rivierpampoen, wilde ramenas
ugobhe, ugobho
iphuzi lomlambo, ighobo
Perennial, robust, erect herb up to 1 m tall. Grows in shallow water or marshy areas. Large, lobed leaves (up to 300 mm wide) on long petioles. Greenish-red flowers in dense spikes (Oct – Jan). Red, fleshy berries dispersed by birds. Symbiotic relationship with cyanobacteriumNostoc punctiforme.
Insects:Wind-pollinated.Wildlife:Fruits eaten by birds (seed dispersal).Soil:Nostocsymbiont fixes nitrogen.Ecosystem Services:Stabilizes wetland soils; medicinal value.
Inconspicuous flowers; red berries dispersed by birds.
Birds (e.g., weavers) disperse seeds.
Sow fresh seeds in muddy substrate; germination in 4 – 6 weeks.
Division of rootstock in spring.
Root decoctions used postpartum to expel placenta; treats menstrual pain. Petioles eaten raw (bitter taste).
