Common Name:

General Information

Huernia hystrix is an evergreen, prostrate to erect, low-growing, succulent, leafless, perennial plant. It forms a small clump of five-angled stems, usually up to 8cm long and around 1cm in diameter[].
The plant is sometimes harvested from the wild for local medicinal use. It is grown as an ornamental and has become rare in South Africa due to overharvesting[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southern Africa - Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Swaziland, S. Africa.

Habitat

Not known

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	0.08 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of drier regions in the tropical and subtropical regions.
Grows best in bright shade, in a gritty, freely draining soil[]. Established plants are drought-tolerant[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

A stem infusion is taken as a sexual stimulant[].

Stem and root extract showed anti-inflammatory activity in vitro[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow in individual containers, placing each seed about 5mm below soil level. Do not water from above because of the risk of fungal diseases, but soak the pots by partially immersing them in water and then enclose them in tightly sealed plastic bags. Place in a lightly shaded position at a temperature around 22 - 25°c and germination should take place within a few days[]. Keep the plant out of direct light for at least the first 2 - 3 months[].
Stem cuttings root easily[]. Choose stems that are young, but mature, and around 8cm long. Leave the cutting in a bright, airy, dry place for 7 - 10 days for the cut surface to heal, then place them in a freely-draining compost, where they should root well within 3 - 5 weeks[].

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