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Sjambok Pod
Cassia abbreviata
- This is a deciduous tree, which may reach 13m
in height.
- This tree occurs at low altitudes, found in
open woodland and wooded grassland. Along rivers, on hillsides and are
often found near termite mounds.
- The bark is rough in texture and is brownish
grey in colour.
- The flowers are pale yellow in colour and slender
in shape and produced during the months of September to October.
- Fruit of the trees is produced during December
to April.
- The fruit is long and cylindrical, being golden
brown to brown in coloration.
- Various parts of the tree are used medicinally,
with seeds being sucked as a tonic.
- The roots relieve abdominal pains and toothache.
- Smoke from burning twigs is inhaled to relieve
headaches.
- Dr O'sulllivan found that in 1902 certain tribes
were using a remedy made from the roots to treat Black Water Fever,
on trying the remedy on him and found it effective.
The Shangaans of old would cook their meat along
side bits of bark from this tree, believed to have magical powers and
ensure good hunting.
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