Mmushi T MSc (Microbiology).pdf

from East Coast Fever, and people take it as a cure for parasitic worm infections in the
form of a decoction (De Boera et al., 2005),anthelmintic action (Teichler, 1935) and
antiplasmodial activity (Nundkumar and Ojewole, 2002)
Fig. 1.17. Vangueria infausta subsp. infausta.
1.6.13. Warburgia salutaris
Warburgia salutaris belongs to the family Canellaceae with a common name pepperbark
tree. This is a tropical forest tree that extends southwards as far as KwaZulu-Natal,
eastern and northern Gauteng and across Swaziland. Its growth habitat is forests and
kloofs. This is an evergreen, slender tree that grows from 5 to 10 m tall. The dark green,
glossy leaves are paler green below with entire margins, and are simple, alternately
arranged, elliptic to lanceolate. The midrib is slightly off-centre with the tapering apex
and base. The leaves have a bitter, burning, aromatic taste. The stem is covered by a
rich brown bark that is also bitter and peppery. Medicinally, the pepper-like, bitter stems
and root bark are used as a remedy for common colds (Hutchings et al., 1996). Dried
and ground, these make a snuff used to clear the sinuses. Taken orally these are
believed to cure spots in the lungs, sores in the mouth and as a natural antibiotic to treat
chest infections (Van Wyk and Gericke, 2000).
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