Griffonia simplicifolia is not just a pretty face. In fact, many would claim that the climbing evergreen shrub isn’t that pretty at all. What is Griffonia simplicifolia and why do people like this plant? Read on for answers to these questions and plenty of other Griffonia simplicifolia information.
What is Griffonia Simplicifolia?
Griffonia simplicifolia plants don’t take your breath away, to say the least. When you look at the large, climbing plant, you might not long to have any in your garden. Hailing from tropical west Africa, these plants have stout stems. They grow to a height of 10 feet (3 m.) tall, climbing supports with their short woody tendrils. Griffonia plants produce green flowers and, later, black seed pods. So what is it about the plant’s attraction?
What Does Griffonia Simplicifolia Do?
If you want to know why people look for this vine, forget its appearance. Instead, you have to ask: what does Griffonia simplicifolia do to make people search for it? It has many uses, both as a beverage and as medicine. Indigenous people of west Africa use the leaves of these plants for palm wine, and its sap can be used as a beverage. Equally important, the plants are used medicinally in many different ways. According to Griffonia simplicifolia information, the leaf sap that serves as a beverage can also be ingested to aid with kidney issues. The sap is also dripped into inflamed eyes to provide relief. Paste made from leaves helps burns heal. Chopped up bark is used for syphilitic sores. While stems and leaves can be made into paste for the treatment of constipation and wounds. Griffonnia simplicifolia information also tells us that paste also helps with decaying teeth. The big commercial value of the plants come from its seeds. They are an important source of 5-HTP, a serotonin precursor used extensively in the treatment of depression and fibromyalgia. There is a large international demand for the seeds as a result.
Can You Grow Griffonia Simplicifolia?
Africans collect the seeds from Griffonia simplicifolia plants from the wild. This puts the plants at risk since cultivation is difficult. Can you grow Griffonia simplicifolia? Not very easily. According to most Griffonia information, it is very difficult to propagate seeds of this plant. Although the plants themselves are tough and adaptable, the seedlings just don’t thrive. No systems have been found as yet to cultivate this plant in a garden or similar setting.
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