Heteromorpha arborescens aka Parsley Tree

Heteromorpha arborescens is a woody shrub or small tree. It belongs to Apiaceae, the parsley family. Its home range runs from Ethiopia south to South Africa. It also grows in the southwest Arabian Peninsula. This part of its range includes Yemen. It grows in mountain woods and woods beside rivers. It also grows at forest edges and in regrowth. The RHS gives it another name, Heteromorpha trifoliata. This name is a synonym for the same species. The plant is not native to Britain or Ireland.

The plant has a loose, straggling shape. Reports give heights of about 8–10 feet [2.5–3 metres]. Its leaves vary a lot in shape and size. Some plants have simple leaves, each with one blade. Others have compound leaves, split into smaller leaflets. Many plants in the Cape have simple leaves. Farther north, more plants tend to have pinnate leaves. These have leaflets set along a shared stalk. They may have three, five or seven leaflets. This range of leaf forms helps mark the species. The source also lists several subspecies.

The plant suits fairly dry tropical and subtropical climates. Once plants take root, they can cope with drought. Mature plants can stand some frost. The evidence gives no exact lower heat limit. Both seeds and cuttings can grow into new plants. Sow seeds in trays and keep them in shade. Keep the seed mix moist. Water it every other day. Seeds start to sprout after about two weeks. After three months, move the young plants into larger pots. The source says cuttings take root with ease. Some took root even after weeks on the ground.

People gather wild plants mainly for use in folk medicine. They use roots, inner root bark and leaves. Uses include care for stomach pain, worms, coughs and dysentery. Other uses address chest colds and breathing problems. Records also list use for nervous disorders. Some practices use smoke from the plant for headaches. These records show past use, not proof of safe treatment. The source lists no known food uses. It lists no known hazards either. This does not prove the plant is safe.

The branches have a large space at their core, the pith cavity. People have used them with a hardwood stick to start fires. The wood is very soft and breaks down fast. This makes it poor fuel. Xhosa people also use the wood to make musical bows.