NAME: Embelia schimperi
FAMILY: Myrsinaceae
COMMON NAMES: Ethiopian Olivelike, Embelia
LOCAL NAMES: Amharic: Tenaadam, Oriti; Oromo: Kora, Kudhuu
MORPHOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION: Embelia schimperi is a climbing evergreen shrub that can reach a height of up to 5 meters. It has slender, flexible branches and small, elliptical leaves that are arranged alternately along the stems. The leaves have a glossy, dark green color and prominent veins. The plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are greenish-yellow in color and are arranged in clusters. The fruits of Embelia schimperi are small, spherical berries that turn from green to red when ripe.
USEFUL PART(s): The berries of Embelia schimperi are the most commonly used part of the plant.
GENERAL USES:
Medicinal Uses: In traditional Ethiopian medicine, Embelia schimperi has been used for centuries to treat various ailments. The berries are known for their anthelmintic properties and are used to expel intestinal parasites. They are also used to treat stomachaches, digestive disorders, and as a general tonic for the digestive system. Additionally, the plant has been used for its antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties.
Ritual Uses: In some cultures, Embelia schimperi is considered a sacred plant and is used in rituals and ceremonies.
GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION: Embelia schimperi is native to Ethiopia and is found in the highlands and mountainous regions of the country. It is also found in neighboring countries such as Eritrea and Sudan.
WHY IS IT GREEN? Like most plants, Embelia schimperi appears green due to the presence of chlorophyll in its leaves. Chlorophyll is a pigment that absorbs sunlight and plays a vital role in photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy and produce oxygen.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: Embelia schimperi has a minimal environmental impact. It is a native plant that grows naturally in its native habitat without causing any significant harm to the ecosystem. However, overharvesting of the plant for medicinal purposes can potentially deplete its populations and impact local biodiversity.
FUN FACT: In Ethiopia, the berries of Embelia schimperi are often used as a natural dye to color fabrics, giving them a reddish hue.
Further Reading:
"Medicinal Plants in Ethiopia: Useful Plants in Traditional Medicine" by Zemede Asfaw and Mesfin Tadesse
"Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants in Chilga District, Northwestern Ethiopia" by Zemede Asfaw and Ensermu Kelbessa
"Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants in the Hawassa Zuria District, Sidama Zone, Southern Ethiopia" by Girma Eshetu and Mirutse GidayNAME: Embelia schimperi FAMILY: Myrsinaceae COMMON NAMES: Ethiopian Olivelike, Embelia LOCAL NAMES: Amharic: Tenaadam, Oriti; Oromo: Kora, Kudhuu
MORPHOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION: Embelia schimperi is a climbing evergreen shrub that can reach a height of up to 5 meters. It has slender, flexible branches and small, elliptical leaves that are arranged alternately along the stems. The leaves have a glossy, dark green color and prominent veins. The plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are greenish-yellow in color and are arranged in clusters. The fruits of Embelia schimperi are small, spherical berries that turn from green to red when ripe.
USEFUL PART(s): The berries of Embelia schimperi are the most commonly used part of the plant.
GENERAL USES:
Medicinal Uses: In traditional Ethiopian medicine, Embelia schimperi has been used for centuries to treat various ailments. The berries are known for their anthelmintic properties and are used to expel intestinal parasites. They are also used to treat stomachaches, digestive disorders, and as a general tonic for the digestive system. Additionally, the plant has been used for its antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties.
Ritual Uses: In some cultures, Embelia schimperi is considered a sacred plant and is used in rituals and ceremonies.
GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION: Embelia schimperi is native to Ethiopia and is found in the highlands and mountainous regions of the country. It is also found in neighboring countries such as Eritrea and Sudan.
WHY IS IT GREEN? Like most plants, Embelia schimperi appears green due to the presence of chlorophyll in its leaves. Chlorophyll is a pigment that absorbs sunlight and plays a vital role in photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy and produce oxygen.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: Embelia schimperi has a minimal environmental impact. It is a native plant that grows naturally in its native habitat without causing any significant harm to the ecosystem. However, overharvesting of the plant for medicinal purposes can potentially deplete its populations and impact local biodiversity.
FUN FACT: In Ethiopia, the berries of Embelia schimperi are often used as a natural dye to color fabrics, giving them a reddish hue.
Further Reading:
"Medicinal Plants in Ethiopia: Useful Plants in Traditional Medicine" by Zemede Asfaw and Mesfin Tadesse
"Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants in Chilga District, Northwestern Ethiopia" by Zemede Asfaw and Ensermu Kelbessa
"Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants in the Hawassa Zuria District, Sidama Zone, Southern Ethiopia" by Girma Eshetu and Mirutse Giday