Club Mate Blog of Tuesday, 15 November 2022
Source: Club Mate
A remarkable but little-known genus of parasitic plants called Hydnora can be found in the semi-arid regions of southern Arabia, Madagascar, and Africa. Hydnora has earned the title of "the strangest plant in the world" due to an extreme reduction in morphological features, including the complete absence of leaves.
The fruit pulp can be combined with cream to create a delectable dessert. The fruit is delicious when baked over a fire and has a sweetish taste. Due to its strong astringency, the fruit has been used to preserve and tan fishing nets. Hydnora africana infusions and decoctions are used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, kidney, and bladder complaints. Acne is also treated with infusions used as a face wash.