Common Name:

General Information

Entada arenaria is a perennial plant producing erect stems 5 - 100cm tall from a stout, woody rhizome. These stems are often annual, but can become more or less woody and persist[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a source of fibre and ornamental beads.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Tropical Africa - southern DR Congo, Angola, Zambia, Namibia, Zimbabwe.

Habitat

Grassland and woodland with Brachystegia or with Baikiaea-Burkea on Kalahari sand; at elevations around 1,200 metres[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.75 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

The plant grows in deep, sandy soils in the wild[].
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

None known

Other Uses

The small, rather flat, shiny brown seeds are used as ornaments in necklaces etc[].

A strong fibre is obtained from the root bark[]. It is used for making carrying nets and to make ornamental cords and bracelets[].

Propagation

Seed -

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