Duiwelsklou (Afrikaans)
Harpagophytum procumbens
Family: Pedaliaceae
South African Devil's Claw must not be confused with the American plant
also known as Devil's Claw (Proboscidea spp.) which is native to the Southwest
and is not related, botanically or medicinally, to the herb being described
herein. To our knowledge, this is the first time the seed of true
South-African Devil's Claw has been made available to gardeners in the
U.S. This plant grows in the open desert, with creeping stems and
grey-green leaves, bearing tubular flowers colored yellow or dark violet.
The flowers give way to characteristically hooked fruits containing the
rough-clad seeds. The primary root of the plant should not be disturbed,
but the secondary tubers can be taken for medicine. They are intensely
bitter, and have excellent tonifying properties, being much employed for
the treatment of arthritis and also for treating slow-healing sores and
ulcers. The roots contain phytosterols and iridoid glycosides harpagoside
and harpagide. The plant is being considered for CITES listing as
a potentially endangered species. Learning to cultivate this extremely
rare and useful plant from seed is of highest priority. Cultivation:
Extra Care. Sow seed in very warm, sandy soil in full sun.
Water daily for a week, then stop watering. Germination should occur
as the soil dries out. Bottom heating for an extended time period,
wiith occasional watering and occasional drying off may prove beneficial.
Plant in deeply drained, sandy soil in the full sun. Requires very
little water. Space plants 2 feet apart.
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