Typha capensis

Typha capensis is a widely known wetland plant. It has many uses ranging from being edible and a medicinal plant with wide ranging applications. The leaves are used as thatching. The rhizomes have been used since times immemorial by indigenous populations as food.  It is normally pounded into a meal as a source of starch. The pollen is sought after as a source of protein. The bulk foliage may also become a plant fertilizer or green manure. 

The medicinal uses include decoctions taken during pregnancy to ease delivery, for venereal diseases, to improve circulation, for diarrhoea, enhancing male potency and libido and more (Van Wyk and Gericke, 2007; www.thebotanicalsource.com; www.plantzafrica.com).