Description: C. orbiculata is a succulent shrublet that grows in the Karoo. It has thick fleshy leaves that vary from green to grey and pink turbular flowers in spikes.

Uses: 

• A toxic substance known as cotyledontoxin found in the plant is used as a central nervous system depressant.
• The fresh leaf juice is taken for epilepsy or fits.
• The leave is squeezed into the ear to treat earache.
• The leaves are used to treat toothache.
• The leaves are used to prepare a tonic administered as enema for cleansing the waist.
• The leaf tonic is taken orally for genital warts.
• The leaf is used to make poultice for abscesses, boils, and warts.

References and further reading:

• Masondo, N.A., Stafford, G.I., Aremu, A.O. and Makunga, N.P., 2019. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors from southern African plants: An overview of ethnobotanical, pharmacological potential and phytochemical research including and beyond Alzheimer’s disease treatment. South African journal of botany, 120, pp.39-64.
• Shabangu, T.P., 2021. A comparative study of Swazi and Zulu traditional plant use at Mkhondo and eDumbe, South Africa. Master’s Dissertation. Johannesburg: University of Johannesburg (South Africa).
• Van Wyk, B.-E. and Gericke, N., 2000. People’s plants. A guide to useful plants of southern Africa. Briza Publications, Pretoria.
• Frum, Y. 2006. In vitro 5-lipoxygenase and anti-oxidant activities of South African medicinal plants commonly used topically for skin diseases. Master’s Dissertation. Johannesburg: University of the Witwatersrand.