This species is closely related to Obetia carruthersiana (Hiern) Rendle from Namibia and W. Angola, and perhaps is no more than subspecifically distinct[].

Common Name:

General Information

Obetia tenax is a deciduous shrub or tree that can grow from 2 - 5 metres tall, occasionally to 7 metres[, ]. The bole can be up to 30cm in diameter[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials.

Known Hazards

Contact with the stinging hairs causes intense itching and burning, and may result in blisters on the skin[].

Botanical References

Range

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

Habitat

Rocky ravines in deciduous bushland; very frequently on granite outcrops at elevations from 1,000 - 1,400 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Tree
Height	4.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Grows best in a sunny position[]. Prefers a moist but well-drained soil[].
A moderately fast-growing plant[].
This species is presumed to be dioecious, in which case both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required[, ].

Edible Uses

Leaves - cooked and eaten as a vegetable[]. It is often mixed with the leaves of Pouzolzia mixta and eaten with porridge[].

Medicinal

The root pulp is applied on snakebites[].

Other Uses

A strong fibre of good colour is obtained from the bark[, ]. It is used traditionally for making sleeping mats[]. The fibre is made into tough cords, ropes, nets and mats[]. The stripped bast resembles China grass, but is more brittle and is not so lustrous[].

The bark is used for thatching[].

The wood is soft and fibrous, with a spongy pith or hollow centre[].

Propagation

Seed -
The plant is easily propagated[].

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