Tiv Plants and Their Uses — Part 10

Tyombu

Psychotria; Wild coffee

Psychotria calva

Description

A forest-understorey shrub in the coffee family (Rubiaceae), related to true coffee (Coffea).

Cultivation

A wild forest-understorey shrub, not cultivated.

Uer, Uwer

Resurrection lily; West African ginger

Siphonochilus nigericus

Description

A low-growing perennial herb in the ginger family with an underground rhizome, found in Nigeria and Ghana and related to the better-known African ginger, Siphonochilus aethiopicus.

Cultivation

Like other Siphonochilus gingers, produces new leafy shoots and flowers from an underground rhizome, typically after the first rains.

Ukwegh

Schimper's terminalia; Mountain terminalia

Terminalia schimperiana

Description

A savanna tree of the combretum family with a spreading crown, valued both for durable timber and for its bark and root in traditional medicine.

Medicinal uses

Root and bark preparations treat wounds, burns, skin diseases, malaria, and epilepsy; roots are also chewed as a tonic, laxative, and chewing stick, and leaf decoctions are taken for cough, stomach-ache, and diabetes.

Cultivation

A savanna woodland tree; the wood is used for construction, canoes, tool handles, and flooring.

Umanatumba

Pink Jacaranda or Corky-bark

Stereospermum kunthianum

Description

Stereospermum kunthianum is commonly known in English as Pink Jacaranda or Corky-bark. It is found across different African regions, it is also traditionally referred to as a “witch-doctor tree” or “wand of the sorcerer,” reflecting its strong association with traditional healing practices.

Medicinal uses

The plant is highly valued in African traditional medicine, with almost all parts—bark, roots, and leaves—used therapeutically. Stem bark extracts are used to relieve pain, inflammation, and rheumatic arthritis, with studies showing anti-inflammatory effects comparable to standard drugs. Bark and root decoctions are widely used for respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and coughs, while powdered bark is applied to wounds and ulcers. It is also a well-known remedy for diarrhea and dysentery. Traditional use for childhood convulsions is supported by experimental evidence showing anticonvulsant activity. Additional uses include treatment of venereal diseases, leprosy, use as a diuretic, and as a vermifuge.

As food

In some African regions, especially Guinea, the long, twisted fruit pods are edible. Beyond food, the bark is chewed to relieve coughs and is sometimes used as a cosmetic lip stain, giving a reddish-brown color. The wood is hard and durable, making it suitable for mortars, tool handles, and construction. The leaves are also used in traditional dyeing.

Cultivation

Stereospermum kunthianum is a fast-growing deciduous tree commonly found in savanna regions, rocky outcrops, and around termite mounds. It grows best in full sun, tolerates sandy or clay soils, and thrives in areas with 350–1,400 mm of annual rainfall. Although it can be grown from seed, germination is often poor, so root suckers are preferred for propagation. Seed germination can be improved through scarification or acid treatment and by using appropriate substrates such as black soil mixed with wood shavings.

Umanatumba; Kpantembe

Karaya gum tree; Tropical sterculia; Mbuyu

Sterculia setigera

Description

A savanna tree with pale, flaking bark and broad palmate leaves, bearing star-shaped seed pods, and tapped commercially to produce gum karaya.

Medicinal uses

Bark and gum are used traditionally as a wound dressing and for gastrointestinal complaints; the gum also acts as a laxative and demulcent.

As food

The gum is used industrially as a thickener and stabilizer in processed foods.

Cultivation

A wild savanna tree; the trunk is tapped or wounded to induce exudation of the gum, which is collected and dried.

Usaa

Indian jujube; Ber tree; Chinese date

Ziziphus mauritiana

Description

A thorny shrub or small tree bearing small, round, apple-like edible fruit.

Medicinal uses

Leaves, bark, and roots are used in traditional medicine for fever, diarrhoea, wounds, and inflammation.

As food

Fruit is eaten fresh or dried, and made into juices, jams, and pickles; leaves are browsed by livestock.

Cultivation

A hardy, drought-tolerant tree propagated by seed or grafting; grows wild and is also cultivated for its fruit.

Usaa

Buffalo thorn; Wait-a-bit thorn; Blinkblaar

Ziziphus mucronata

Description

A thorny shrub or small tree bearing small, round, apple-like edible fruit.

Medicinal uses

Leaves, bark, and roots are used in traditional medicine for fever, diarrhoea, wounds, and inflammation.

As food

Fruit is eaten fresh or dried, and made into juices, jams, and pickles; leaves are browsed by livestock.

Cultivation

A hardy, drought-tolerant tree propagated by seed or grafting; grows wild and is also cultivated for its fruit.

Usaa

Christ's thorn; Jujube; Sidr

Ziziphus spina-christi

Description

A thorny shrub or small tree bearing small, round, apple-like edible fruit.

Medicinal uses

Leaves, bark, and roots are used in traditional medicine for fever, diarrhoea, wounds, and inflammation.

As food

Fruit is eaten fresh or dried, and made into juices, jams, and pickles; leaves are browsed by livestock.

Cultivation

A hardy, drought-tolerant tree propagated by seed or grafting; grows wild and is also cultivated for its fruit.

Usu

False Daisy, White Eclipta, Trailing Eclipta.

Eclipta alba

Description

Eclipta alba (syn. Eclipta prostrata) is a widely used annual herb from the Asteraceae family, valued as a hair tonic, liver tonic, and medicinal herb in Ayurveda, Unani, and traditional Chinese medicine

Medicinal uses

Hair Care: Prevents hair fall, premature graying, dandruff; used in Bhringraj oil.

Liver Health: Treats hepatitis, jaundice, liver enlargement, cirrhosis.

Skin & Wound Care: Eczema, dermatitis, cuts, burns, insect stings.

Respiratory & Digestive: Cough, asthma, bronchitis, piles, constipation.

Other Uses: Venom neutralizer against snakebites in some regions.

As food

Young shoots cooked as a vegetable in Southeast Asia (e.g., lalap in Indonesia).

Leaves added to lentils or rice in Southern India; must be cooked.

Ritual uses

One of the “Ten Auspicious Flowers” (Dasapushpam) in Kerala, India.

Used in Hindu ceremonies like Shradh.

Black leaf dye used for traditional tattooing.

Cultivation

Moist, shady habitats such as marshes, paddy fields, and along water channels.

Propagated via seeds or stem cuttings.

Prefers wet clayey or loamy soil with good moisture retention.

Harvest at early flowering (~90 days), leaving 4–5 cm stumps for regeneration.

Organic cultivation preferred to avoid heavy metal or pesticide accumulation.

Uwer

West African sarsaparilla, Rough bindweed, Devil's yam

Smilax anceps

Description

Smilax anceps is a vigorous, prickly climbing shrub (liana) native to tropical and southern Africa and Madagascar. It is widely used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and diuretic properties.

Medicinal uses

Treats arthritis, skin infections, debility, diabetes, liver issues, infertility; roots are diuretic.

As food

Young leaves as potherb; berries slightly sweet; roots sometimes famine food.

Cultivation

Forest edges, riverbanks; propagated by seeds; needs support and pruning; thorny and vigorous.

Uwua

Palisade signal grass; Brachiaria; Congo grass

Brachiaria brizantha

Description

A robust, tufted perennial grass native to Africa and now widely planted as pasture across the tropics.

As food

An important forage grass, grazed directly or cut for hay and silage; valued for high productivity and drought tolerance.

Cultivation

Propagated by seed; forms dense tufted swards used in permanent pasture and for erosion control.

Vambe

Kapok tree, silk-cotton tree, white silk cotton tree, Java cotton, Ceiba.

Ceiba pentandra

Description

Ceiba pentandra is a massive deciduous tree with a buttressed trunk, whorled umbrella-like branches, spiny young bark, palmately compound leaves, fragrant night-blooming flowers, and woody capsules containing silky kapok fibers.

Medicinal uses

Bark, leaves, roots, and sap are used in traditional medicine to treat digestive issues, fever, coughs, wounds, hypertension, respiratory problems, and as an abortifacient.

As food

Young leaves, flowers, and seeds are edible, with seeds yielding oil, and wood ash sometimes used as a salt substitute.

Ritual uses

The tree is sacred in Mayan culture, symbolically links the underworld and cosmos, serves as a ceremonial or meeting tree in West Africa, and provides wood for masks and carvings

Cultivation

Kapok trees are grown from seeds or cuttings in tropical, well-drained soils, require space and light, can be intercropped, and bear fruit after 3–4 years with full fiber production in 7–10 years.

Wannune-chi; Anmune-chi ark.

Partridge pea; Sensitive partridge pea

Chamaechrista mimoscides

Description

A small annual or short-lived perennial legume herb with sensitive, fern-like leaflets that fold when touched.

As food

Foliage and seeds are grazed by livestock and wildlife.

Cultivation

A common wild herb of grassland, roadsides, and fallow land; sometimes used as a nitrogen-fixing cover crop.

Wavikyo

Giant Sensitive Plant, Catclaw Mimosa, Giant Mimosa, Bashful Plant, Black Mimosa

imosa pigra

Description

Mimosa pigra is a woody, prickly shrub native to tropical America that is widely known today as one of the world’s most aggressive invasive plants, despite its limited traditional medicinal uses.

Medicinal uses

In traditional medicine, parts of the plant are used to treat infections, digestive disorders, swelling, and anxiety, though high doses may be toxic.

As food

Young leaves are occasionally browsed by livestock, but heavy prickles greatly limit its value as forage.

Ritual uses

The seeds are sometimes used in traditional crafts, though cultural uses are generally limited.

Cultivation

The plant is not recommended for cultivation due to its extreme invasiveness and is managed through mechanical, chemical, and biological control methods.

Wua

Guinea corn, Great millet

Sorghum bicolor

Description

Sorghum bicolor is a drought-resistant cereal grass widely cultivated in Africa and other tropical regions as a major source of food, fodder, fuel, and cultural materials.

Medicinal uses

Traditionally, the plant is used to manage anemia, jaundice, inflammation, and sickle-cell conditions due to its rich polyphenol and antioxidant content.

As food

The grains are processed into flour, porridge, fermented drinks, syrups, and snacks, forming a staple food in many African and Asian diets.

Ritual uses

The red pigment from the leaf sheaths is used as a natural dye for ceremonial textiles, masks, and funeral decorations.

Cultivation

Sorghum thrives in warm, low-rainfall regions, tolerates poor soils, produces high yields under drought conditions, and requires caution when young due to potential toxicity.

Wua nor

Irish potato; White potato; European potato

Solanum tuberosum

Description

An herbaceous perennial grown as an annual crop for its starchy underground tubers.

As food

Tubers are a major starchy staple, boiled, fried, mashed, or roasted.

Cultivation

Propagated from seed tubers planted in ridges or mounds; requires cool temperatures and well-drained, fertile soil.

Wuhem iyou

Sensitive plant; Life plant

Biophytum petersianum

Description

A small, palm-like annual herb with a rosette of compound leaves whose leaflets fold up rapidly when touched.

Medicinal uses

Used across West and Central Africa for wounds, skin disorders, fever, malaria, stomach-ache, and urinary complaints; powdered seed mixed with shea butter is applied to wounds in Nigeria, and the plant is used as an antidote for scorpion sting and snakebite in Cameroon.

Ritual uses

Because of its touch-sensitive, folding leaves, the plant is used in traditional magic and protective charms in parts of West and Central Africa.

Cultivation

A small wild herb of damp, seasonally wet grassland and farmland.

Wuheniyou

African sensitive plant

Biophytum petersianum

Description

This is a small, erect annual herb with touch-sensitive rosette leaves, brightly colored flowers, and tiny capsules, commonly growing in sunny, sandy open habitats.

Medicinal uses

The plant is widely used in African and Southeast Asian traditional medicine for fertility enhancement, malaria and fever treatment, wounds, kidney and urinary disorders, neurological conditions, and snakebite, with proven antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.

As food

Though not a common food, it is sometimes used as a functional herbal tea or supplement due to its high antioxidant vitamin content.

Ritual uses

It plays a role in traditional fertility practices, folk healing, and local ritual or superstition-based applications in parts of Africa and West Papua.

Cultivation

A hardy, fast-growing herb, it thrives in tropical climates on sandy soils, reproduces by seed, requires minimal care, and is often harvested from the wild or lightly cultivated.

Wule; Kenyi

Wild date palm; Reclinata palm; Senegal date palm

Phoenix reclinata

Description

A multi-stemmed, clustering palm with feathery fronds, found along rivers and in wet savanna across tropical Africa.

Medicinal uses

Various parts are used in traditional medicine, including for malaria; the spines are also put to traditional use.

As food

The fruit is edible and similar in taste to the commercial date; seeds can be roasted as a coffee substitute, the palm heart is eaten as a vegetable, and the sap can be tapped for palm wine.

Cultivation

Grows wild along rivers, swamps, and wet grassland; also planted as an ornamental palm.

Yaragom; Kon-iwambe

Snowberry tree; White-berry bush

Flueggea virosa

Description

A much-branched shrub or small tree bearing tiny, white, berry-like fruit, giving rise to the common names snowberry and white-berry bush.

Medicinal uses

Roots and bark are used across Africa for malaria, syphilis, gonorrhoea, rheumatism, skin conditions, and abdominal pain; roots are also used as a traditional contraceptive.

As food

Ripe berries are edible and eaten, particularly by children, in parts of Africa.

Cultivation

A hardy shrub of savanna, wooded grassland, and fallow land, often self-seeding.

Yareghagum, Azizo

Flueggea virosa

Fluggea virosa

Description

Flueggea virosa is commonly known in English as the White Berry Bush. Among the Tiv people, it is recognized as a useful multi-purpose shrub, valued for both medicinal properties and edible fruits.

Medicinal uses

In Tiv traditional medicine, Flueggea virosa is highly regarded. The roots and leaves are used for treating malaria, stomach aches, pneumonia, and general weakness. Root decoctions are taken for urinary, liver, and kidney issues, and for infections such as venereal diseases. The plant is also applied for pain, inflammation, and skin conditions, including eczema and rashes. Additionally, it is traditionally used for convulsions/epilepsy and as a snake antivenin. Modern studies support its antioxidant, antiviral, and potential anticancer properties, aligning with traditional Tiv uses

As food

Among the Tiv, the small white fruits of Flueggea virosa are eaten, especially by children. They can be consumed fresh, boiled, or incorporated into porridge or sauces. The fruits are juicy, slightly sweet, and contain vitamin C and carbohydrates, providing a minor but useful nutritional source.

Cultivation

Flueggea virosa is a fast-growing, multi-stemmed shrub or small tree, reaching 4–6 meters. It thrives in full sun to partial shade, commonly found on forest edges, woodlands, and disturbed farmland areas in Tiv land. It prefers well-drained sandy or clay-sandy soils and is drought-tolerant once established. The plant can be propagated via seeds or cuttings, with seeds germinating more reliably after passing through animal digestion, though this is not strictly necessary. In Tiv practice, it is also used for living fences, firewood, and making baskets or simple trap

Yiase

African Mahogany, African Afzelia, Lucky Bean Tree, Counter Wood

Afzelia africana

Description

Afzelia africana is a large, deciduous tropical hardwood tree native to West and Central Africa. It is highly valued for its durable, termite-resistant timber and its wide range of traditional medicinal applications.

Medicinal uses

Afzelia africana is widely used in West African ethnomedicine. Different plant parts (bark, roots, leaves, fruits) are employed for therapeutic purposes:

Digestive Disorders: Bark decoctions are used to treat constipation, stomach pain, and vomiting.

Pain & Inflammation: Used for rheumatism, arthritis, backache, and lumbago.

Infectious Diseases: Traditional remedies include treatment for malaria, leprosy, and gonorrhoea.

Respiratory Conditions: Bark preparations are used for bronchitis and other lung-related ailments.

Other Therapeutic Uses: Acts as an antiemetic, anthelmintic, and is used in the treatment of oedema, epilepsy, and tachycardia.

Veterinary Medicine: Crushed bark mixed with honey is administered for livestock treatment.

As food

Fruits processed as condiment. Tender leaves as vegetable. Leaves as food for ruminants

Cultivation

Afzelia africana is typically propagated via seeds, but it is slow-growing and often threatened by overexploitation.
Propagation Methods: It can be propagated through seeds, seedlings, or wildings (seedlings collected from the wild).
Seed Handling: Seeds can be sown directly or in nurseries. They may require pretreatment to overcome dormancy (e.g., soaking or scarification).
Growth Conditions: It prefers a sunny position, is drought-resistant, and thrives in well-watered sites with deep sandy soils, though it can adapt to lateritic soils.
Management: It can be managed by lopping and pollarding.
Threats: Seedlings are highly vulnerable to browsing mammals and grasshoppers.

Yiase; Yasa: Yase

African mahogany; Afzelia; Doussie

Afzelia africana

Description

A large deciduous savanna tree with a spreading crown, valued for its durable reddish-brown timber.

Medicinal uses

Bark infusions are used for paralysis and decoctions for constipation; the plant is also used traditionally as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, and laxative agent.

As food

Seeds are rich in protein and oil and can be processed into flour; young leaves and flowers are used as a vegetable and condiment; foliage is an important dry-season livestock fodder.

Cultivation

A slow-growing savanna tree, propagated from seed; often retained in farmland for shade, fodder, and its many products.

Yiha

Rootstock tree; Opilia

Opilia celtidifolia

Description

A scrambling shrub or small tree of savanna woodland, widely used in West African traditional medicine.

Medicinal uses

Leaves, roots, stem bark and seeds are used across West Africa for skin conditions, malaria, wounds, abdominal pain, intestinal worms, jaundice, headache, and fever.

Cultivation

A scrambling shrub or small tree of savanna woodland.

Yiwou; Yiyawou

Narrow-spiked celosia; Wild celosia

Celosia leptostachya

Description

An annual to short-lived shrubby herb of West and Central African forest and savanna, with the narrow, slender flower spikes typical of wild celosias.

Cultivation

A wild herb of forest margins and disturbed ground in West and Central Africa.

Yiye

African black pepper, West African black pepper, Ashanti pepper, Guinea cubeb

Description

Piper guineense, known as African black pepper, Ashanti pepper, or Uziza (in Nigeria), is a West African spice used in cooking and traditional medicine for digestion, inflammation, postpartum recovery, libido, coughs, and antimicrobial effects, with its leaves and seeds rich in beneficial compounds like flavonoids and alkaloids.

Medicinal uses

Medicinal Uses & Properties
Digestive Health: Aids digestion, relieves flatulence, and treats intestinal issues like diarrhea and dysentery due to its astringent properties.
Anti-inflammatory: Helps reduce inflammation and is used for joint pains and rheumatism.
Reproductive Health: Used to enhance libido, support postpartum uterine contraction, and traditionally for fertility.
Respiratory: Used for coughs and bronchitis.
Antimicrobial: Possesses antibacterial properties and is used as a natural insecticide.
Antioxidant: Rich in antioxidants, protecting against oxidative damage.
Other Uses: Acts as an aphrodisiac, helps with weight loss, and is used in herbal concoctions (agbo).
How it's Used
The leaves and seeds are used fresh or dried, added to soups, stews, and pepper soup.
Crushed leaves and fruits are used to create non-toxic insecticides or body colognes.
Roots are chewed as an aphrodisiac.
Important Note
While beneficial in culinary amounts, excessive intake is cautioned, and its uterine-stimulating properties mean it's generally contraindicated during pregnancy.

Yogbo

African Laburnum, Drumstick Tree/Wood, African Senna.

Cassia sieberiana

Description

Cassia sieberiana is a small to medium African tree known for its bright yellow flowers and multiple medicinal uses, including analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and purgative applications.

Medicinal uses

Roots, bark, leaves, and pods treat constipation, rheumatism, arthritis, backache, stomach disorders, ulcers, diarrhea, malaria, fever, skin diseases, wounds, leprosy, venereal diseases, menstrual pain, sterility, and sleeping sickness.

As food

Sweet yellow pulp around seeds is edible; seeds are occasionally consumed after proper preparation to reduce tannins.

Ritual uses

Used in traditional magic/religious rituals; root wood serves as chewsticks; timber is hard, heavy, termite-resistant; leaves provide fodder for cattle.

Cultivation

Thrives in tropical, semi-arid, and savanna regions; prefers sunny, well-drained soils (sandy, loamy, clayey, lateritic, or rocky); requires full sun; medium growth rate; propagated by seeds (requiring pretreatment) or coppicing.

Youyou

Rushy tephrosia; Tephrosia

Tephrosia juncea

Description

A slender, rush-like shrub or herb in the pea family (Fabaceae), in the same genus as purple tephrosia.

Cultivation

A wild plant of open or disturbed ground, like other Tephrosia species.

Zerbua