Silene capensis - "Xhosa Dream Plant"

Indigenous to the verdant river valleys of the eastern cape province of South Africa, this obsure flowering species is regarded by Xhosa diviners as a sacred plant with the ability to induce remarkably vivid and prophetic dreams.

Xhosa shamans regard the plant as a type of "Ubulawu" or medicinal root that they call "Undela Ziimhlophe," which translates literally as "white paths" or white ways."

An eleborate river-based myth enshrines the plant and describes in detail the experience of those who are called to walk the "white path" to become diviners. Initiation rites involve partaking in a frothy brew made from the ground roots which allows initiates to travel a dream realm "under the river."

There exists very little documentation of the pharmacology of Silene capensis. It is suspected that its oneirongenic, or dream-inducing activity is likely due to triterpenoid saponins contained within its roots. Relatively small amounts of root (250 mg range) are reported to be active. The plant exerts only minimal alterations in waking consciousness, yet the effects upon the dream state can be profound.

Silene capensis is a tender perennial which prefers moist locations and sandy soil. It will do well in the garden with regular watering and also makes a fine night-blooming container specimen.

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