Siphonochilus aethiopicus

Siphonochilus aethiopicus is a flowering decidious plant in the family Zingiberacae, the ginger family. It was first described by Georg August Schweinfurth and received its current name from Brian Laurence Burtt. The genus name Siphonochilus comes from siphoni and chilus, both meaning tube, referring to the shape of the flower, while aethiopicus is an archaic word for Africa. Due to over-harvesting, it is currently found at around 10% of its historic range. It can be found in woodland, wooded grassland, and bushland. It has large light green lance-shaped leaves. The flowers are funnel shaped and grow from ground level. It produces small fruit after a short flowering, usually just one day. == Human uses ==

Medicinal Siphonochilus aethiopicus is used in traditional medicine in sub-Saharan Africa, and the African Herbal Pharmacopoeia lists it as one of the 51 most important medicinal plants in the region. Extracts are also used in some commercial medicines, including for asthma and allergies. In some markets of the Limpopo Province of South Africa, Siphonochilus aethiopicusi is the most expensive plant per weight, Other In South Africa, Siphonochilus aethiopicus is used for spiritual healing and protection against spirits. The Zulu people use it to protect against lightning and snake bites. It is sometimes used as a spice or condiment. The oil is used to make perfume. ==Notes==