Description: V. capense is a hemiparasitic shrub that is usually found growing on the host such as Rhus glauca. It is native to South Africa and occurs in the Cape region. The plant has jointed stem, leaves that are reduced to scale, solitary greenish-yellow flowers, and ovoid ellipsoid transluscent pale berries.

The plant is reportedly not used when in flower. Overdosing causes drowsiness.

Uses:

• The plant is taken as a substitute for tea.
• The plant is used to make a decoction that is used to soothe respiratory issues, such as asthma, colds, and flu.
• The plant is used to treat aches, namely, headache, backache, and stomach ache.
• The plant is used against flatulence in children and adults.
• The plant is used against epilepsy. 
• The plant is used against hysteria.

References and further research:

• Cock, I.E. and Van Vuuren, S.F., 2020. The traditional use of southern African medicinal plants in the treatment of viral respiratory diseases: A review of the ethnobotany and scientific evaluations. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 262, p.113194.
• Hutchings, A., Scott, A.H., Lewis, G. and Cunningham, A.B., 1996. Zulu Medicinal Plants: An Inventory. University of Natal Press, Pietermaritzburg.
• Nortje, J.M. and Van Wyk, B.E., 2015. Medicinal plants of the kamiesberg, namaqualand, South Africa. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 171, pp.205-222.
• Philander, L.A., 2011. An ethnobotany of Western Cape Rasta bush medicine. J. Ethnopharmacol. 138, pp. 578–594. 
• Van Wyk, B.E., De Wet, H. and Van Heerden, F.R., 2008. An ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants in the southeastern Karoo, South Africa. South African Journal of Botany, 74(4), pp.696-704.
• Van Wyk, B.E. and Gorelik, B., 2017. The history and ethnobotany of Cape herbal teas. South African Journal of Botany, 110, pp.18-38.
• Watt, J.M. and Breyer-Brandwijk, M.G., 1962. The Medicinal and Poisonous Plants of Southern and Eastern Africa, 2nd ed. E. and S. Livingstone, Edinburgh and London.