Harpagophytum (Harpagophytum)
Description
Harpagophytum is a botanical genus of plants of the family Pedaliaceae , in other words the family of sesame. The main species of this genus, Harpagophytum procumbens (alias harpagophyton ), is often referred to simply as " harpagophytum " and commonly as "devil's claw" or "Windhoek root". It is also called by the English-speaking grapple plant , wood spider, and more commonly Devil's claw . It is a perennial herb that originated in the semi-desert regions of South Africa. Its main root , lignified , has an important deep vertical development. Its secondary roots are bulbous tubers, sometimes enormous, weighing up to 1.5 kg. This root has medicinal uses 1 (the settlers Europeans learned of Africans that they could use it to treat their arthritis ). One of the species Harpagophytum , Harpagophytum procumbens or "Devil's Claw", is widely used to alleviate various joint discomforts ( arthritis in particular) and improve joint mobility, promote muscle relaxation.
Taxonomic tree
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Domain: Eukarya
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Kingdom: Plantae
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Phylum: Magnoliophyta
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Class: Magnoliopsida
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Order: Scrophulariales
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Family: Pedaliaceae
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Genus: Harpagophytum
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