The Zimbabwean Gardener Issue 13 Winter 2015 Low res | Page 31

Indigenous trees Larger animals are also very dependent on the Natal Mahogany at times, and Eland in particular browse them in preference to almost anything else. At Mana, an exact browse line can be seen at Eland height such that the trees look as though they have been cut in a straight line underneath. Growing The Natal Mahogany grows easily from seed, but must be used fresh as they will perish. Germinated seeds can often be seen under the parent tree, although these seldom make it to maturity. When conditions are right and they are well watered, the growth rate is about a metre a year and it starts to canopy at about four years. natural repellant in the garden due to their antifeedant properties, especially to kill cutworm. To make a spray, crush the seeds then boil them; the cooled off boiled water can be used as an organic insect repellant spray and the boiled crush seeds as a mulch, which will also act as a repellant. *Gericke N, van Wyk BE, 2007, van Oudtshoorn B, Medicinal Plants of South Africa, 1997, pg 260. The magical seeds The seeds are often pounded then boiled to extract the oil. This organic and non-poisonous oil has a variety of uses still to this day: • • • • Moisturises the skin and used in the manufacturing of soap.* It has shown to have anti-microbial and antiinflammatory properties, and can be used to heal stressed muscles and rheumatism.* It has insect antifeedants properties*, which means it is a chemical agent that causes an insect, to stop eating and growing. It can be used to repel black ants around the home . You can buy a bottle of the oil for $3 to get rid of black ants from The Honey Store at Maasdorp Market on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. A natural wood and leather polish is also available with the oil at $8. If you have access to the seeds, they can be used as a Increase your birdlife with planned indigenous trees. Contact Ant Fynn 0772956511 [email protected] 31