Blackjack

Blackjack (Bidens pilosa) or more commonly known in South Africa as “klitsgras”. This pesky weed grows widely and its fruit/seeds can cause much irritation when you brush yourself or your clothes against it.

Bidens pilosa is an annual plant that can grow up to 1,8 meters tall with a small white flower with yellow center. These flowers develop into black seeds which are mainly transported by animals (ask my dog Fluffy). Still I do not want to get rid of the klitsgras in my garden, as it is considered to have health benefits that are too many to list.

The young leaves and young shoots are used as a vegetable of which has a high nutritious value. The leaves can be eaten raw or as a potherb or cooked with other greens such as cabbage. It can also be steeped as an herbal tea.

Roots, leaves and seeds possess antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore the plant extract can be used as a natural mouthwash to combat odor causing germs.