The species of this plant was used by the Khoi and other African tribes who ate the roots, which they grated and cooked and then ate with thick milk. The leaves were also used medicinally, boiled in milk as a remedy for diarrhoea, and used to treat epilepsy, corns and as a purgative.

In the Far East, Germany and the USA the species is traditionally grown in square porcelain tubs with 'lion feet' to bring good financial luck, and has attracted more common names including the money tree, penny plant, dollar plant and tree of happiness.