Common Name:

General Information

Ceratotheca triloba is an erect, usually branched, annual plant, occasionally becoming a short-lived perennial. It grows up to 2.5 metres tall. The whole plant is malodorous[].
The plant is cultivated as an ornamental in parts of the tropics[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southern Africa - Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mozambique, S. Africa.

Habitat

Grassland, disturbed vegetation, roadsides etc, usually in sandy soils[, ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Annual/Perennial
Height	2.00 m
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a rich, well-drained soil in a sunny position or light shade[].
The leaves, stems and flowers are covered in fine white hairs. The plants are slightly sticky and when crushed give off a strong unpleasant smell[].

Edible Uses

Leaves and young shoots - cooked and eaten as a vegetable[]. They are only used in times of shortage, when tastier vegetables are not available[].

Medicinal

The plant is used in traditional medicine to treat painful menstruation, stomach cramps, nausea, fever and diarrhoea[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - can be sown in situ. Existing plants usually self-sow quite freely. The seed can also be sown in a seed tray placed in light shade. Germination is usually quite quick and very good, but seedlings grow slowly. They can be planted out when around 6 - 8 weeks old[].

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