Entry From
Flora of South Africa, (2003) Author: Dr J.P. Roux
Common names
T. trifidum Wendl., Bot. Beobacht. 50 (1798), nom. illegit. Type: not indicated. T. capense Thunb., Prodr. 2: 95 (1800); Fl. Cap. edn Schult. 445 (1823); Benth., Lab. 667 (1835); in E. Mey., Comm. 243 (1837); in DC, Prodr. 12: 577 (1848); Skan in F.C. 5,1: 385 (1910); Wilman, Check List Griq. West 231 (1946); Jacot Guill., Fl. Lesotho 236 (1971); Ross, Fl. Natal 302 (1972). Ajuga capensis (Thunb.) Pers., Syn. PI. 2: 109 (1807). Type: Cape, near "Zeekoerivier" (Humansdorp district), Thunberg s.n. (UPS, holo., microfiche 556/13263!). T. africanum sensu Wilman, I.e. (1946).
Habitat
Widely used medicinally for dysentery and haemorrhoids, whence the common names Koorsbos-sie and Aambeibossie, while the leaf shape has suggested the names Paddaklou and Akkedispootjie. It is also used by native tribes to treat snake-bite and as a measure against anthrax by boiling it with meat which is thought to be infected.
Use
2. Teucrium trifidum Retz., Obs. 1: 21 (1779); Codd in Bothalia 12: 177 (1977). Type: Cape, without locality, right-hand specimen on sheet so named in Hb. Retzius (LD, lecto.!; PRE, photo.!).
Range
Common in the central to south-western TransÂvaal, apparently not extending beyond the Soutpans-berg, but extending westwards to the northern Cape Province and just entering Botswana, southwards to northern Natal, central Orange Free State, Transkei and eastern Cape Province, reaching its southernmost limit at about Humansdorp. Usually found in dry woodland where it is often gregarious under thorn trees or in bush groups, particularly on overgrazed or disturbed places. Map 3.