Common Name:

General Information

Hypoxis longifolia is a slender, herbaceous perenial plant producing a cluster of 4 - 8 grass-like leaves from a corm-like tuber; it can grow around 15 - 40cm tall
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine.
The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2020)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southern Afica - eastern S. Africa

Habitat

Grassy slopes and rocky outcropa, grassland, savannah; at elevations up to 700 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.30 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Hypoxis longifolia is found mainly near the coast of eastern S. Africa, extending inland to elevations of up to 700 metres. The climate is subtropical, with little or no frost near the coast and a rainfall of up to 1,000mm falling mainly in the summer with some all year round. Further inland, and at higher elevations, frosts become more frequent, with less rainfall and dry winters[].
Species in this genus generally require a light, freely draining soil and a position in full sun or light shade[].
Hypoxis species greatly resent root disturbance, plants should be placed in their permanent positions as soon as possible and left ndisturbed for as long as possible[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The tuber is used in the treatment of gynaecolgical and obstetric disorders[].
A decoction of the chopped corm is used in the treatment of menorrhagia[]

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe[].
Division.