AFRICAN HEMP INDIGENOUS

Sparmannia africana Wilde strokroos (Afr.) ORIGIN OF PLANT / HABITAT Indigenous to a relatively small area on the southeastern coast of South Africa. GROWTH A shrub or small tree which grows relatively easily in cultivation & has been popular as a green house plant LEAF SHAPE Very large, hairy, lobed leaves. FLOWERS Attractive white flowers with yellow & purple stamens. PARTS USED Stem fibres.

ECONOMIC
The traditional use of the stem fibres appear to be unrecorded, but they were tested in Europe & found to be of an excellent quality.

HISTORICAL
About 100 years ago, commercial harvesting was started at Storms River by the Khama Fibre Syndicate, but the industry never gained momentum.

INFO REF: Van Wyk, B. & Gericke, N. PEOPLES PLANTS A USEFUL GUIDE TO THE PLANTS OF SOUTHERN AFRICA. Briza Publishing, 2000.

SPECIMEN COLLECTED Eppie White garden DATE 04/2003