Stephania abyssinica Seeds - Rare Indigenous Caudiciform Vine, Creeper, Climber

Stephania is a genus of flowering plants in the family Menispermaceae, native to eastern and southern Asia and Australasia. They are herbaceous perennial vines growing to around 4 m tall, with a large, woody tuber (caudex). The leaves are arranged spirally on the stem, and are peltate, with the leaf petiole attached near the centre of the leaf. This plant will produce a lovely above ground caudex.

The plant sap of Stephania abyssinica is taken to treat dysentery, diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach complaints, sexually transmitted diseases, and in remedies for menstrual disorders and sterility in women. In Tanzania the sap is taken with milk as an emetic to relieve chest pain and heart complaints, or administered topically to treat eye problems. Pulped leaves are applied as a dressing to heal fractures and dislocations. The purgative effects of the plant sap are mild and fresh leaves pounded with water are even given to children for this purpose; it is also used to expel intestinal worms and to cure menorrhagia. In Malawi pounded leaves are taken against indigestion. A decoction of the leaves and roots used as a wash is considered invigorating for pregnant women and weak children. Throughout eastern Africa a root extract is used in malaria therapy and against internal parasites, particularly roundworm, threadworm and pinworm. The roots are also taken as an aphrodisiac. The root sap is an antidote to snakebites, whereas crushed leaves are applied to tortoise bites. In South Africa the powdered root is taken with the leaves of Momordica foetida Schumach. to treat abscesses on the skin.

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