Hypoxis angustifolia is a very variable species, especially in shapes of style and stigma. The name has been used in the past to refer to all Hypoxis species in central Africa with narrow leaves less than 7mm wide - further research has led botanists to recognize these plants as consisting of several distinct species[].

Common Name: Slender Star Lily

General Information

Hypoxis angustifolia is an erect, herbaceous perennial plant, growing from a corm-like tuber and producing a cluster of grass-like leaves; it can grow up to 45cm tall, spreading at the roots to form a clump[, , ].
The plant is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use as a food and a medicine. The tubers were at one time an important food source in Soqotra[]. The plant has attractive flowers and is worthy of cultivation as an ornamental[].
Hypoxis angustifolia is a common species with a wide range and is found in a wide variety of habitats. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2009)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Sub-Saharan Africa - widespread from Senegal to Somalia, south to Angola, Zimbabwe, S. Africa and Madagascar; SW. Arabian Peninsula - Yemen

Habitat

Grassland, primary and secondary, often seasonally wet, swampy in flood plains, glades, scattered tree grassland, miombo forest, forest margins, rocky outcrops, pastures, road sides, mountain trails; at elevations from sea level to 3,000 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.30 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Hypoxis species are generally not very cold tolerant plants and most species are badly damaged or killed by even light frosts. They 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[]. This species is found in the wild in a wide range of soils including shallow, mineral soils on rocky granitic, lava, coral or calcareous outcrops; on sandy, white, yellow, reddish, dark soils; on gray, rich light brown humic loam; red ferralitic soil; heavy clay; volcanic soil; black cotton soil and on termitaria[].
Hypoxis species greatly resent root disturbance, plants should be placed in their permanent positions as soon as possible and left undisturbed for as long as possible[].

Edible Uses

Roots - cooked as a vegetable[, ]. They can also be dried for later use[]. When dried they have a flavour somewhat like roast chestnuts[]. The globose to ovoid tuber is up to 36mm long and 22mm wide[].

Medicinal

The pulp from the tuber is used as a treatment for skin ulcers, pustules and infected wounds[, ].
The tuber is used in the treatment of skin ulcers, HIV/AIDS, wounds, sickle cell diseases and ringworms[].
The raw tuber is crushed and applied to the infected area as a treatmet for ringworm[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

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

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