Hypoxis Species, African Potato, African Star Grass

Apparently no one sells this plant in the U.S. I tried for 2 years to grow this plant from seed from 3 different sources without success...Read More. Finally I got seed from a South African source that suggested fresh seed was necessary, and their seed germinated. I thought that this plant needed good drainage and planted it on a scree mound, but another that I planted in rich soil on level ground came back after a winter and has done well. I have also had very good germination from the copious seed that several of my plants produce. The flowers are a nice yellow and are continually produced throughout the growing season. Lots of seed is produced, although you have to catch it before the pods split and drop the seed. The leaves die at the first frost, but the plant has come back from the crown for 2 years now.

This plant grows wild in South Africa and is used by traditional healers as a remedy for TB, HIV AIDS, the common cold and many other use...Read Mores. It is also thought to cause liver or kidney damage if used in large quantities. Much information can be found on the internet search on either Hypoxis or African Potato. A tea of the shavings of the bulb is the usual medication, and has a bad taste. Capsules are manufactured for specific uses with detailed dosages.