Mesembryanthemum tortuosum L.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

Mesembryanthemum tortuosum L. (also called Sceletium tortuosum, commonly known as kanna) is a perennial succulent plant native to South Africa.

Flower Characteristics

It produces pale, sessile flowers that measure around 20–30 mm wide, with 4–5 sepals.

Vegetative Morphology

Its recurved leaves hold distinctive water cells, and stems develop a woody texture as the plant matures.

Cellular Structure

Raphides have been detected in the plant's petals and filaments.

Distribution Range

M. tortuosum occurs across 50 subpopulations in South Africa's Cape provinces, ranging from Namaqualand to Montagu and Aberdeen, where it grows in karroid habitat.

Traditional Use History

Since historic times, pastoralists and hunter-gatherers have consumed kanna for its mood-altering and medicinal properties, with the earliest recorded use dating to 1662.

Preparation Methods

It can be prepared and consumed in many forms: chewed, fermented, made into tinctures, teas, tablets, or snuff, or smoked.

General Medicinal Uses

Traditionally, it has been used as a narcotic, sedative, and analgesic to relieve mouth pain, and to suppress hunger and thirst during hunting.

Common Ailment Treatments

It has also been used to treat toothache, abdominal pain, and digestive problems; specifically, it has been used by pregnant women to address constipation, nausea, and uterine contractions, and for post-birth recovery.

Infant Colic Remedy

An oil prepared from the plant, mixed with sheep's tail fat, is used to relieve colic in infants.

Recreational Use

It is also used as a party drug for its euphoric effects, and has been described as producing effects similar to MDMA.

Veterinary Research Applications

It has been studied for its ability to reduce excessive nocturnal barking in dogs and excessive meowing in cats.

Propagation Methods

M. tortuosum can be grown from seed and propagated from cuttings.

Cultivation Requirements

Its cultivation and care requirements are similar to those of cacti in the family Cactaceae, such as Echinopsis.

Temperature Tolerance

It requires an optimal temperature of at least 16 °C, and does not tolerate frost.