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Uvuma-Omhlope from South Africa – Powdered Root, Synaptolepis kirkii
€10.95
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Powdered root of Synaptolepis kirkii, a plant of the daphne family (Thymelaeaceae), sold under the common name uvuma-omhlope. The Maya Herbs pouch says Made in South Africa. The off-white powder is available in 10 g, 25 g and 100 g packs.See also: Smart Seeds & Herbs
- Botanical name: Synaptolepis kirkii Oliv.
- Family: Thymelaeaceae (daphne or mezereon family)
- Synonyms: Synaptolepis pachyphylla Gilg, Synaptolepis macrocarpa Gilg
Smart Seeds & Herbs · Synaptolepis kirkii Oliv. · 10 g / 25 g / 100 g
Synaptolepis kirkii, powdered root
This product is the root of Synaptolepis kirkii, ground to a pale, off-white powder. The supplier lists uvuma-omhlope as its common name, root as the plant part, powder as the form and South Africa as the country; its product title adds the region of Natal. Two kinds of packaging appear in the photos: a kraft pouch with a green Maya Herbs label marked Powdered and Made in South Africa, and a small clear jar with a black screw lid. Mycotrop offers 10 g, 25 g and 100 g.
- 10 g / 25 g / 100 g
- Thymelaeaceae
- Root
- Powder
- Botanical name
- Synaptolepis kirkii Oliv.
- Family
- Thymelaeaceae (daphne or mezereon family)
- Synonyms
- Synaptolepis pachyphylla Gilg, Synaptolepis macrocarpa Gilg
- Common name
- Uvuma-omhlope (supplier)
- Plant part
- Root
- Form
- Powder
Reported effects and traditional use
Synaptolepis kirkii is a woody plant of the Thymelaeaceae family that grows along the coast of Somalia, Kenya and Tanzania, including Zanzibar. A 2009 botanical study showed that the southern African specimens attributed to it in fact belong to a related species, S. oliveriana, which grows in northern KwaZulu-Natal and Mozambique.
The Zulu name uvuma-omhlope refers to S. oliveriana. According to SANBI, its large white root is heavily exploited for the medicinal plant trade, and it is traditionally used to induce visions and to give diviners clarity in their trance visions.
| Known compounds | A daphnane orthoester, kirkinine, has been isolated from the root of S. kirkii (He et al. 2000). |
|---|---|
| Reported effects | Visions, and clarity in trance visions, among southern African diviners, reported for S. oliveriana; not verified by pharmacological studies. |
| Where the use comes from | Practices of KwaZulu-Natal diviners described for S. oliveriana; no documented traditional use was found for S. kirkii itself. |
| State of research | Very little published data: one compound isolated from the root of S. kirkii and tested in the laboratory. No health claim is authorised for this plant in the EU. |
Good to know
- Daphnane-type diterpenes, characteristic of the Thymelaeaceae family, are described as toxic compounds (Otsuki and Li 2023).
The species
The name Synaptolepis kirkii Oliv. was published in 1870 in Hooker’s Icones Plantarum. The World Checklist of Vascular Plants, compiled by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, accepts it in the Thymelaeaceae, known in English as the daphne or mezereon family, and lists Synaptolepis pachyphylla Gilg and Synaptolepis macrocarpa Gilg as synonyms. The plant name databases consulted for this page record no English, French or German common name for the species; uvuma-omhlope is the name used by the supplier.
Recorded range and declared country
The checklist gives Kenya, Somalia and Tanzania as the native range of the species. The country declared for this product, both on the pouch and in the supplier listing, is South Africa.
Choosing a pack size
The three sizes contain the same powdered root and differ only in weight. Other powdered roots and barks, each named by species, are listed under Smart Seeds & Herbs.
Storing your botanicals
Keep dried plants in their tightly closed pouch or in an airtight jar, away from light, moisture and heat. Powders absorb moisture easily, so close them again straight away. For extracts, tinctures and capsules, follow the instructions on the label and the printed date.
Before using a plant
- Keep plants out of the reach of children and pets.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or taking any medication, ask a doctor or pharmacist first: many plants interact with medicines.
- Stop immediately if you have an allergic reaction or feel unwell.
- The information on this page describes the product; it does not replace medical advice.
Specifications
| Botanical name | Synaptolepis kirkii Oliv. |
|---|---|
| Family | Thymelaeaceae (daphne or mezereon family) |
| Synonyms | Synaptolepis pachyphylla Gilg, Synaptolepis macrocarpa Gilg |
| Common name | Uvuma-omhlope (supplier) |
| Plant part | Root |
| Form | Powder |
| Origin | South Africa (label and supplier) |
| Pack sizes | 10 g · 25 g · 100 g |
| Supplier label | Maya Herbs (Maya World Trading BV, Haarlem) |
| Reference | 0455 |
| Sold as | Collectible or souvenir item; do not consume |
Discreet delivery
Orders are packed on working days and leave in plain outer packaging that does not describe the contents. Once your order has shipped, we email you the tracking link when one is available. Estimated delivery times, right of withdrawal and exceptions: Delivery, tracking and returns.
Sources: Jordaan & Bredenkamp 2009, Bothalia 39(1); SANBI PlantZAfrica, Synaptolepis oliveriana; He et al. 2000, J Nat Prod 63; Otsuki & Li 2023, J Nat Med 77; supplier information; Plants of the World Online (Kew); GBIF. Updated 3 October 2026 by the Mycotrop team.
Frequently asked questions
What is uvuma-omhlope?
It is the Zulu name of Synaptolepis oliveriana, called ‘chalk-stick root’ in English, a shrub of northern KwaZulu-Natal. Its white root is sold in the medicinal plant markets of South Africa.
Are Synaptolepis kirkii and Synaptolepis oliveriana the same plant?
No. S. kirkii grows along the coast of Somalia, Kenya and Tanzania. In southern Africa the name S. kirkii was long misapplied to S. oliveriana, according to a 2009 botanical study.
Which plant is uvuma-omhlope?
The supplier uses the name for Synaptolepis kirkii Oliv., an accepted species of the Thymelaeaceae.
Which part of the plant is it?
The root, supplied as a fine, off-white powder.
Which sizes are available?
10 g, 25 g and 100 g, all with the same powdered root.
Where does it come from?
The pouch says Made in South Africa, and the supplier also names South Africa, with Natal in its product title.
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