Common Name:

General Information

Rafnia amplexicaulis is an erect, much-branched, robust, deciduous shrub growing up to 250cm tall and 300cm wide[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southern Africa - southwestern S. Africa

Habitat

Coastal fynbos, sandveld or resnosterveld, on sand flats, foothills, gentle or steep, rocky mountain slopes, usually growing on both deep and shallow soils, dry sands and granitic soils[].

Properties

Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	2.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Requires a sunny position in a well-drained soil.
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria; these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

Decoctions of plant parts have been used as a demulcent to treat catarrh and coughs[]. The root has a licorice flavour[].

Agroforestry Uses:

We have had no specific information for this species, but members of this genus are generally useful for soil building and as ground covers[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed -