Shrubs
Just as fascinating and colorful as the entire African continent is its rich and lush diversity of shrubs. These breathtaking beauties can be found across the continent, in the bush, on beaches, roadside verges, gardens, P…
Shrubs
Some shrubs provide important foodstuffs, such as manioc or bananas. Manioc is considered one of the most important foodstuffs in Africa. This very starchy plant is usually cooked as a vegetable, similar to spinach. The leaves of the manioc are used for this purpose. But the tubers and roots are also processed into dishes.
Shrub plants as food suppliers
The banana belongs to the family of berry fruits and is a world-famous and popular perennial plant that not only tastes very good but also has a high nutritional value. In Africa, there are over four hundred different banana varieties. Only about five of them make it to Europe.
Another very well-known African shrub species is the castor oil plant. The oil from castor beans is mainly used in medicine for laxatives to empty the intestines. The shells of the castor beans are very poisonous, sometimes even fatal to animals. However, the oil can be used without hesitation, as the poison of the seeds is not fat-soluble.
Shrub plants as ornamental plants
Many of the African shrub plants have been cultivated as ornamental plants and are also very common in European gardens, on terraces, in conservatories and parks. The best-known and one of the most popular is probably the oleander. This plant is beautiful to look at, but it has a very strong cardiac poison that can indeed be fatal. However, in homeopathy, the active ingredient is used to lower blood pressure.
Another beauty of the African plant world is the hibiscus. This plant is not only beautiful to look at. It is also often used to prepare tea. The hibiscus is also popular as an ornamental plant in gardens and public places.
Among the shrubs that shine in the most beautiful colors are also the peacock bush, the yellow trumpet tree, the jungle bell, Ixora, to name just a few of these beauties.
Another very important shrub species in Africa is the lipstick tree or annatto bush. It is very versatile and known throughout the world as a "dyer's plant". The red dye of the plant is mainly used in industry for dyeing lipsticks. Among various African tribes, it is used for body painting. The lipstick tree is also used in medicine. The most varied remedies are made from the seeds, leaves and bark. Remedies to strengthen the heart, against liver ailments, high cholesterol, sedatives and many other medicines are obtained from it. Of course, there are still countless other useful or just beautiful shrubs in Africa. The variety is enormous and their appearance is simply fantastic.
