devil's-claw

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• devil's-claw
• grappleplant
• Bushveld Devilclaw
• Savanna Devilclaw
• devil's claw

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Uncaria zeyheri

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Harpagophytum zeyheri, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Lamiales and the family Pedaliaceae. It is further categorized under the genus Harpagophytum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, Harpagophytum zeyheri, is primarily located within the various regions of Southern Africa. Its distribution includes several countries situated in South Tropical Africa, most notably Angola and Mozambique. It can also be found across the landscapes of Zambia and Zimbabwe. Additionally, the species extends its reach into the territory of Botswana within the Southern Africa region. Collectively, these locations define the specific geographical range where this medicinal plant thrives.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Harpagophytum zeyheri is characterized by its specific distribution within distinct altitudinal gradients. This species thrives within an elevational range that begins at a minimum of 350 m AMSL and extends up to a maximum of 1430 m AMSL. This vertical distribution suggests an adaptation to varied environmental conditions found across these mid-to-high altitude zones, where it occupies specific ecological niches defined by these elevation boundaries.

Elevational range max:

1430 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

350 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Harpagophytum zehleri is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist in its natural habitats over multiple growing seasons. As a long-lived herb, it undergoes distinct developmental stages involving the establishment of a robust tuberous root system, which serves as a vital energy storage organ for survival during unfavorable environmental conditions. The plant's growth pattern is dictated by seasonal shifts, where it emerges from dormancy to produce climbing or trailing stems, specialized leaves, and eventually, reproductive structures. This perennial nature ensures that the plant can recover and re-sprout following periods of dormancy, contributing to its long-term stability within its ecological niche.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Harpagophytum zeyheri is characterized by a growth form primarily classified as a herb, exhibiting non-woody structures throughout its development. This species functions as an independent organism, neither acting as a parasite nor as an epiphyte, and is predominantly terrestrial in its habitat. In terms of its physical stature, the plant typically reaches a height ranging from a minimum of 0.5 m to a maximum of 1 m. Structurally, it is a self-supporting plant rather than a climber, maintaining its upright or spreading position without the need for external support.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

1 m

Plant height min:

0.5 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Reproduction

Reproduction in Harpagophytum zeyheri is characterized by the production of seeds that exhibit specific morphological and weight-based consistency. Analysis of the seed mass reveals a highly stable range, with a recorded mean seed mass of 0.01416 g. The individual variation within the seed population is relatively narrow, as evidenced by a maximum seed mass of 0.01525 g and a minimum seed mass of 0.01307 g. This data suggests a standardized reproductive output where the energy allocated to each seed is tightly regulated, ensuring uniform dispersal characteristics for the species.

Seed mass max:

0.01525 g

Seed mass mean:

0.01416 g

Seed mass min:

0.01307 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Harpagophytum zeyheri has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Harpagoside, 8-p-Coumaroylharpagide.

Harpagoside

1. Phytochemistry
2. Planta medica

8-p-Coumaroylharpagide

1. Planta medica

Activities

Harpagophytum zeyheri has 2 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Inflammatory.

Analgesic

1. Planta medica

Inflammatory

1. BMC complementary medicine and therapies

Medicinal Uses

Harpagophytum zeyheri has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include analgesic, arthritis, lower back pain, neuralgia, pain.

Most Reported Uses