PESTICIDAL PLANT LEAFLET Aloe Ferox Mill

Home , Dysphania ambrosioides, Tephrosia vogelii

PESTICIDAL PLANT LEAFLET Aloe ferox Mill.

ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS

Taxonomy and nomenclature Family: Xanthorrhoeaceae (formerly Asphodelaceae) Synonym(s): Aloe candelabrum A. Berger (1906) Vernacular/ common names : (English): Red aloe, bitter aloe, cape aloe (French): Aloes du Cap

Distribution and habitat A. ferox is indigenous to South Africa and Lesotho, growing in the semi-arid open plains to rocky mountain slopes. In Kenya it is commonly cultivated in Nairobi gardens and its environs. It is distributed throughout the tropics and sub tropics where it grows as an ornamental or medicinal plant. It grows in a wide range of climatic conditions, but abundant on arid, rocky hillsides up to

1000 mo altitude, where mean temperature ranges from Botanical description 27-31 C and annual rainfall is 50-300 mm. A. ferox is a single-stemmed plant growing up to 2-5 m tall. The crown is a dense rosette of green to red-brown succulent leaves up to 1 m long and the stem is covered Uses in persistent dried leaves. Each leaf has brown spines There are two main useful products obtained from A. along the margins and often on the surfaces. The flowers ferox. Aloe gel comes from the leaf parenchyma, the are bisexual, about 10 cylindrical racemes on a branched white inner fleshy part. It drains from the leaf when cut panicle, long with dark orange stamens protruding from and is used for its cleansing, antiseptic, moisturizing the mouth. Some forms can have bright red, yellow or and anti-inflamatory properties. Aloe bitters, the dark white flowers. sap comes from between the green peel and the white jelly and are used as a laxative and to treat arthritis. Note: Always verify your plant specimen and deposit a A. ferox has more vitamins, minerals, amino acids and voucher in a verified herbarium. polysaccharides than A. vera.

Insecticidal - It repels insects when planted as a live Fruit and Seed description fence. The leaf ash is also used as an insect repellent Fruit is an ovoid capsule up to 3 cm long, many seeded. and can be dusted onto stored maize or cowpea at The seeds are about 9 mm long, broadly winged. The a concentration of about 5% w/w as reported for A. seeds storage of A. ferox is orthodox. The dry seeds marlothii. survive without significant reduction in their viability Medicinal - In humans it regenerates injured nerves and thus can be stored by long-term freezing. and new skin cells, soothes sunburn, wounds, insect bites, eczema, ringworm, rashes, acne, reduces pain Flowering and fruiting habit and swelling of arthritis and rheumatism and is used to In South Africa the striking flowers are seen in winter treat opthalmia and syphilis. In cattle, it is used to treat from May to October. jaundice, red water and expels worms. Seed storage behaviour Safety measure Seed storage is orthodox. The seeds of A. ferox survive Always use gloves, protective clothing and caution being dried without significantly reducing their viability, when handling and applying plant materials to field and are therefore amenable to long-term cold storage. crops or stored commodities and minimise exposure of consumers. Avoid contact with the skin. In case of accidental contact, immediately wash the affected area Growth and development with clean running water. The flower morphology suggests pollination by birds and honey bees. It is self-incompatible and only a few flowers per raceme flower simultaneously. The Selected readings stamens produce pollen in the morning and wither in www.kew.org. the afternoon. www.sanbi.org/biodiversity/reddata.07/10/2009. www.database.prota.org. Propagation www.seedaholic.com. A. ferox is easy to cultivate. It grows best in free draining compost which should be soaked and allowed to dry Grace, O.M., Simmonds, M.S.J., Smith, G.F. & Van out between watering and light watering in winter. It Wyk, A.E. (2009). Documented utility and biocultural grows well in a cool/ warm glasshouse and put outside value of Aloe L. (Asphodelaceae): a review. Economic in summer. It can be propagated by seed and planting of Botany, 64, 167-178. the tops of old plants. It can also regenerate from root Achiano, K.A., Giliomee, J.H., Pringle, K.L. 1999. The and embryo tissue. use of ash from Aloe marlothii Berger for the control of maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), in stored maize. African Harvesting Entomology, 7, 169-172 Harvesting of leaves is sustainable by cutting older Fourie, J.J., Fourie, L. J., Horak, I. G. (2005). Efficacy ones and leaving younger ones and growing tips. The of orally administered powdered aloe juice (Aloe ferox) leaves are cut off transversely and exudates allowed to against ticks on cattle and ticks and fleas on dogs. Jls. drain for 4-5 hours. Squeezing the leaves by warm or Afri. Vet. Ass. 76 (4), 193-196. cold water retting will also drain the exudates. There Jellin, J.M., Gregory, P.J., et al. (2008). Pharmacist’s are more exudates in wet rather than dry months. The Letter/Prescriber’s Letter Natural Medicines gel is obtained by removing the outer tissues and/ or Comprehensive Database. 10th Ed. Therapeutic by scraping it from the leaf blade cut lengthwise. Two Research Faculty, Stockton. tonnes of A. ferox yield about 1 kg of gel powder, which is higher than for A. vera. Reynolds, G.W. (1950). The Aloes of South Africa. Aloes Book Fund, Johannesburg. Conservation status Threatened Species Programme (2009). South African Aloe ferox is common throughout its range in South National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. Africa. Most of the material used in commercial products is wild-harvested; there are concerns that increasing demands will threaten the sustainability of this resource. Authors: P. Anjarwalla, L. Mwaura, D. A. Ofori, R. Jamnadass, P. C. Stevenson, P. Smith.

ISBN 978-92-9059-340-9

Pesticidal plant leaflets are a series of species wise extension leaflets on botanical pesticides. Leaflets are compiled from existing literature and research available at the time of writing. In order to currently improve recommendations, ICRAF, MSBP and the University of Greenwich encourage feedback from users and researchers who have experience with the species. Comments, corrections, improvements and amendments will be incorporated into future edited leaflets. Please write your comments to: [email protected] or [email protected] PESTICIDAL PLANT LEAFLET Dysphania ambrosioides L.

ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS

Taxonomy and nomenclature Distribution and habitat Family: Chenopodiaceae It is found throughout the tropical and subtropical regions Synonym: Chenopodium ambrosioides (L.) Mosyakin of the world, but mostly polymorphic in South America. & Clemants It is found in a variety of disturbed habitats, gardens, Vernacular/ common names: cultivated fields, waste ground but most often on sand (English): Wormseed, Mexican tea by rivers. Preferred altitude ranges between 550-1620 (Maa): Ngaingunudero m. In Kenya, it is found in Tsavo East National Park, in (Kipsigis): Kibirosit Nyeri, Limuru, Thika, Machakos and Laikipia. (Kamba): Muanzo/ Mwianzo Uses Pesticidal - Leaf decoction is used as a fumigant against mosquitoes and flies and kills snails. Also used asa fungi toxicant in post harvest grain protection. Added to fertilizers to inhibit insect larvae. Oil used as post- harvest grain protection as a fungi toxicant. Powdered leaves can be added to stored grain at around 0.5% w/w to control Bruchids in bean or up to 5% w/w for the control of maize storage pests including Sitophilus zeamais. Consumption of the leaf powder should be avoided on account of the potential harmful effects of the active ingredient ascaridole although this compound is volatile and will naturally escape stored products. Regular agitation of stored bags may help to reinvigorate the effects of the plant material. Winnowing off plant material before use will reduce risk. Food - Leaves used as condiments in soups or tea. Soaked and cooked seeds are consumed in moderation. Medicinal - Tea drunk to expel parasitic worms from the body of humans and livestock. Used as remedy for stomach pains, used to clean haemorrhoids, detoxify snakebites and other poisons, clean wounds. Oil used to treat athletes foot and insect bites.

Photograph B T Wursten Botanical description Safety measure D. ambrosioides is a hermaphroditic herb, usually Always use gloves, protective clothing and caution annual, up to 180 cm high, upright, much branched, when handling and applying plant materials to field green. Leaves are mostly lanceolate (up to 4 cm long crops or stored commodities and minimise exposure and 1 cm wide) and toothed. Flowers are small, green, in of consumers. Avoid contact with the skin. In case of an elongated, dense, terminal cluster, petals none. accidental contact, immediately wash the affected area with clean running water Note: Always verify your plant specimen and deposit a voucher in a verified herbarium. Caution: This plant can be invasive

Fruits and seed description The bracts of the fruits are green or brown, often Selected readings enclosed in infolded perianth. The fruit odour is strong, USDA Plants database. (http://plants.usda.gov). the taste pungent and bitter. Seeds are horizontal or vertical (rarely oblique), lenticular to subglobose, seed Hammouda, F.M., Ismail, S.I., Abdel-Azim N.S., Shams coat black, brown or reddish brown, embryo annular K.A. and Batanouny K.H., (2005). A Guide to Medicinal or horseshoe-shaped, surrounding copious farinaceous Plants in North Africa. IUCN Centre for Mediterranean perisperm. Cooperation, Malaga, Spain. Tapondjou, L.A., Adler, C.; Bouda, H. & Fontem, Flowering and fruiting habit D.A. (2002). Efficacy of powder and essential oil from Chenopodium ambrosioides leaves as post-harvest grain In Kenya, it flowers in July-August and the fruits are protectants against six-stored product beetle. Journal of ripe in September. stored products research, 38, 395-402. Selase, A.G. & Getu, E. (2009). Evaluation of botanical Harvesting plants powders against Zabrotes haricot beans under The plant can be harvested by cutting the centre stem laboratory condition. African journal of Agricultural first, to encourage bushing. The plant can be pruned Research, 4 (10), 1073-1079. frequently to prevent flowering and assure continuing supply of leaves. Plants are cut for oil or dried for liquid Sousa, Z.L., de Oliveira, F., da Conceiçã, A., Alberto, extracts and powder. Leaves are also picked and used as L., Silva ,M., Rossi, M., da S Santos, J. and Andrioli, required fresh. J.(2012). Biological activities of extracts from Chenopodium ambrosioides lineu and Kiel meyera neglecta saddi. Annals of Clinical microbiology and Propagation and cultivation antimicrobials, 11, 20. It grows easily in most soils but prefers sandy loam and sunny dry zones and soil pH 5.2-8.3. Seeds germinate Raintree’s Tropical Plant Database. (rain-tree.com). easily when sown fresh. Germination rates are good and seedlings appear within a few days of sowing the seed. Authors: P. Anjarwalla, D. A. Ofori, R. Jamnadass, P. C. Stevenson, P. Smith.

ISBN 978-92-9059-341-6

ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS

Taxonomy and nomenclature Distribution and habitat Family: Euphorbiaceae E. tirucalli is the most widespread of all the Euphorbia Vernacular/ common names : species. It is native in Angola, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, (English): Firesticks plants, Naked lady, Pencil tree, Malawi, Mauritius, Rwanda, Senegal, Sudan, Tanzania, Milk bush Uganda, and Zanzibar and can survive in a wide range (Maa): Oloilei of habitats. It can grow in tropical arid areas with low (Kipsigis): Lechuangit rainfall, on poor eroded soils, saline soils and high (Kamba): Ndau altitudes up to 2000 m but cannot survive frost. It grows (Swahili): Mtupa mwitu, Mwasi, Utupa wild, often in abandoned sites of homesteads. In Kenya for instance, it is found in Ruaka on the highway to Thikka and in Jilore forest station in Kilifi, in Baringo, Sigor, Makueni and Kitui.

Uses Pesticidal uses - The plant’s latex can be used against aphids, mosquitoes, some bacteria and molluscs. However it is also toxic, due to phorbol based diterpenoids causing severe irritation from contact, emesis and purgation from ingestion. Used as a hunter’s tool in local fishing and arrow poisoning in tropical Africa. Dose-dependant latex toxicity to parasitic nematodes such as Haplolaimus indicus, Helicolylenchus indicus and Tylenchus filiformis in vitro. Medicinal uses - In east Africa, latex used against sexual impotence, warts, epilepsy, toothache, hemorrhoids, snake bites, extraction of ecto-parasites and cough. In Malaysia, a poultice of roots and stems can be applied to nose ulceration, haemorrhoids and swellings. In India, it is a remedy for spleen enlargement, asthma, dropsy, leprosy, biliousness, leucorrhea, dyspepsia, jaundice, colic, tumours and bladder stones. Branch and root decoction used for colic. Ashes applied on open abscesses. Use as an energy source - Latex of E. tirucalli is composed of petroleum-like hydrocarbons, largely

C30 triterpenoids which on cracking yield high octane gasoline. Potential source of biodiesel as high biomass and growth in marginal areas unfit for other crops. Ease Fruit and Seed description of fermentation implies potential source of methane and Fruit a glabrescent capsule, exerted on a tomentose biogas. Can be used as compost, charcoal and fuelwood, pedicel to 1 cm long, subglobose, 8 x 8.5 mm. Seed particularly in semi-arid areas devoid of forests and ovoid, 3.5 x 2.8 mm, smooth, buff speckled with brown due to its fast growth rate, high productivity and quick and dark brown ventral line; caruncle 1 mm across. acclimatization to an area and ease of drying.

Use for rubber - It contains hydrocarbon polymers which Propagation can be used for manufacturing of rubber substitutes. Stem cuttings grow fast forming dense bushes which Its latex is an emulsion of terpenes and resins in become naturalized and forms a small tree. Seed water, which can easily be transformed into rubber at germination is epigeous. low cost. Used at the east African coast in local gum manufacture, for fastening knife blades to wood handles and spearheads to shafts. Can be used as wood-based Safety measure glue and adhesives. Always use gloves, protective clothing and caution Use in conservation and Agroforestry - Its favourable when handling and applying plant materials to field feature of drought resistance makes E. tirucalli a good crops or stored commodities and minimise exposure species to use in semi-arid areas for afforestation and of consumers. Avoid contact with the skin. In case of reforestation for soil conservation- Success in Tanzania, accidental contact, immediately wash the affected area Kenya and Sri Lanka. Used as hedge plant owing to with clean running water. the irritant properties of the latex to potential invasive animals of homesteads and fields, as an intercrop, as boundary demarcation and as a windbreak. Selected readings www.nri.org/projects/adappt. Use as ornamental - Popular as ornamental plants in pots or in lawns rendering favourable trade. Orwa et. al., 2009, world agroforestry database.

Botanical description Mwine Tedson Julius, PhD thesis, 2011- Evaluation It is a deciduous shrub or small tree which can reach of pesticidal properties of Euphorbia tirucalli L. 4-12 m high with brittle, succulent branches 7 mm (Euphorbiaceae) against selected pests. University of thick, often in whorls, green with whitish latex. Leaves Gent. are few, fleshy and linear-lanceolate, 1.5-2 mm, present only at tip of branchlets. Cymes 2-6, congested at apices of branchlets, forking 2-4 times producing cluster of cyathia developing only male flowers, sometimes female.

Note: Always verify your plant specimen and deposit a voucher in a verified herbarium. Authors: P. Anjarwalla, L. Mwaura, D. A. Ofori, R. Jamnadass, P. C. Stevenson, P. Smith.

ISBN 978-92-9059-342-3

ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS

Taxonomy and nomenclature Family: Solanaceae. Synonym: Solanum panduriforme E.Mey, Solanum bojeri Dunal, Solanum campylacanthum Hochst, Solanum delagoense Dunal, Solanum lichtensteinii Willd, Vernacular/common names: (English) Bitter apple, snake apple, Sodom apple, thorn apple (Ndebele) Intume, umdulukwa Munhomboro (Shona) Munhundurwa.

Distribution and habitat Solanum incanum is abundant and common as a weed, around houses, in overgrazed grassland and on roadsides. It is also found at forest edges and in bushland and grassland, from sea-level up to 2500 m altitude. It is Botanical description considered an indicator for low-fertility soils. Solanum incanum is a herb or soft wooded shrub up to 1.8 m in height with spines on the stem, /stalks and calyces and with velvet hairs on the leaves. Flowers pale Uses to deep blue, mauve or purple. The leaves are alternate, Pesticidal - S. incanum is effective for control of cattle egg-shaped in outline with broad end at base (ovate) ticks when used as water extracted concoction. The with slightly wavy margins (especially on young leaves), whole dry ripe fruits are crushed and extracted in water with a grey-green upper surface and a green-white lower at 5% w/v for 24 h and this is then sprayed onto cattle surface. (5L/animal). However it has shown acute toxicity when applied at high concentrations so users need to wear appropriate protective clothing, gloves and face mask Note: Always verify your plant specimen and deposit a when applying. voucher in a verified herbarium.

Medicinal - The fruit of S. incanum are used in Kenya for treatment of skin mycotic infections. Fruit and Seed description Fruit are mottled or striped green and light green, yellow Other - The leaves and stems are used in compost. when ripe. Seed: On average, there are 131,000 seeds/kg, depending on the provenance and the climatic conditions. Flowering and fruiting habit The flowers are often borne in the leaf axils, sometimes accidental contact, immediately wash the affected area solitary or in clusters of a few flowers. The yellow or with clean running water. white calyx is fused, the purple corolla regular, bell- or Caution: This plant can be invasive. wheel shaped with 5 stamens. The globular fruits are yellow at the beginning, becoming black later on. In Kenya, the species flowers from November to March. Selected readings Kamanula, J., Sileshi, G.W., Belmain, S.R., Sola P., Harvesting and extraction of seeds Mvumi, B.M., Nyirenda, G.K., Nyirenda, S.P and Ripe yellow fruits are hand collected from the tree Stevenson, P.C. (2011). Farmers insect Pest management practices and pesticidal plant use in the protection of branches using secateurs.o Fruitso are dried under shade at a temperature of 30 C-35 C for two days. Seed stored maize and beans in South Africa, Int. J. Pest extraction is done as soon as the fruit turns brown. Fruits Manage, 57, 41-49. are squeezed between the fingers, crushed and seeds removed, the seeds are washed in running water to clear Madzimure, J., Nyahangare, E.T., Hamudikuwanda, off the pulp and spread on open trays to dry for two to H., Hove, T., Belmain, S.R., Stevenson, P.C., Mvumi, three days. B.M. (2013) Efficacy of Strychnos spinosa (Lam.) and Solanum incanum L. aqueous fruit extracts against cattle ticks. Tropical Animal Health and Production. (in Storage and viability press). Seed storage behaviour is orthodox; viability can be maintainedo for over 1 year in air-dry hermetic storage at Henderson, L. (2002). Problem plants in Ngorongoro 5 C at a moisture content of 6-8%. Conservation Area. Final Report to the NCAA.

Fukuhara, K. and Kubo, I. (1991). Isolation of steroidal Propagation and pre-treatment glycoalkaloids from Solanum incanum by two counter Ideally, the seeds should be soaked for 24 hours before current chromatographic methods. Phytochemistry sowing as this will increase germination rate to above 30(2), 685-687. 75%. (unpublished data, ICRAF 2012).

Safety measure Always use gloves, protective clothing and caution Authors: L. Mwaura, P. Anjarwalla, D. A. Ofori, P. C. when handling and applying plant materials to field Stevenson, P. Smith and R. Jamnadass. crops or stored commodities and minimise exposure of consumers. Avoid contact with the skin. In case of

ISBN 978-92-9059-343-0

ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS

Taxonomy and nomenclature edible and often sun dried as a food preserve. There is Family: Loganiaceae no evidence of the occurrence of strychnine in the plant Vernacular/common names: (English): elephant orange, although the chemistry of seeds has not been reported kaffir orange, monkey ball, monkey orange, Natal so they should be avoided as they may be poisonous or orange, spiny monkey ball, spiny monkey orange. could have purgative effects. (Swahili): mtonga, mpapa.

Distribution and habitat S. spinosa occurs in savannah forests all over tropical Africa and grows in open woodland and riverine fringes. Native: Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritius, Seychelles, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia. Exotic to: South Africa, United States of America. The tree can be found growing singly in well-drained soils. It is found in bushveld, riverine fringes, sand forest and coastal bush from the Eastern Cape, to Kwazulu-Natal, Mozambique and inland to Swaziland, Zimbabwe, northern Botswana and northern Namibia, north to tropical Africa. This tree prefers sandy soils and grows fast in rocky areas. Prefers full sun and requires moderate amount of water. Botanical description Uses S. spinosa is a small to medium sized, spiny deciduous Pesticidal - S. spinosa is among plant species commonly tree with leaves turning yellow in autumn. The canopy used as pesticides in Southern Africa. Aqueous extracts is flattish and irregular and the tree is heavily branched. of S. spinosa show potential as alternatives to synthetic Leaves simple, opposite, elliptic- ovate to almost pesticides but little is known about their level of circular, 1.5-9 x 1.2-7.5 cm, light to dark green and toxicity. The unripe fruit pulp can be extracted and glossy at the base; veins pale green and curving along the diluted in water to about 10% w/v and after filtering margin; apex tapering to rounded, sometimes notched; through muslin sprayed onto cattle (5L/animal). base tapering, rounded or slightly lobed; margin entire, Medicinal - Compounds from the tree have inclined to be wavy; petiole 2-10 mm long. been shown to have anti-trypanocidal activity. Other uses - The wood can be used for general carpentry. Note: Always verify your plant specimen and deposit a Timber from S. spinosa produces handles, fighting sticks voucher in a verified herbarium. and hut poles. It is also used for carving. Dried fruit, after the seeds are removed, are often used as sounding- boxes for musical instruments such as the marimba. Fruit and flower description They are also carved and sold as curios. The fruit is Fruit spherical, woody shelled, 5-12 cm in diameter, deep yellow to yellow-brown when mature, contains many tightly packed flat seeds surrounded by a fleshy, Conservation status edible covering pulp. The species is not selected or highlighted as potential taxa for conservation concern for detailed assessment Flowers creamy green, up to 6 mm long, in compact and hence given an automated status as Least Concern heads about 3.5-4 cm, terminal on short lateral twigs, in the red list of South African plants. densely crowded together on short stalks about 10 mm long (September-February/Spring - summer). Safety measure Always use gloves, protective clothing and caution when handling and applying plant materials to field crops or stored commodities and minimise exposure of consumers. Avoid contact with the skin. In case of accidental contact, immediately wash the affected area with clean running water.

Selected readings Madzimure, J., Nyahangare, E.T., Hamudikuwanda, H., Hove, T., Belmain, S.R., Stevenson, P.C., Mvumi, B.M. (2013) Efficacy of Strychnos spinosa (Lam.) and Solanum incanum L. aqueous fruit extracts against cattle ticks. Tropical Animal Health and Production. (in Fruit collection press). Fruits are harvested when the color turns from green to yellow brown. Harvesting is by cutting the branches Nyahangare, E.T., Hove, T., Hamudikuwanda, H., holding the fruit using a pair of secateurs. A canvas Belmain, S.R., Stevenson, P.C., Mvumi, B.M. (2012) could be spread on the ground to hold the fruits during Toxicity of the pesticidal plants Strychnos spinosa harvesting. Lam., Bobgunnia madagascariensis (Desv.) J.H. Kirkbr. & Wiersama Vernonia amygdalina Del. and Processing and handling Cissus quadrangularis L. in BALB/c mice, Journal of Medicinal Plants Research. 6(13), 2674-2680. After collection, fresh fruits are soaked in water to soften the fresh pulp and are extracted by rubbing with hands Schmidt, E., Lötter, M. & McCleland, W. 2002. Trees to remove the pulp; they are then squeezed to release and shrubs of Mpumalanga and Kruger National Park. the seeds. Cleaned seeds are spread on open trays to dry Jacana, Johannesburg. under-shade. These are about 1800 seeds/kg.

Propagation The species can be regenerated from root suckers and Authors: L. Mwaura, P. Anjarwalla, D. A. Ofori, R. coppice or seeds. Seeds are soaked in hot water or the Jamnadass, P. Stevenson, and P. Smith. hard coat is burned to facilitate and improve germination. It can also be propagated vegetatively.

Storage and viability Seed storage behaviour is orthodox; long-term storage.

ISBN 978-92-9059-344-7

ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS

Taxonomy and nomenclature Other uses - Used in perfumery and as flavour in Family: Asteraceae beverages and food industry. Synonym (s): Tagetes glandulifera, Tagetes gladulosa Vernacular/ common names : (English): Mexican marigold, stinkweed, Khaki weed (Maa): Ol’ bangi (Kikuyu) : Mubangi (Kamba) : Muvangi/ kivangi (Luo) : Nyanjaga (Luhya): Etakanyi

Distribution and habitat It is an invasive weed on farms. Grows well in disturbed areas and cultivated beds, usually found in maize farms. Originally from South America but is now a widespread weed in Africa, South Europe, South Asia and Australia. Botanical description In Kenya it is found in Nairobi, Taita Hills, Voi-Nairobi Strongly scented annual herb with stiff erect stems up road, Kaimosi, Masai Mara, Gatundu, Gathiuru Forest to 2 m tall. Leaves stalked, opposite, light green, 7-15 in Nyeri, Machakos. cm long, pinnately dissected into 4-6 pairs of pinnae. Leaflets lanceolate, margins finely serrate. Undersurface of leaves bears sunken oil glands with liquorice-like Uses aroma when ruptured. Glands also present on the stems Insecticidal - Powdered plants are effective against and involucres bracts. Inflorescences terminal with maize and Mexican beans weevils when mixed with numerous tube-like capitula of dull yellow florets. grain but require relatively high concentrations. Plant extract is effective against aphid Brevicoryne brassicae Note: Always verify your plant specimen and deposit a and red spider mites in vegatables. Essential oil is used voucher in a verified herbarium. against ticks. Decoctions show effective control of intestinal parasites in domestic livestock. Secretions from roots are effective against nematodes, worms, Fruit and Seed description insects, fungi and perennial weeds. Black achenes, narrowly ellipsoid and hard seeds, 6-7 mm long, pilose, pappus of 1-2 setae to 3 mm long and Medicinal - It is used to treat gastritis, indigestion and 3-4 scales to 1 mm long with ciliate apex. intestinal worms. Externally it is used to treat skin infections and haemorrhoids. The essential oil treats fungal infections like athlete’s foot and boosts the Flowering and fruiting habit respiratory system. It has antimicrobial, antiphlogistic, It flowers in February, June and November. The fruits antiseptic, antispasmodic, cytophylactic, sedative, are available in December-January, March-April and emollient, fungicide and hypertensive properties. July-September. Harvesting Selected readings Harvesting of seeds is done in February, May and www.pfaf.org October. Harvesting of leaves and flower parts are done Weaver, D.K., Zettler, J.L., Wells, C.D., et al. (1997) above the ground where leaves and inflorescence are Toxicity of fractionated and degraded Mexican marigold desirable. floral extract to adult Sitophilus zeamais (Coleoptera: curculionidae) Journal Of Economic Entomology, 90, 1678-1683. Processing and handling Mature fruits, black-brown in colour, are removed from Tomova, B.S., Waterhouse, J.S., Doberski, J. (2005) stalks. Seeds are obtained by sieving dried fruits to The effect of fractionated Tagetes oil volatiles on aphid remove husks. One pod has several seeds. reproduction. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata, 115, 153-159.

Propagation and cultivation Muzemu, S., Mvumi B.M., Nyirenda S.P.M., Sileshi, Seeds germinate readily when sown fresh, without G.W., Sola P., Kamanula J.F., Belmain S.R. & Stevenson treatment. Seeds are sprinkled directly on soil or only P.C. (2012). Pesticidal effects of indigenous plants just cover with soil. Germination takes place within one extracts against rape aphids and tomato red spider mites. week. Seedlings can also be transplanted to pots. Grows African Crop Sci Conf Proc, 10, 169 – 171. well in disturbed areas, in heavy clay soils or sandy soils. Macedo, Iara T.F., Bevilaqua, Claudia M.L., de Oliveira, Safety measure Lorena M B et al., (2012) In vitro activity of Lantana camara, Alpinia zerumbet, Mentha villosa and Tagetes Always use gloves, protective clothing and caution minuta decoctions on Haemonchus contortus eggs and when handling and applying plant materials to field larvae Veterinary. Parasitology, 190, 504-509. crops or stored commodities and minimise exposure of consumers. Avoid contact with the skin. In case of accidental contact, immediately wash the affected area Tomova, B.S., Waterhouse, J.S., Doberski, J. (2005). with clean running water. The effect of fractionated Tagetes oil volatiles on aphid reproduction . Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata, Caution: This plant can be invasive. 115, 153-159.

Authors: D. A. Ofori, P. Anjarwalla, L. Mwaura, R. Jamnadass, P. C. Stevenson and P. Smith.

ISBN 978-92-9059-345-4

ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS

Taxonomy and nomenclature Family: Fabaceae Vernacular/common names: (English): fish bean, fish- poison bean, vogel’s tephrosia (Lao (Sino-Tibetan)): hu kata (Swahili): kibaazi, kibazi, mibaazi, mtupa, utupa wa kibaazi, utupa wa kingindo, utupa wa mrima.

Distribution and habitat Tephrosia vogelii is native to tropical Africa. It is found in widely varying habitats, including savanna-like vegetation, grasslands, forest margins and shrublands, waste lands and fallow fields. It occurs in climates with annual rainfall of 850-2650o mm and annual mean temperature of 12.5-26.2 C and is found up to 2100 m altitude. It is encountered most abundantly where cultivated.

Uses Tephrosia vogelii is a known nitrogen-fixing species, cultivated as green manure in Indonesia and many other parts of Africa. It is also planted as a windbreak and as a temporary shade crop. Crude extract from leaves of Botanical description Tephrosia vogelii is potentially used to control ticks and Tephrosia vogelii is a soft, woody branching herb or small worms in the Ugandan animal production systems. It tree with dense foliage, 0.5-4 m tall, with velutinous to has also been used to control larval stages of mosquitoes sericeous indumentum. Stems and branches tomentose and is effective against soft bodied insects and mites with long and short white or rusty-brown hairs. Leaves including aphids and red spider mites. Dried leaves arranged spirally, imparipinnate; stipules 10-22 x 3-3.5 have the potential to protect stored legume seeds from mm, early caducous; rachis 5-25 cm long, 1.5-5 mm damage by the bruchids as used by farmers in Southern long including petiolule; leaflets in 5-14 pairs, narrowly Africa. For control of weevils (less effective) and grain elliptical to elliptical-oblanceolate, up to 7 x 2 cm, base borer, mix 100-250 g powdered dry leaves to 100 kg of acute to obtuse, apex rounded to emarginate, venation beans or cowpea. Before eating beans, wash thoroughly. most distinct on lower surface, silky tomentose. Tephrosia vogelii plant extracts were once used as fish Inflorescence a terminal or axillary pseudo-raceme, poison but now many countries term this as illegal. To 8-26 cm long, rusty tomentose; basal bracts leaf like, make the insecticide, mix dry powdered leaves 10% w/v peduncle stout, as long as pseudo-raceme; flower 18-26 in water containing 1% liquid soap for 24 hours. Dilute mm long, fragrant when fresh, white, violet-purple or 5-10 times to give 1-2% concentration and spray in the blue; pedicel up to 23 mm long; bracteoles sometimes early evening to reduce exposure to sunlight and lessen present on calyx. effects against beneficial insects. Note: Always verify your plant specimen and deposit a Propagation and pre-treatment voucher in a verified herbarium. The seeds should be soaked in cold water for 24 hours before sowing to enhance germination. For maximum Fruit and Seed description leaf yield sow 35,000 seeds per hectare. The pod is linear, slightly turgid, measuring 5.5-14 cm x 0.8-1.8 cm, brown or green, woolly to sericeous and Safety measure 6-18-seeded. The dark brown to black seed is ellipsoid to kidney-shaped and measuring 5-7 mm x 3-5 mm. Always use gloves, protective clothing and caution Seedling is with epigeal germination. The cotyledons when handling and applying plant materials to field are rather thin, leaf-like, green and long persistent, crops or stored commodities and minimise exposure where the first leaf is simple while the second is usually of consumers. Avoid contact with the skin. In case of 3-foliolate. accidental contact, immediately wash the affected area with clean running water. Flowering and fruiting habit The flowers are bisexual, borne in compact clusters. Selected readings The stigma is receptive when pollen is released, and Belmain, S.R., Amoah, B.A., Nyirenda, S.P., Kamanula, self-pollination occurs. Large carpenter bees (Xylocopa J.F. and Stevenson, P.C. (2012) Highly variable insect brazilianorum) have been reported as principal control efficacy of Tephrosia vogelii chemotypes. pollinators. Seed set is low. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 60(40), 10055–10063.

Harvesting Stevenson, P.C., Kite, G.C., Lewis, G.P., Nyirenda, Harvesting is done by shaking the branches and pulling S.P., Forest, F., Belmain, S.R, Sileshi, G., and Veitch, the pods with a hook in order to release them on canvas N.C. (2012) Distinct chemotypes of Tephrosia vogelii spread on the ground. and implications for their use in pest control and soil enrichment. Phytochemistry, 78, 135-146.

Processing and handling World Agroforestry Centre: Species database. Pods should be dried in the sun for a few days, and then threshed in a gunny bag by using a stick. After extraction, the seeds are cleaned by sieving, winnowing Matovu, H. and Olila, D., (2007). Acaricidal Activity of or using a mechanical blower. Cleaned seeds are dried Tephrosia vogelii Extracts on Nymph and Adult Ticks. to moisture content between 6 and 10% prior to storage. International Journal of Tropical Medicine, 2: 83-88.

Storage and viability

Seed storage behavior is orthodox; viability can o be Authors: L. Mwaura, P.C. Stevenson, D.A. Ofori, P. maintained for several years in hermetic storage at 10 C. Anjarwalla, R. Jamnadass and P. Smith. Seed can also be stored for at least a year if kept dry and insect free.

ISBN 978-92-9059-346-1

ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS

Taxonomy and nomenclature Family: Asteraceae Synonym: Mirasolia diversifolia Hemsl. Vernacular/ common names: (English): Mexican sunflower, tithonia, tree marigold (Kisii): Amaua maroro (Kikuyu): Maruru (Kamba): Ilaa (Luo): Maua makech, akech, maua madungo (Luhya): Maua amalulu

Distribution and habitat It is a common shrub on field boundaries, grasslands and disturbed lands in East Africa. Initially introduced into Kenya from Central America as an ornamental plant, it is Botanical description now found in Western and Central provinces, in coastal T. diversifolia is a woody herb or succulent shrub, 1.2-3 regions and parts of Rift Valley. It grows in regions of m tall. Opposite leaves (3-5), attenuate base, acute apex, crenate margin. Leaf size is 5-17 x 5-12 cm, densely 550-1950o m altitude and mean annual temperature of 15-31 C and mean annual rainfall of 100-2000 mm. pubescent beneath, palmate venation. Occasionally upper leaves are unloaded. Flowers are yellow, their ray size is 306 cm x 5-18 mm. Uses The flower heads are solitary on a peduncle 6-13 cm Pesticidal - Tithonia spp. are well known for long. Each mature stem may bear several flowers at the sesquiterpene lactones and diterpenoids – some of top of branches. which have biological activities against insects. Most The plant flowers and produces seeds throughout the bioassays have been conducted using extracts so are year. The light weight seeds can be dispersed by wind, not specific about which compounds are responsible for water and animals. effects. In Uganda, farmers use it in field and storage pest management although there is no published work Note: Always verify your plant specimen and deposit a to report evidence for these effects. voucher in a verified herbarium. Medicinal - Infusion suitable for constipation, stomach pains, indigestion, sore throat, liver pains and to treat malaria. Also reported activities as anti-inflammatory, Seed description analgesic, antimalarial, antiviral, antidiabetic, The ‘seeds’ (achenes) are 4-8 mm long and topped with antidiarrhoeal, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, a ring (pappus) of scales and two awns (about 5 mm vasorelaxant and cancer-chemopreventive. long). These ‘seeds’ are covered in close-lying hairs Fodder - Leaves, soft branches, flowers. Have high (they are appressed pubescent), blackish in colour, and nutritive-quality index. are somewhat four-angled. Fuel - Firewood to farmers. PESTICIDAL PLANT LEAFLET Flowering and fruiting habit Selected readings T. diversifolia flowers and produces seeds throughout Adayo, F., Mukalama, J.B., Enyola, M. (1997). Using the year and at different times in its separate habitats Tithonia concoctions for termite control. ILEIA and mainly during the rainy seasons in east Africa. Newsletter, 13. (4), p.24. Tithonia diversifolia is a prolific seeder which retains its seeds until the plant dries in the dry season when the Gachengo, C.N., Palm, C.A., Jama, B. and Othieno, C. seeds disperse and are spread by wind, water and the (1999). Tithonia and senna green manures and inorganic movement of people, livestock and vehicles. fertilizers as phosphorus sources for maize in Western Kenya. Agroforestry Systems, 44, 21-36.

Propagation and cultivation Chagas-Paula, D.A., Oliveira, R.B., Rocha, B.A., T. diversifolia can be propagated from seeds and cuttings. Da Costa, F.B. (2012). Ethnobotany, Chemistry, and Seeds germinate readily when sown fresh, without Biological Activities of the Genus Tithonia (Asteraceae). treatment, all year round. Seeds are sprinkled directly Chemistry & Biodiversity, 9, 210-235. on soil or only just cover with soil. Stem cuttings of 20 to 40 cm length establish readily, regardless of the Ambrosio, S.R., Arakawa, N.S. et al., (2008). angle at which they are inserted into the soil. Cuttings Constituents of glandular trichomes of Tithonia buried horizontally in the soil will sprout, but they are diversifolia: Relationships to herbivory and antifeedant less effective than cuttings inserted either upright or at activity Phytochemistry, 69, 2052-2060. an angle into soil. The cuttings should be planted into moist soil immediately after collection and not allowed Mwine J.,Van Damne P., Kamoga G., Kadumba, to sun dry. Nasuuna M., Jumba F. (2011). Ethnobotanical survey of pesticidal plant used in South Uganda. Case study of Safety measure Masaka district. Journal of Medicinal Plants research. 5(7), 1155-1163. Always use gloves, protective clothing and caution when handling and applying plant materials to field Oyewole, I. O., Ibidapo, C. A., Moronkola, D.O., Oduola, crops or stored commodities and minimise exposure A. O., Adeoye, G. O., Anyasor, G. N. & Obansa, J. A. of consumers. Avoid contact with the skin. In case of (2008). Anti-malarial and repellent activities of TIthonia accidental contact, immediately wash the affected area diversifolia (Hemsl.) leaf extracts. Journal of Medicinal with clean running water. Plants Research 2(8), 171-175. Caution: This plant is invasive.

Authors: J. Kandungu, P. Anjarwalla, L. Mwaura, D. A. Ofori, R. Jamnadass, P. C. Stevenson and P. Smith

ISBN 978-92-9059-347-8

ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS

Taxonomy and nomenclature Family: Asteraceae Synonym: Gymnanthemum amygdalinum (Del.) Schultz-Bip. Vernacular/ Common names: (English): Bitter leaf (Luhya): Lisabakhwa (Luo): Olusia, Omoruroria

Distribution and habitat V. amygdalina occurs naturally along rivers and lakes, in forests margins, woodland and grassland up to 2800 m altitude, in regions where mean annual rainfall is 750- 2000 mm. It requires full sunlight and prefers humid environment. It grows on all soil types but prefers humus-rich soils. In Kenya, it is found at Kona national reserve in Tana River district (420 m), in the eastern side Botanical description of Mbololo forest in Taita (1400 m), in Narok (2100 m), V. amygdalina is a small tree up to 10 m tall; bark in the Nguruman escarpment (900 m) and Ol Donyo light grey or brown; fissured, brittle branches. Leaves Orok (1400 m). lanceolate oblong; up to 28 x 0 cm, but usually 10-15 x 4-5 cm. Leaf, medium to dark green, with or without sparse hairs above, with fine, soft, pale hairs below and Uses conspicuous red-veining; apex and base tapering, base Insecticidal - Essential oil from the leaves is toxic to always almost symmetric, margin entire or very finely Sitophilus zeamais while the activity against bruchids toothed; petiole usually very short but may be 1-2 cm suggests it is effective when mixed with Ocimum spp. long. Flower heads thistle like, small, creamy white, 10 Food - Bitter leaf eaten as raw vegetables and cooked in mm long, grouped in dense heads, axillary and terminal, soups. Roots and twigs chewed as appetizer. forming large flat clusters, 15 cm in diameter, sweetly Medicinal - It is used as a medicine for relieving fevers, scented. stomach disorders, to treat hepatitis, malaria, bilharzias, spots on skin and nausea. Note: Always verify your plant specimen and deposit a Fodder - Leaves and shoots used as fodder. voucher in a verified herbarium. Fuel - The tree is used for firewood and charcoal. Apiculture - It produces very light honey. Timber - The termite-resistant branches are used as Fruit and Seed description stakes to line plantations or live fence. Fruit, a 10-ribbed achene, 1.5-3.5 mm long, pubescent and glandular, brown to black, crowned by the much longer pappus bristles; seedling with epigeal germination. Flowering and fruiting habit Safety measure The tree flowers between December and March and Always use gloves, protective clothing and caution in July-August. Fruits ripen in April-May and August- when handling and applying plant materials to field September. Flowers are bisexual. crops or stored commodities and minimise exposure of consumers. Avoid contact with the skin. In case of accidental contact, immediately wash the affected area Harvesting with clean running water. During rainy seasons, harvesting is by cutting of the leafy shoots allowing new shoots to grow, which can then be harvested a few weeks later. During dry seasons, Caution: This plant is invasive. only leaves are picked. Selected readings Processing and handling FAO- Species database.

Fresh mature fruits appear yellowo and oripen in various sizes. Fruits are dried at 30 C to 35 C for three to World Agroforestry Centre- Species database. four days, when fruit turns to brown colour, seeds are Grubben, G.J.H., Plant Resources of Tropical Africa extracted by gently rubbing the fruit between fingers to (PROTA). squeeze out the mucus like paste that cushions the seeds, the seeds are then washed in running water to separate Mugisha-Kamateresi, M., Deng, A.L., Ogendo, J.O., seeds from the pulp. Clean seeds are placed on open tray Omolo, E.O., Buyungo and Bett, P.K. (2008). Indigenous to dry under shade for a period of two to three days. knowledge of field insect pests and their management around lake Victoria basin in Uganda. African Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 2 (8). 342- Propagation 348. Propagation is possible by seed collected from dry flowerheads but mostly stem cuttings are used as they Katende, A.B. (1995). Useful trees and shrubs for grow faster. Cuttings are planted erect or slanted at 450 Uganda. Identification, Propagation and Management to obtain more side shoots. Seeds can be broadcasted on for Agricultural and Pastoral Communities. Regional nursery beds prepared of humus-rich soil, shaded from Soil Conservation Unit (RSCU), Swedish International excessive heat or sunlight with regular supply of water Development Authority (SIDA). to germinate. Seedlings can be transplanted 4-6 weeks Aswalam, E.S., Emosairue, S.O., Hassanali, A., (2008), after emergence. Commercial farmers prefer to plant Essential oil of Ocimum grattisimum as sitophilous new crop at the beginning of a season or after the second zeamais protectant. African Journal of Biotechnology, year. It can also be micropropagated in vitro. 7, 2957-2962.

Authors: D. A. Ofori, P. Anjarwalla, R. Jamnadass, P. C. Stevenson and P. Smith.

ISBN 978-92-9059-348-5