Tetradenia riparia aka Gingerbush

Tetradenia riparia, or ginger bush, is in the mint family. This family has the name Lamiaceae. The plant comes from southern tropical Africa and southern Africa. Its range spans Angola to Mozambique, then south into South Africa. It grows by rivers, at forest edges, and on hillsides. It also grows in dry wooded valleys with little frost. Kew describes its climate as tropical with a dry season.

Ginger bush grows as a tall shrub. Parts of its growth are succulent, which means fleshy. In gardens, it reaches about 10 feet [3 metres]. Some plants reach about 16 feet [5 metres]. Its leaves feel sticky and give off a scent. Gardeners grow it for both its flowers and leaves. The supplied sources do not state the flowers' colour. Nor do they describe the shape of the fruit. Male and female flowers grow on different plants. Both sexes must grow together to yield seed. Plants grown from seed can bloom in their first year.

Choose a sunny site for this shrub in most climates. In very hot places, it grows better with some shade. It grows well in light soil that drains well. The soil should also have plenty of compost. The source rates its growth as medium. Yet its notes describe a faster rate of growth. Plants can add about 2.6 feet [0.8 metres] a year. Its wild home has little frost. The sources give no hardiness rating.

The shrub takes pruning well and suits planting for looks. Cut it back hard once flowering ends to keep it neat. This also helps it grow more flowers. Grow new plants from seed or cuttings. Cuttings root with ease, and even large branches can take root. The evidence names no specific pests or diseases. It gives no guide for when to water. Nor does it rate how well plants cope with drought.

People have long used ginger bush in folk medicine. They use its leaves and young stems for many ills. These include coughs, trouble breathing, stomach pain, and diarrhoea. They also use them for fever and toothache. Records list uses for malaria, dengue fever, and skin infections too. People breathe in the scent of crushed leaves for headaches. They make leaf and root mixes to cause vomiting. The plant has essential oil, diterpenes, and phytosterols. These records show past uses, not proof of safe treatment. The source lists no known food uses or hazards. This does not prove safety for people or pets.