JATEORHIZA PALMATA
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This member of the Menispermaceae family was given this name by John Miers in 1849. It is found in Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe (and cultivated in Ghana, Madagascar, Mauritius, Réunion, India, Brazil at least). It is growing in a rich soil with quite some water and little to some sun. The caudex can grow to eight centimetres in diameter, the entire plant to five metres in height. The flowers are greenish white.
The genera name Jateorhiza originates from Greek iater; 'doctor', and rhiza; 'root', evidently in allusion to its healing virtues.
The species name palmata from Latin; pálma, due to the shape of the leaves that resembles the palm of the hand. The male flowers by Günter Baumann, Eol.org. The female flowers by Günter Baumann, Eol.org. The leaf by Bart Wursten, Zimbabweflora.co.zw.