Scientific name: Periploca angustifolia Labill.
Synonyms: Periploca laevigata Ait.
Family: Asclepiadaceae
Vernacular name: Hellab
<Photos from google.com>
Biological and ecological characteristics: It is a plant with an upright habit, climbing/twining, and evergreen foliage. It grows on skeletal soils. It flowers between March and June and produces a large quantity of seeds in the absence of grazing. When subjected to excessive grazing, the plant acquires a prostrate habit, with very tangled branches and foliage that is difficult for livestock to access. Multiplication is generally done by seeding.
Location: It is considered a forest relic and is found throughout the mountain range (from Matmata to Dhehiba).
Usage:
- Excellent pastoral species
- Its solidified resin is used as a masticatory (chewing gum)
- Its leaves can be used to prepare a type of herbal tea
- Anti-diabetic (fruit powder)
- Hypotensive (Roots).
Status: Under degradation
