Polished star
Duvalia polita

Family: Apocynaceae

What it is like

A succulent plant. The plant is leafless and it is the stems that are used. The stems are succulent. They are 8 cm long and 1.3 cm thick. They are bluntly 6 angled with pointed teeth. It has runners or stolons. The plant forms a clump. The flowers occur as 3 or 4 together. They open one after the other. The flower tube is 3 cm across.

It is used in medicine.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical and tropical plant. They need warm conditions. In Swaziland it grows in the lowveld. It is best in rich, sandy, well-drained soils. It needs a protected, shaded position. It is damaged by frost or drought. It re-grows after fire. In southern Africa it grows between 1,000-1,600 m above sea level. In Namibia it grows in places where the dry season is 6-11 months. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa (country/location of origin), Angola, Australia, Botswana, Central Africa, East Africa, Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The above ground shoots are eaten raw. The underground stems are eaten roasted. They also provide water. The plant is baked in hot ashes then pounded with other foods including nuts.

The stems contain Vitamin C.

Edible parts

Stems, roots, rhizomes

How it is grown

It can be grown by seed or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Hottentot's toes, Tililo lomnocane

Synonyms

Duvalia dentata N. E. Br.; Duvalia polita var. polita f. intermedia A. C. White & Sloane; Duvalia transvaalensis Schltr.; Duvalia transvaalensis Schltr. var. parviflora L. Bolus;