Silene capensis - dried root (dream root)

• Dried root in pieces, 5 g, 25 g or 100 g
• Naturally dried, no chemical treatment
• Beige to light brown colour, fibrous texture

Silene capensis belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family, that of carnations and of the campions in our meadows. It grows in the damp grasslands of the Eastern Cape, in South Africa. Its Xhosa name, undlela ziimhlophe, translates as "white paths", and the plant is documented in the ethnographic literature in connection with Xhosa traditional practitioners, the amagqirha.

A useful botanical point: Silene capensis and Silene undulata refer to the same plant in much of the literature. Both names circulate in the trade, which explains why you may find the same product under two names.

The root is fibrous, beige to light brown, and rich in saponins: shaken in water, it produces an abundant, lasting foam. This is the simplest feature for telling a genuine Silene root from a substitute.

Silene capensis or Silene undulata?
It is the same plant. Silene undulata is the name most widely accepted today, Silene capensis remains the name under which it circulates in the trade. They are not two different products.

Why does the root foam in water?
Because it contains saponins, naturally foaming compounds found in many roots. It is an identification feature, not a defect.

How should it be stored?
In an airtight container, away from light and moisture. The dried root keeps for a long time if it stays dry.

Can it be consumed?
No. We sell it as botanical material for collectors, not as a food product, and we do not provide any preparation method.

This plant is sold as botanical material intended for collection, ethnobotanical study and ornamental use. It is not a food product and is not intended for consumption. We provide no dosage, no preparation method and no expected effect. Sale restricted to adults (18 and over).

Also worth exploring: other materials from southern Africa in our dried herbs of the world, including Uvuma omhlope and Kanna.