This name is accepted in the Flora of South Africa, but is seen as no more than a synonym of Cryptolepis macrophylla in the Flora of Tropical Africa[].

Common Name:

General Information

Cryptolepis decidua is a deciduous, many-branched shrub growing up to 1.5 metres tall. A latex is present in the plant[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and perfume.

Known Hazards

The plant is heavily browsed by goats and to a lesser extent by other livestock. Poisoning in sheep has been reported, manifesting itself by accelerated breathing and pulse rate, weakness, loss of appetite, cyanosis and cramps, followed by death[].
An autopsy performed on sheep that died from poisoning, showed all the symptoms of cyanosis i.e. Inflammation of stomach and intestines, blood in the lungs, liver and under the skin, and general cyanosis[].
A strong root decoction is given to rabid dogs, presumably to kill them[].

Botanical References

Range

Southern Africa - Namibia, Botswana, S. Africa.

Habitat

Shrub land and grassland, on plains and hillsides, often on well-drained, rocky to sandy soils, but also on alluvial soils, at elevations from sea-level up to 2,000 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	1.50 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of the drier tropics and subtropics, where it can be found at elevations up to 2,000 metres[]. It grows in hot and arid localities, with a dry season of 6 - 11 months[].
Established plants are very drought tolerant[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The dried ground leaves are applied to the umbilical cord after child birth[].

A root decoction is used to treat stomach-ache, intestinal and liver pain, constipation, vomiting, venereal diseases and to expel afterbirth after delivery[]. The decoction also acts not only as a laxative, but also to treat diarrhoea[]. When taken as a laxative, food should be eaten after drinking the decoction so as to stimulate bowel cleaning[]. The root powder is also put in incisions in the lower abdomen and back to treat these complaints[].

Other Uses

The stem bark is used as a perfume[].

Propagation

Seed -

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