Fabaceae

General

Erect perennial herb, growing up to 1 m. The stems arise from a large turnip-shaped root. Leaves trifoliolate, covered in silky hairs, normally developing after flowering. Inflorescences terminal in shades of pink to deep purple-blue. It is particularly common in the central parts of Zimbabwe, occurring in Brachystegia woodland, wooded grassland and submontane grassland.

Plant parts with insect-controlling properties

root tubers

Mode of action

toxic

Target organisms

a range of stored product insects

Preparation and application

The tubers are pounded to a rough powder, allowed to dry and admixed with stored grain.