Description
Lessertia frutescens (Sutherlandia frutescens) (Fabaceae). cancer bush(Eng.); umnwele(X & Z); kankerbos(Afr.). Sutherlandia is an attractive small shrublet 0.5 to 1 m in height. The leaves are grey-green in color, giving the bush a silvery appearance. They have a very bitter taste. The flowers are orange-red and appear in spring to mid-summer. The fruit is a large, bladder-like, papery inflated pod and is almost transparent. It can be used in dry flower arrangements as it dries well, maintaining its color and form. This plant is one of the most talked about in the ethnobotanical world because it has a strong reputation as a cure for cancer and now increasingly as an immune booster in the treatment of HIV/AIDS. Research on its properties is ongoing. Sowing: Sow in autumn or spring in well-drained soil. Germination is improved if seeds are left to soak for about 4 hours or overnight in water hot enough for you to put your hand in. Keep the seed trays warm (not hot) and damp but not wet. Germination should occur in 2 to 3 weeks and seedlings can be transplanted as soon as they are large enough to handle. Locality: Hopefield. Harvest: August 2023
