AFRICAN POTATO INDIGENOUS

Hypoxis hemerocallidea Inkomfe (Zulu) ORIGIN OF PLANT / HABITAT H. hemerocallidea is widely distributed in the grasslands of South Africa. GROWTH Hypoxis species are tuberous perennials with long, strap-like leaves and yellow, starshaped flowers. The species can be distinguished by the size, shape & orientation of the leaves and the size & shape of the flowers. LEAF SHAPE Broad, slightly hairy leaves which are arranged one above the other to form three distinct groups spreading outwards from the centre of the plant. FLOWERS Bright yellow star-shaped flowers are borne on long, slender stalks. PARTS USED The tuberous rootstock (corm), which is dark brown or black on the outside and yellow within when freshly cut, is used. CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS Phytosterol glycosides (mainly B-sitosterol), rooperol ACTIONS Rooperol was shown to have several biological activities anti-inflammatory, anticancer & anti-HIV effects in clinical trials.

MEDICINAL
Internally Dizziness, bladder problems, tonic for weak children, prostate problems, urinary infections. Externally Burns, skin ailments.

DOMESTIC
The leaves are used as a dye and give a black colour.

HISTORICAL
Traditional uses include testicular tumours, prostate hypertrophy & urinary infections. 1

INFO REF Van Wyk, B.; Van Oudtshoorn, B. & Gericke, N. 2000. Medicinal Plants of South Africa. Van Wyk, B. & Gericke, N. 2000. Peoples Plants: A guide to useful plants in Southern Africa. Brown, Deni. 2002. The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of Herbs & Their Uses. SPECIMEN COLLECTED Van Stadens area, PE DATE 01/2003