STEGANOTAENIA ARALIACEA

This member of the Apiaceae family was given this name by Christian Ferdinand Friedrich Hochstetter in 1844. It is found in most of Africa except the north, growing in a well drained soil with quite some water and some to lots of sun. The stem can grow to 20 centimetres in diameter, the entire plant from two to seven metres in height. At present, it is not clear how much the root will develop, and for how long it will maintain its caudex-like appearance. The flowers are from white over yellowish to greenish. The entire plant have a strong scent of carrot, when crushed. The generic name is likely based on Greek stegnas meaning 'covered' and the Latin taenia meaning 'band'. The species name referring to its resembling with the species of Araliaceae. The roots after half a year by Marlena Fairbourne.