Iboza



A genus of five species of semi-succulent, aromatic shrubs or small trees, native to Africa and Madagascar. Tetradenia riparia is quite common in damp places, often besides streams, in eastern S. Africa. It deserves to be more widely grown for its neat, highly aromatic foliage and profuse, feathery flower spikes. In cool areas it makes and excellent container plant that is easily pruned to shape and propagated; the flowers last well in water. The leaves are widely used medicinally by African tribes, and in some areas were once regarded as a cure for malaria.

Densely branched deciduous shrub or small tree, with succulent stems, clad in glandular hairs, and light green, rounded to cordate, velvety leaves, to 8cm (3in) long, which have white downy undersides and neatly scalloped margins. Tiny white to mauve, tubular flowers are borne in spikes, to 8cm (3in) long, in early spring, with male and female flowers on separate plants.


Common Name:
Iboza
Other Names:
Ginger Bush, Watersalie
Botanical Name:
Tetradenia riparia syn. Iboza riparia
Genus:
Tetradenia
Family:
Lamiaceae
Native Location:
Eastern S Africa to Nambia, Angola, and Ethiopia
Cultivation:
Moist, well-drained soil in sun or partial shade.
Propagation:
By seed sown when ripe; by semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
Harvest:
Leaves are picked during the growing season and used fresh or dried in infusions, or crushed when fresh as an inhalation.
Hardiness:
Min. 10°C (50°F)
Parts Used:
Leaves
Properties:
A bitter, aromatic herb that lowers fevers, relaxes spasms, and is expectorant.
Medicinal Uses:
Internally for colds and flu, bronchitis, stomach upsets, flatulence, mouth ulcers, diarrhea, and fevers (especially malarial). Externally, as an inhalation, for headaches.
Economic Uses:
Dried leaves are good in pot-pourris.
Bibliography:
Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright ©: 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pp.384-385