Re: Old Man's Beard

My books on South African plants refer to Old Man's Beard as being the species Galium tomentosum (Rubiaceae).
 
This plant is described as a clinging creeper that can easily cover an entire tree.  Each leaf has a very small recurved spine on its tip which grips fingers and clothes alike.  Flowers minute.  Seed fairly large, round black fruit.  Used medicinally, especially for sore backs.  Not grazed.
 
This plant is found  in Namaqualand; Great Escarpment; Upper, Great and Little Karoo;Cape Fold Belt; southwestern, southern and eastern cape and Namibia in permanent and seasonal streams and kloofs.
 
Description taken from Karoo, South African Wild Flower Guide 6.
 
David Field
London, UK.
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, February 02, 2003 9:56 PM
Subject: Old Man's Beard

Hi
 
I need in finding the name of a South African parasite called "Old Man's Beard"  belonging to the family, or related to,  euphorbiaceae. It is arboreal and found in gorges and forest canopy. Any information would be appreciated. It is/was used for medicinal purposes.
 
It is not the Clematis vitalba or the Clematis glycinoides .
 
Any help would be much appreciated.
 
Rgrds
Charl  
 
Other Mailing lists | Author Index | Date Index | Subject Index | Thread Index