Common Name:

General Information

Hypoxis galpinii is a robust, perennial plant producing a cluster of 7 - 11 grass-like leaves from a corm-like tuber; it usually grows up to 50cm tall, occasionally reaching 60cm[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. It is often harvested on a large scale for medicinal use, being marketed under the name 'African Potato', a name more accurately applied to the species Hypoxis hemerocallidea[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

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Range

Eastern and southern Africa - Tanzania, Zimbabwe, S. Africa, Swaziland

Habitat

Grassland with scattered trees; secondary grassland, growing on rocky black mineral soils, and loamy soils; at elevations from 1,500 - 2,600 metres[, ].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
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. The majority of the S. African species come from summer rainfall areas with litle or no winter rain, and most species 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[].
Hypoxis species greatly resent root disturbance, plants should be placed in their permanent positions as soon as possible and left ndisturbed for as long as possible[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The roots are often harvested from the wild in large quantities and marketed under the name 'African Potato', a name more accurately applied to the traditional medicinal species Hypoxis hemerocallidea, which is used in the treatment of a range of conditions including cancer, HIV/AIDS, urinary tract diseases, reproductive system diseases, prostate hypertrophy, benign prostate hyperplasia, tuberculosis, syphilis and diabetes[, ].
Research has shown that the root of this species has a similar, though not identical, phytochemical profile to Hypoxis hemerocallidea and is non-toxic. However, it is not known if the medicinal benefits are the same[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

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

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