Mondia whitei, White's ginger, 50 seeds /$5, shipping $10, phyto certificate $12

50 seeds/ purchase

NOTE: Germination rate is 98 - 100% germination.

Description:

Mondia whitei is a perennial, woody, rather robust and vigorous climber that grows from a large tuberous rootstock. The roots are aromatic and apparently taste like ginger or liquorice and have an aroma reminding one of vanilla. The leaves are attractive, large (100-300 x 50-150 mm), opposite, with a deeply notched heart-shaped base and 30-55 mm long stalks. The stipules are well developed and consist of frilly teeth. The flowers are borne in branched inflorescences; they are large and relatively short-lived (die after 3-4 days). The reddish-purple corolla lobes are ± 14 mm long and usually have a green margin. Plants flower from October to March in the species southern distribution region, and from May to August in the northern distribution region. The large fruits (75-100 x 44 mm) are almost woody and contain many seeds.


Uses
Some tribes use the roots for making a tea that is used for the treatment of general pains and aches. The dried leaves are powdered and mixed with food and taken daily as a supplement.

Mondia whitei roots:

Other sources indicate that the plant is further used as a symbol of peace; a sign of power; the treatment of hypertension, stroke, anemia, asthma, hangover, mastitis and allergies; it is also taken to improve sleep, enhance urination, ease birth pains, and as mouth freshener and toothbrush. The leaves serve as animal fodder and are consumed by humans as vegetables.

Flavourant/Drink The bitter tasting roots have a vanilla odour and a sweet after-taste and are used to make a beverage similar to ginger beer. In West Africa, the roots are used to make an energizing drink for wedding parties when the roots are brewed in alcohol. Mondia can be used as a tea. It has a sweet vanilla-like flavour. The roots are said to taste bitter at first and then sweet.

Fragrance/spice The vanilla-like odour of the plant may cause it to be regarded as a novel African fragrance or spice. The roots are said to taste like liquorice, or ginger. As a potential African spice, the scent and taste of the roots has variously been described as reminiscent of vanilla, ginger, marzipan, cinnamon and liquorice and may thus make a useful food-flavouring agent.

Poison The seeds are believed to have once been used to make arrow poisons.

Fibres Strong fibres may be obtained from the stems and woven into ropes.

Horticulture The flowers are very attractive and highly recommended for cultivation.

Nutritional value/food The early Portuguese in Angola boiled the leaves with butter or olive oil to substitute it for spinach. In South Africa the root is sometimes cooked with meat to enhance the flavour. The plant has great nutritional value as it contains the vitamins A, D, K and E, and the minerals, magnesium, zinc, iron, calcium and protein.