Silene undulata
Gunpowder plant · Large-flowered campion
Description
Source: leafsnapSilene undulata, commonly known as African dream root or Xhosa dream herb, is a perennial plant native to South Africa. Traditionally, the Xhosa people have utilized its psychoactive properties to induce vivid and lucid dreams. The plant contains a compound called Calea zacatechichi, which is believed to enhance dream recall and promote spiritual experiences. The plant features small white flowers that bloom in summer, and its lance-shaped leaves have wavy edges. Silene undulata prefers well-drained soil and can thrive in full sun or partial shade, reaching up to 1 meter in height. Aside from its traditional use as a dream enhancer, Silene undulata has also been explored for its potential medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory effects, pain relief, and anti-anxiety benefits. It's important to note that Silene undulata is considered a controlled substance in some countries due to its psychoactive properties. Therefore, it should be used with caution and under the guidance of an experienced practitioner or herbalist.
🌳 Apart from its attractive presence in gardens, garden Catchfly has historically been used in uncommon ways that are not widely known. One particularly interesting application of garden Catchfly is in bookbinding. The sticky exudates from its stems and leaves were formerly employed as a glue to fasten pages in books. This application not only underscores the plant’s practical value beyond gardening but also its role in aiding the preservation of human knowledge.
Care Guide
💧 Water Every 7 days
Silene undulata is native to the Eastern Cape of South Africa, where it thrives in subtropical climates with moderate humidity and well-drained soil. It requires consistent moisture but should not be overwatered, so watering once a week is ideal. Adding mulch helps retain moisture, which is especially beneficial for outdoor garden beds or borders.
☀️ Light Full sun
Garden Catchfly does best with abundant sunlight during the day but can also tolerate lower light levels. Native to sunny habitats, insufficient exposure can weaken its vigorous condition, while light beyond its tolerance can cause mild stress.
🌡️ Temperature 5–41.1°C
Garden Catchfly is native to temperate regions and is adapted to temperatures ranging from 68 to 105.8 °F (20 to 41 ℃). To meet its needs, alter the surrounding conditions accordingly, especially during extreme seasonal changes.
💨 Humidity
🪴 Soil 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer
When Garden Catchfly has opened most of its blooms to full size, resume fertilizing. Around the time the blooms are at peak output, apply fertilizer every three to four weeks, weather permitting. After Garden Catchfly begins producing fewer new blooms, stop fertilizing; there's no need to feed it when the plant can no longer produce more blooms.
🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning
Silene undulata is known for its appealing wavy leaves and delicate flowers. To encourage healthy blooms and strong growth, it's best to prune in early spring. This helps remove dead stems and excess growth, which improves air circulation and sunlight exposure. Make sure to use clean, sharp tools to prevent infection.
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity
Characteristics
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Annual
- Genus
- Silene
- Family
- Caryophyllaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 5-13
- Mature Height
- 40 cm to 61 cm
- Mature Spread
- 15 cm to 30 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green
- Leaf Type
- Semi-evergreen
- Flower Color
- Pink, White
- Flower Size
- 1.02 cm to 1.52 cm
- Bloom Time
- Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Early summer, Mid summer
- Native Area
- Libya, Iraq, Tunisia, Syria, Italy, Egypt, Spain, Portugal, Iran, Cyprus, Pakistan, Croatia, Morocco, Lebanon