About Mikania natalensis DC.
Mikania natalensis DC. is a vigorous, herbaceous perennial climbing plant. Its leaves grow opposite one another, are well spaced along stems, and have leaf stalks that reach up to 30 mm in length. Leaf blades measure approximately 80 mm by 40 mm, are triangular in shape, end in a long pointed tip, and have pointed backward-extending lobes. Leaf margins are broadly and irregularly toothed, and five veins originate from the base of each leaf. The underside of leaves is velvety grey, while the upper surface is covered in a thin layer of fine hairs. Flowers of this species are 10 mm long, cream-coloured with purplish anthers and white corollas, and arranged in loosely branched inflorescences. They have a strong heavy scent, and bloom from April to September. Mikania natalensis looks superficially similar to Chromolaena odorata, an alien invasive plant that occurs in the native natural habitat of Mikania natalensis. The butterfly Actinote thalia was once evaluated as a potential biological control agent for Chromolaena odorata in southern Africa, but no release permission was ever pursued, because the butterfly’s larvae were found to feed on the leaves of Mikania natalensis. This species grows on forest margins, with a distribution ranging from the Eastern Cape of South Africa northward to Tropical Africa. Its flowers are regularly visited by butterflies, bees, wasps, and flies. In traditional Zulu and Swazi medicine, Mikania natalensis is used to treat urinary complaints, headaches, backache, and colds.
