Common Name:

General Information

Hypoxis filiformis is a slender perennial plant producing a cluster of 3 - 10 grass-like leaves from a corm-like tuber; it can grow around 40cm tall. The plant can spread at the roots to form clumps[, , ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.
The plant is fairly widespread and is locally very abundant. It is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2009)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Tropical Africa from Angola, DR Congo and Uganda, south to S. Africa

Habitat

Natural grassland, especially after burning, disturbed grassland, Protea woodland, peat bogs, swampy grassland, grassy glades, pastures, near cultivations; at elevations from 1,050 - 3,100 metres[, ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Habit	Corm
Height	0.40 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	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 on a wide range of soils including limestone, clay, sandy soil, black volcanic soil, soil with lots of mica and feldspar[]
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[].
Development of inflorescences may be simultanous with or preceding leaf growth, the plants often flowering after fire[].

Edible Uses

The corm is eaten as a vegetable[, ]. It has a smell like soap[].The cylindrical to subglobose corm is around 10 - 45mm long and 5 - 40mm wide[]. (as Hypoxis malosana).

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

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

Add a Comment:

If you have any useful information about this plant, please leave a comment. Comments have to be approved before they are shown here.

Name:

Email(Private):

Message:

Captcha: Type the digit seven into the box