Introduction

Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) is a low-growing succulent subshrub native to southern Africa. It typically forms compact mats of fleshy, water-storing leaves and produces small, daisy-like flowers with threadlike petals. Kanna has been used for centuries by indigenous communities in the Cape region, and today it continues to be of interest to botanists and ethnobotanists studying plant chemistry, ecology, and cultural heritage.

Taxonomy

Kanna is classified within the plant kingdom as follows:

• Kingdom: Plantae.
• Clade: Angiosperms.
• Clade: Eudicots.
• Order: Caryophyllales.
• Family: Aizoaceae.
• Genus: Sceletium.
• Species: Sceletium tortuosum.

The genus Sceletium includes several succulent species, but S. tortuosum is the most widely recognized for its long history of ethnobotanical use.

Botanical Characteristics

Kanna grows as a low, spreading perennial with soft young stems and older stems that may become slightly woody. Mature plants rarely exceed 30–50 cm in height, spreading horizontally to form small mats.

Leaves: Thick, succulent, obovate to spatulate, typically 1–4 cm long. Bladder cells store water and make leaves slightly translucent in bright light. Dried leaves exhibit skeleton-like venation, with 3–7 main vertical vessels —a key identification feature.

Flowers: Small (15–30 mm), borne near the stem tips. Petals are thin, threadlike, and usually white or pale yellow. Flowers open in bright, warm conditions.

Fruit & Seeds: Small dry capsules open to release tiny seeds. Seedlings develop miniature leaves resembling the adult form.

Natural Habitat

Sceletium tortuosum is native to semi-arid regions of South Africa, particularly the Cape Provinces and Namaqualand. It grows in well-draining sandy or rocky soils, often in open, sunny areas or partially shaded by low shrubs. The plant is adapted to climates with seasonal rainfall that rarely experience frost.

Ethnobotanical Significance

Kanna has been used for centuries by indigenous Khoisan and Nama communities in southern Africa. Historical records describe its use in social and cultural contexts, often in communal gatherings or ritual settings. Traditional preparations involve fermenting the plant material, a practice that affects its physical and chemical properties.

Records date its use back to at least the 17th century, noting trade and cultural importance across the western Cape and Namaqualand. Today, these traditions form an important part of the plant’s cultural heritage and are studied by ethnobotanists.

Why Researchers Study Kanna

Kanna contains unique alkaloids, including mesembrine, mesembrenone, and delta-7 mesembrenone. These alkaloids act on serotonin pathways, which are associated with mood regulation and other physiological processes.

Key Educational Points

• Who used it: Indigenous Khoisan and Nama communities.
• When it was used: During communal, cultural, or ritual contexts.
• Why it was used: For social, cultural, and traditional purposes.
• How it was used: Historically dried, fermented, or prepared in various traditional methods (documented in historical and ethnobotanical records).

Conclusion

Sceletium tortuosum (Kanna) is a succulent subshrub with distinctive botanical traits, a clear taxonomy, and a long-standing cultural role in southern Africa. Its unique alkaloid chemistry makes it a valuable species for botanical and ethnobotanical study.

References & Further Reading

• South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI): Sceletium tortuosum species profile.
• Gericke, Brendler, et al. Reviews on Sceletium phytochemistry and traditional use.
• Faber RJ, Laubscher CP, et al. Studies on alkaloid variation in Sceletium tortuosum.