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SUTHERLANDIA frutescens - Cancer Bush 5g
Cancer Bush
Family: Fabaceae
Characteristics: Small shrub to 1 metre
Seed per packet: Approx. 15
Seed per gram: Approx. 85-90
Previously known as SUTHERLANDIA frutescens the cancer bush is a fast-growing member of the pea family with silvery foliage that produces attractive red flowers that are followed by inflated pods that matures to a reddish colour.
A short-lived annual that is self-seeding, seeds germinate readily in around two to three weeks. Ideally suited for propagating and growing in most Australian climates.
Native to the dry regions of southern Africa.
Medicinal use
The dried plant material can then be easily used for therapeutic purposes in the form of tea, capsules, or liquid extracts.
Cancer bush is a medicinal plant with a long history of traditional use in South African medicine for numerous conditions including cancer.
More recently it has been recognised for its role in the management of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), tuberculosis, and diabetes. It has also been used traditionally as an adaptogenic herb for chronic fatigue syndrome, gastro-intestinal complaints including gastritis, and arthralgia.
Common names for L. frutescens include Sutherlandia, cancer bush, or Kankerbos (Afrikaans).
Grow notes:
Prefers well-drained soil in a sunny position, drought-tolerant.
Although seed can be sown most of the year in many parts of Australia seed is generally best sown in spring or autumn, avoiding the coldest and hottest months of the year. The optimum germination temperature for germination is around 18-22°C.
Seeds germinate readily, however they do have a hard outer coating that is impervious to water and generally germination will normally not occur unless the seed is scarified by abrading or pre-treated with boiling water first.
- Place the seed in a container and pour in warm to hot water allowing it to cool overnight.
- The swollen seed can then be sown, re-treat seeds that have not swollen.
- Sow 3-4mm deep, keep warm & moist but not wet.
- Germination should occur in 14-28 days @ 18-22C in the right conditions.
General note: Seeds of many plant species are dormant and require specific conditions or pre-treatment for germination.
Do not be too hasty to discard seed that does not germinate, seeds will often lay dormant until the conditions are similar to their natural requirements for germination to occur. Containers put to one side will often surprise long after they were discarded.
We now stock a range of Propagation Accessories including the popular Aquamiser Propagation Kits, Pots, Native and Forestry Tubes, Trays, Labels and more.
We can only ship these items to Australian locations, international customers please request shipping quotation prior to purchasing.
Importing to Tasmania Prohibited