Common Name:

General Information

Dicoma anomala is a decumbent spreading perennial plant. It produces annual, aerial stems 5 - 60cm long from woody, subterranean stems 2 - 18 cm long[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local medicinal use.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southern Africa - Angola, The Congo and Tanzania, south to S, Africa.

Habitat

Miombo woodland, wooded grassland and submontane grasslands, on rocky hillsides or grassy plains in doleritic or sandy soils[]. Stony grasslands, hillsides or flat grassland and in savannah, on doleritic or sandy soils[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.50 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

It grows in the summer rainfall areas and occurs in south of the Sahara, at altitudes ranging from 165 to 2,075 metres[]. The aboveground parts of the plant die down in winter and are therefore not affected by frost[].
Grows well in any kind of soil[].
A variable species, particularly in its habit, leaf shape and leaf size[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The root is used as a treatment for diarrhoea and dysentery[].

Root decoctions are administered orally or as enemas to children believed to be suffering from blood disorders. A decoction of the root is used as a purgative for intestinal worms; as a treatment for colic, diarrhoea, dysentery, toothache; as an ingredient for sterilization medication; and for haemorrhoids[]. The root decoctions are also mixed with plants called melkbos for treating fever[].
The roots are sometimes chewed to induce vomiting when there is suspicion that poisoned food has been ingested[].

Plant parts of Dicoma anomala are said to be used for treating coughs and respiratory complaints[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - Seeds should be sown in a sunny position in well-drained soil and watered regularly in summer (it grows in summer rainfall habitats)
Seed should be sown in spring and should start germinating in 12-20 days. The seedlings transplant well and often flower at the end of the season[].

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