Common Name:

General Information

Hypoxis gerrardii is a herbaceous perennial plant growing from a corm-like tuber; it produces a cluster of grass-like leaves around 8 - 20cm tall[].
The plant is harvested frm the wild for local use as a medicine.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southern Africa - eastern and northeastern S. Africa

Habitat

Grassland; at elevations from 500 - 2,300 metres[, ].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.15 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Hypoxis gerrardii is native to the subtropcal climate of eastern S. Africa. In part of its range it is found in the summer rainfall area of northern South Africa, where the mean annual precipitation is generally between 400 - 800mm, though it can be as much as 2,000mm in the eastern escarpment zone. Thunderstorms are a common occurrence during the rainy season which extends from about September/October to around March; the frequency of hailstorms
is high. The summer season is hot and often dry, especially in the north and west. The winters are dry with cool days and cold nights, and with short-lived frosts generally occurring on between 30 and 180 days over much of the region[].
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[].
Fires are a frequent occurrence within the range of this species. Although top growth is killed, the plant generally regrows from the tuber[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The tuber is used in the treatment of abdominal cramps[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

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