Sutherlandia frutescens
(L.) R. Br.
Cancer bush
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(c) Deon du Plessis, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) sgplantsanimalsinsects, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) sgplantsanimalsinsects, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Description
A shrub of the Fabaceae family growing about 1 m tall with red-orange flowers. It is found in subtropical, drier regions and is noted for anti-cancer properties.
Edible Uses
The leaves are used to make a health drink, and the unripe seeds are eaten as a snack.
Traditional Uses
The leaves are used for a health drink. The unripe seeds are eaten as a snack.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
The leaves are used for a health drink, traditionally valued for anti-cancer properties.
Distribution
It is a subtropical plant. It grows in drier places.
Where It Grows
Africa, South Africa, Southern Africa,
Cultivation
Seeds germinate easily.
Notes
It has anti-cancer properties.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Balloon pea, Kankerbossie, Keurtjie, Phetola, Sutherlandia
References (2)
- De Vynk, J. C., et al, 2016, Indigenous edible plant use by contemporary Khoe-San descendants of South Africa's Cape South Coast. South African Journal of Botany. 102 (2016) 60-69
- van Wyk, B-E., 2011, The potential of South African plants in the development of new food and beverage products. South African Journal of Botany 77 (2011) 857–868
