Tecoma capensis

HABIT: Tecoma capensis is a fast growing, scrambling shrub which may grow up to 2-3m high and spread more than 2.5m. Tecomaria capensis is an evergreen plant in warm climate areas but loses its leaves in colder areas. It has pinnately compound leaves that have oval leaflets with blunt teeth. Flowering time for this shrub is very erratic and often it flowers all year round. Flowers are orange in color. 

CONSERVATION STATUS: Evaluated as 'Least Concern' by IUCN.

MEDICINAL USES: The traditional uses of the tested plants as antibacterial and antifungal agents, extracts were tested against an array of Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria, filamentous fungi and yeasts. In addition, their antipathogenic potential was checked by examining the antiquorum sensing activity of such extracts using Chromobacterium violaceum assays. It is included in the list of African plants evaluated for in vitro antiplasmodial activity. 

(Al-Hussaini, R., & Mahasneh, A. M. (2009). Microbial growth and quorum sensing antagonist activities of herbal plants extracts. Molecules, 14(9), 3425-3435.)

ETHNOBOTANICAL USES: Tecoma capensis is used for fevers, pain, sleeplessness, chest ailments, diarrhea, dysentery, and stomach pains. It also has magical uses and is a popular ornamental plant in eco-gardens. Plant is used as a traditional medicine to relieve pain and sleeplessness. Dried powdered bark infusions are taken for sleeplessness , reported to induce sleep. 

(Saini, N. K., Singhal, M., Srivastava, B., Sachdeva, K., & Singh, C. (2011). Anti-microbial activity of Tecomaria capensis leaves extract. In-vitro, 7(1), 024.)