Common Name:

General Information

Hypoxis argentea is a slender, herbaceous perennial plant producing a cluster of 4 - 7 grass-like leaves from a small, corm-like tuber; it can grow 7 - 10cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southern Africa - south and east S. Africa

Habitat

Grassland and hill slopes, in sandy to loamy moist soils[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.10 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Hypoxis species are generally not very cold tolerant plants and most species are badly damaged or killed by even light frosts. The majority of the S. African species come from summer rainfall areas with litle or no winter rain, and most species will usually grow well in a Mediterranean type of climate with little or no frost[].
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 stomach aches and diarrhoea[]. (refers to var argentea)

The tuber is traditionally used in the treatment of diabetes, being crushed and soaked in cold water and then administered orally[, ]. (refers to var sericea)
Research has shown that the plant contains compounds with reported anti-diabetic properties and that the probable mechanisms of action include the stimulation of glucose uptake via insulin-dependent pathways[]

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

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