Common Name:

General Information

Aeschynomene uniflora is an erect, shrubby herb that is often an annual or short-lived perennial[, ]. It grows about 1 metre tall, but the stems can spread more or less horizontally through grass for up to 4 metres[]. The leaves are sensitive[]. (This probably means like the sensitive plant, Mimosa pudica, where the leaves fold down when touched[].)
The plant is sometimes gathered from the wild for local medicinal use.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Tropical Africa - Senegal to Kenya, south to Angola and Mozambique but absent in central Africa.

Habitat

In wet places, sometimes even in water, on dambo fringes and sandy river beds, Echinochloa grassland, etc at elevations of 20 - 1,170 metres[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Annual/Perennial
Height	2.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

The plant has sometimes become a weed of rice-fields[].
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The root has been used to treat stomach troubles[].

Other Uses

The wood is soft and is used for making a range of products including helmets, toys and floats[]. It is also used for making tampons[].

Propagation

Seed -

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