Genus: Hypoxis
Species: H. Hermerocallidea
Common names: African Potato, African Star grass

Description:
Hypoxis hemerocallidea are commonly known as African star grass and/or African potato). The bright yellow star-shaped flower are easily recognized. The leaves are strap-liked sprouting from the roots. Hypoxis became very popular as an immune booster for patients who has been diagnosed with AIDS. The name Hypoxis is coined from the Greek words hypo meaning below and oxy referring to the pointed base of the ovary or fruit.

Medicinal and other use:
The primary use of Hypoxis is as an immune booster. The rootstock are also used in the treatment of:
- Urinary infections
- Internal tumors
- Nervous disorders and
- Heart weakness.

Because of it's Immune boosting properties, it is also used for ommon colds, flu, arthritis, tumours, cancer

Like most of the traditional herbs, clinical trials must be conducted to have a true result for it's medicinal properties. However, this genus has great potential as a source of new drugs with immuno-modulatory properties and as such, is of great economic value. It has been noted that Hypoxis has anti-inflammatory and immuno-modulatory properties.

Further usage are as an emetic against fearful dreams, lightning and storms.

General Information:

Hypoxis has a large number of species in the eastern region of South Africa. This is a summer rainfall genus. Seven species occur in the Cape winter rainfall region, none of which are endemic to the region. Eleven species of the 41 species are inland endemics, being restricted to altitudes higher than 1 000 m whereas the remaining species extend from the coast to the interior of southern Africa.