very quickly after that.
This is a new plant here for us at XPlanta and it is growing well but it will probably be a year or more before we can provide more information on the cultivation of this plant. 4 out of 5 seeds that we had obtained germinated and are doing great.
FAMILY :: FABACEAE (LEGUMINOSAE)
LICORICE: A legume with a sweet root, having been used in candy making and flavoring. Demulcent, anti-inflammatory, expectorant. Soothes sore throats and ulcers. Has 1″ racemes of short lilac-blue flowers followed by flat brown seed pods with short spikes. Grows 2-4′ in well drained, moist soil in the sunniest location you have. Winter dormant.
FAMILY :: FABACEAE (LEGUMINOSAE)
VELVET BEAN: An annual, tropical vine long used medicinally. The leaves and seeds contain assorted tryptamines and are used as an aphrodisiac and nerve tonic in Brazil and Panama. In Nepal, mucuna is used for “disorders of the nervous system.” The seeds are a source of L-Dopamine, used in treating Parkinson’s Disease. The whole plant is used as forage for cattle. Grow in warm, rich, moist soil in full sun. Tender, but easy to grow.
FAMILY :: FABACEAE (LEGUMINOSAE)
KUDZU, GE-GEN: A quick-growing, perennial vine to 100′ long, with 3-lobed, 6″ leaves and 1″ reddish-purple, grape-scented flowers in 8″ racemes.
This listing is a perfect example of a very valuable plant being demonized as a weed: Kudzu is hated by many people in the southern USA. It was originally introduced into the USA from Japan in 1876 and was actively distributed by the US Department of Agrigulture from 1910-1953. It was pushed commercially as a hay and fodder crop and a soil-erosion control agent. Probably over one half million acres of the southern USA are now covered by Kudzu because of commercial agriculture’s irresponsibility and governmental carelessness. Kudzu is not a problem plant (weed) in Japan.
In Chinese medicine, Kudzu is widely used as a cure for drunkenness or alcohol intoxication. Modern research has shown it to be very effective in lowering blood pressure. It is used in angina pectoris and to relieve headache, stiff neck and tinnitis, and associated fevers.
Kudzu is a subtropical vine that is easy to grow.
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