The African continent has climates ranging from tropical to arid deserts, savanna plains and dense jungles, to subarctic climates at high peaks. An enormous variety of flowering plants grow there. Does this Spark an idea?
North Africa
A poisonous flowering plant in Morocco called Henbane (a.k.a. "stinking nightshade") has psychoactive properties when consumed, causing visual hallucinations and a sensation of flight. Geraniums that grow in cold climates like Great Britain and North America also thrive in North Africa, where the leaves are sometimes rubbed on the skin as a mosquito repellent.
Southern Africa
Some of the best known flowers in the world are native to South Africa, including Gerbera Daisies, Aloes, Cow Parsley, Gladioli and Birds of Paradise. Aloe Vera, widely used in cosmetics and alternative medicine for its healing properties originated in southern and tropical Africa. Malawi has the most orchids of any African nation.
West Africa
The flowering plant commonly called "snake plant" or "mother-in-law's tongue" is native to tropical West Africa but now grown all over the world. In Africa it is used as a protective charm against evil spirits.
East Africa
A flowering plant known as Khat that is native to tropical East Africa contains an amphetamine-like stimulant and is a controlled substance in many countries. A flower named Vernonia Galamensis is a member of the sunflower family with over 1,000 species native to East Africa. It is cultivated widely in Ethiopia as a source of vernonia oil which is used to make plastics.
Central Africa
A type of Begonia endemic to tropical Africa with sour, edible leaves is cultivated and eaten in the Congo region.
Tags: East Africa, flowering plant, Africa flowering, Africa flowering plant, native tropical, North Africa