5 seeds of Harpagophytum procumbens, Devil's claw

Harpagophytum procumbens, Devil's claw seeds

Harpagophytum procumbens or Devil's claw is a native plant to southern Africa. The plant belongs to the family of sesame. It has other names such as wood spider and grapple plant. The plant grows in sandy places of savannah in southern Africa. Devil's claw is a scrolling plant on the ground. It is a perennial plant that has yearly production of the creeping stems. It cannot withstand harsh weather conditions.

Devil's claw plant has a reddish-purple flower of 1cm in length. The flowers are attached in the axils are very decorative. The stems grow from a continuous primary tuber and some sub-branches also grow at the end of the roots. The roots are often fleshy. The scientific and common name of the plant originated from the hooked spines of its woody capsules. The fruits of the plant open slowly once they mature to enable soil contact with the seeds. The seeds have high dormancy. The leaves are deeply lobed and stalked; they are alternate at the growing ends and opposite. The plant cannot survive harsh weather conditions and it, therefore, dies when it is too dry or too cold. The plant is a bit thorny and this protects it from being damaged.

Harpagophytum procumbens plant is a hermaphrodite. This means that it has both the female and the male organs. The pollination of the plant is enabled by the insect or through other cross-pollinators. The plant has attractive flowers that produce nectar to invite the insects.

Harpagophytum procumbens was used traditionally as herbal medicine that could slightly improve the digestive disturbances and joint pains as well as improve appetite. The plant is still recognised to be used for medical purposes even today. The remedy of the plant is said to treat dyspeptic complaints, several pains like back pain and osteoarthritis and improving the lost appetite. The most used part of the plant for medicinal purpose is roots. The roots can be harvested, dried and then ground or boiled before consumptions. The plant powder can be used to make tea as well. The plant has side effects and needs to be used under directions of the practitioner. Women who are breastfeeding or pregnant are advised not to consume the plant products. Other related side effects that can result from the plant are dizziness, vomiting, nausea, headaches rashes and hive. The side effects are, however rare or not there if the plant product is used correctly.