Sceletium tortuosum
The botanical (scientific) name. Best for specifications and paperwork.
If you are new to this ingredient, the names can be confusing. Here is what each one means and which to use when you are sourcing.
Sceletium tortuosum is the botanical name. Kanna is the common name most buyers and brands use today. In trade, the two are used interchangeably, so a supplier selling “Kanna extract” and one selling “Sceletium extract” are usually offering the same type of ingredient.
Other names appear in older or regional sources, including Channa and Kougoed. These come from the plant’s long history of traditional use in southern Africa.
All of these point back to the same group of plants.
The botanical (scientific) name. Best for specifications and paperwork.
The popular common name used on products and in marketing.
An older name found in historical and regional references.
An Afrikaans name linked to the traditional preparation of the plant.
For purchasing documents, specifications and certificates, use the botanical name, Sceletium tortuosum. It removes any doubt about exactly which plant you are buying. For websites and consumer-facing products, many brands use Kanna because customers recognise it.
Be cautious with any supplier who cannot confirm the botanical name of what they are selling. Reliable sourcing always begins with knowing the species.
Yes. Kanna is the common name for Sceletium tortuosum.
No. They are entirely different plants from different parts of the world and are not related.
Many buyers search for both. Using both terms naturally in your materials covers the way people look for it.
Tell us what you are looking for and we will come back with pricing, availability and next steps.