Devil's Claw - Harpagophytum procumbens Seeds

Harpagophytum procumbens Seeds

Tread with care where Harpagophytum procumbens, or devil's claw, is lurking. It has nasty, spiny fruits but it is one of the chief medicinal plants southern Africa has given to the world. Its uses are multifarious and many tons of dried tubers are exported each year, mainly to Europe. Most of this is harvested in the wild so there has been much concern about over-harvesting. To read more about it's medicinal properties, CLICK HERE.

Conservation Status
It is important to note that devil's claw is a protected plant in all three countries where it grows, (South Africa, Botswana and Namibia). This means that it is illegal to dig it up or harvest it, even one plant, without a permit from the various departments of nature conservation.