What is African Dream Root?

African Dream Root is Silene undulata (formerly classified as Silene capensis), a flowering plant indigenous to the green river valleys of the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. It is a member of the carnation family (Caryophyllaceae), and it is the shredded root that is offered here.

About the plant

Among Xhosa diviners the plant is regarded as a sacred species and is counted as a type of Ubulawu, a category of revered roots. The Xhosa name for it, Undlela Ziimhlophe, translates roughly to "white paths" or "white ways." It has a long history of ceremonial and cultural significance in the region.

Related botanicals

• Dream Herb (Calea zacatechichi) — a Mexican botanical with its own cultural tradition.

African Dream Root: form & sizes

We carry African Dream Root as shredded dried root, sold by weight in sizes from 1/2 oz to 4 oz. We sell ethnobotanicals for educational and research purposes and make no health or therapeutic claims.

Storage

Store African Dream Root in an airtight container, away from heat, light, and humidity, to preserve its color and aroma.

African Dream Root at a glance

Botanical name

Silene undulata

Family

Caryophyllaceae

Native region

South Africa

Plant part

root

Also known as

Undlela Ziimhlophe, Ubulawu

Form

shredded dried root

Sizes

1/2 oz to 4 oz