The generic name is often spelled Cluytia in older publications[].

Common Name:

General Information

Clutia hirsuta is a dioecious, perennial herb growing from 30 - 90cm tall, occasionally to 120cm[]. It produces several simple or sparingly branched herbaceous stems arising from a woody rootstock[].
The plant is gathered from the wild and used medicinally in S. Africa[].

Known Hazards

Although we have seen no specific information for this species, there are reports that several species in this genus are highly toxic to grazing animals[].

Botanical References

Range

Southern Africa - S. Africa extending north into higher elevations of Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

Habitat

Submontane grassland; kloof forest at elevations of 975 - 2,400 metres[, ].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.70 m
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of the subtropics and moderate elevations in the tropics[].

This is a very variable species in many respects[].
A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

A decoction of the plant, in brandy, is used as a stomachic[].

A leaf decoction is taken to treat fevers[]. Used in the treatment of splenic fever[].
A leaf maceration, combined with other plants, is taken to treat anthrax, and also gall bladder problems in livestock[].

Crude leaf and root extracts have shown moderate antimalarial activities[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed -

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