Entada rheedii
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| African Dream Herb | ||||||||||||||
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| Entada rheedii Spreng.[1] |
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E. pursaetha DC. |
Entada rheedii is a large woody liane or climber. It is also known as African Dream Herb and Snuff Box Sea Bean. It is often spelled as Entada rheedei, though initially published as E. rheedii. The alternate spelling is to correctly honour Hendrik Adriaan von Rheede tot Draakestein (1637-1691).[2]
Its leaves are dried and smoked to induce vivid dreams. Its seeds are known to be found on east African beaches, having grown on river and estuary banks and in swamp forest. They have thick and durable seed coats and can survive lengthy periods of immersion in sea water. These seeds are sought after as pieces of jewelry and as good-luck charms. As a result of its ready dispersal by sea, Entada rheedii is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical countries bordering the Indian Ocean.
The plant is also used as a topical ointment against jaundice.
[edit] References
- ^ Entada rheedei information from NPGS/GRIN. www.ars-grin.gov. Retrieved on 2008-03-10.
- ^ The International Plant Names Index (2004). Entada rheedei. Accessed 5 September 2007.
