Wildflower series ~ Eriosema cordatum

Another pretty member of the pea family, Eriosema cordatum doesn't have an english common name that I know of although it is known as mvusankunzi in isiZulu, a name which alludes to the fact that these plants are used in traditional medicine to treat erectile dysfunction and this family is regarded as "African Viagra".

The plant above has had some insect munching on its leaves although the leaves aren't used medicinally, the plant has an underground rhizome which is boiled in milk and taken daily and before bedtime to treat impotence. The exact compounds which cause this effect are not clearly understood. The stored nutrients in the rhizome enables this plant to start flowering before the spring rains. It is a small green creeper with furry leaves and these are growing at the base of the small valley where the ground will be damper in summer.