Kanna Sceletium Tortuosum Seed Pods

Kanna Sceletium Tortuosum Seed Pods are whole, dried seed pods of Sceletium tortuosum, the same species behind every kanna extract we make, for growers raising their own kanna from seed. Each papery capsule holds an estimated 25 seeds, so a single pod can carry a tray's worth of starts. We offer them as a single pod or a pack of 5 pods. Our kanna is grown through benefit-sharing partnerships with the South African San Council.

At a glance

• Whole, dried Sceletium tortuosum seed pods for propagation
• An estimated 25 seeds per pod
• Sold as 1 pod or a pack of 5 pods
• Hygroscopic capsules that open with moisture
• Sold as a cultivation specimen, not a food or supplement; for adults 21+ only

The herb. Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) is a low, sprawling succulent in the Aizoaceae family, native to the Karoo region of South Africa. After flowering it sets these hygroscopic seed pods, which stay closed when dry and open with moisture. The plant carries a small family of alkaloids, mesembrine, mesembrenone, delta-7-mesembrenone and mesembranol, concentrated further when the harvested plant is fermented.

Growing notes. Sow the seeds on the surface of a well-draining succulent or cactus mix cut with coarse sand or perlite, and press them in rather than burying them, since they are tiny and need light and air. Keep the tray in bright, indirect light and mist to keep the surface damp until seedlings appear, then water sparingly and let the mix dry between waterings; overwatering is the most common way to lose a kanna plant. Germination varies with seed age, temperature and technique, so sow more than you need. Move seedlings to individual pots once they have a few true leaves.

What's included. Either 1 pod or 5 pods, each with an estimated 25 seeds inside. To release them, soak a pod briefly in water and it opens on its own, or break the dry capsule apart over paper and tap out the seeds. Growing your own also takes pressure off wild populations overharvested in parts of the Karoo. For prepared kanna, see our 5% Brown Kanna Extract.

Common questions

• How many seeds are in a Kanna Sceletium Tortuosum seed pod? Each whole dried pod holds an estimated 25 seeds, and the 5 pod pack is for larger sowings or spares.
• How do you open a kanna seed pod to get the seeds out? Soak the pod briefly in water and it opens on its own, or break the dry capsule apart over a sheet of paper and tap the seeds out.

Cautions. These seed pods are sold as a propagation and research specimen for cultivation, not as a food or supplement, and they are not prepared, cleaned or tested for consumption as sold. Please do not eat, brew or otherwise ingest the pods or seeds from this listing. Raw, unfermented Sceletium material has a different character from the fermented plant and has not been evaluated in this form. Keep the pods away from children and pets, wash your hands after handling seed and soil, and check your local regulations regarding the cultivation of Sceletium before planting. For adults 21+ only. Store unopened pods in a cool, dry, dark place in a sealed container until sowing, since moisture will cause them to open early.