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Stunning yellow flowers with medicinal properties. Young roots can be eaten like a vegetable (with a peppery flavour), or the shoots can be eaten as a salad. The whole plant was used to prepare an infusion with astringent and sedative properties. It was considered to be effective in healing asthmatic coughs, gastro-intestinal disorders, whooping cough and as a sedative pain-killer. Poultices containing O. biennis were at one time used to ease bruises and speed wound healing. One of the common names for Oenothera, "Kings cure-all", reflects the wide range of healing powers ascribed to this plant, although it should be noted that its efficacy for these purposes has not been demonstrated in clinical trials. Please research this properly if you wish to use the plant for medicinal or culinary purposes. We sell it purely for the attractive appeal.

Seeds per pack - 100 Seeds

Country of Origin - Proudly produced in South Africa by Sandveld Organics

Certified Organic by - KIWA BCS ÖKO-GARANTIE GmbH

About the producer - Seeds for Africa and Sandveld Organics have entered into an exclusive strategic partnership to offer a large range of South African grown certified organic seeds. Sandveld Organics are an organic farm in Lamberts Bay on the Cape West Coast. Founded in 1998 Sandveld Organics has achieved and maintained organic certification with KIWA BCS ÖKO-GARANTIE GmbH since 1998. Sandveld Organics are the ONLY South African company growing certified organic seed.

Gravel root, also known as Joe Pye weed, is a therapeutic herb that's been around for centuries. Historical records from Turkey indicate its use as early as the B.C. era. Throughout history, many cultures have used gravel root as a remedy for an assortment of health complaints. Many of the bioactive compounds responsible for gravel root’s benefits are beginning to be analysed by the scientific community in order to validate the age-old claims. The origin of the name "gravel root" is appropriately attributed to its popularity as an herb believed to break down kidney stones (gravel). While solid, modern evidence to confirm this assertion is sparse; the root itself exhibits a host of compounds that have earned it a high level of praise among naturopaths and conventional physicians alike. The most potent part of the herb are its leaves, roots, and rhizomes (root-like stems) and contain high concentrations of oleoresin euparin, tannins, flavonoids, and sesquiterpene. All of these play a role in supporting metabolic actions. We recommend extreme caution and thorough research before using plants for medicinal purposes.

USDA Zone - 11

Season to Sow - Spring

It grows as a short shrub (35-75 cm) with a central stem from which branch extend radially in a star pattern (stellate) and covered with a dense matte of woolly hairs. The flowers are small and green, while the ripe fruit is orange-red and has milk-coagulating properties. The plant also has long brown tuberous roots that are used for medicinal purposes. Grown as late rainy season crop. The semi-tropical areas receiving 500 to 750 mm rainfall are suitable for its cultivation as rainfed crop. If one or two winter rains are received, the root development improves. The crop requires relatively dry season during its growing period. It can tolerate a temperature range of 20 to 38 deg C and even low temperature as low as 10 deg C. The plant grows from sea level to an altitude of 1500 meters above sea level. The roots have been extolled as a sexual stimulant (in the Orient) and the plant is said to have ecbolic properties.

Leonotis leonurus is commonly known as wild dagga. It is a robust shrub which grows up to 2-3m tall and 1.5m wide. It is common and widespread throughout South Africa and grows amongst rocks in grassland. Stems are velvety and woody at the base. The leaves are long, narrow, rough above, velvety below, with serrate edges. The wild dagga flowers profusely in autumn with its characteristic bright orange flowers carried in compact clusters in whorls along the flower stalk. Apricot and creamy white flowered forms are also found. This is an excellent plant for attracting wildlife to your garden as the flowers profuse copious nectar which attracts birds, bees and butterflies. The wild dagga is fast growing and is frost hardy. It should be well watered in summer but does not require much water in the winter months. It is very easy to grow but will do best in well drained loamy soils with plenty of compost added. Plants should be cut right back at the end of winter. Propagate from seed, cuttings or by dividing up large clumps. The wild dagga is widely used in traditional medicine to treat fevers, headaches, coughs, dysentery and many other conditions. It is also used as a remedy for snake bite and as a charm to keep snakes away.

USDA Zone - 9

Season to Sow - Spring