Dolichos kilimandscharicus
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.

Photo credit: Bart Wursten, http://www.zimbabweflora.co.zw

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