Stalked Bulbine

Overview

Bulbine frutescens is native to South Africa, and is widespread throughout parts of Northern Cape, Western and Eastern Cape. It is often used in landscaping where a drought-resistant, tough groundcover is required. It is also cultivated for its medicinal properties. This plant is ideal to grow and is a useful first-aid remedy for childrens' daily knocks and scrapes. 

Vernacular Names

Geelkatstert (Afrikaans).

Agroecology

Stalked bulbine can be found in waterwise garden plant, especially when planted en masse as a ground cover, or in rock gardens. For best results it should be planted in well-drained soil preferably enriched with compost. The dead flower heads should be removed to encourage further flowering. These plants prefer full sun, but they will also grow in semi-shade for part of the day. Although it will grow indoors, it requires maximum light.

Morphology

• Stem - branched, greyish stems often bearing adventitious roots.
• Leaves -  fleshy, linear green leaves in opposite rows and clasping the stems at the base.
• Flower - small 6-petaled star shaped flowers are carried on an upright, spreading raceme during spring (or occasionally at other times). The petals are either yellow or sometimes orange, which combines attractively with the fluffy yellow stamens to give a bi-coloured look.
• Fruit - a small, rounded capsule.
• Seed - containing 3-4 black seeds in a cell.

Cultivation

• Generative propagaation is by seed.
• Vegetative propagations is by cuttings and division of clumps. Once the seedlings have four leaves and the cuttings have a well-formed root system, they can be transplanted.

Chemical Constituents

 Biaryl anthraquinones, knipholone, isofuranonaphthoquinones, flavonoids, terpenoids.

Traditional Medicinal Uses

• The plant is commonly used in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa for the treatment of burns, dysentry, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), urinary tract infections, cracked lips, herpes, ringworm, rashes and itches.
• The fresh leaf produces a jelly-like juice that is used for burns, rashes, blisters, insect bites, cracked lips, acne, cold sores, mouth ulcers and areas of cracked skin.
• In Jamaica, the Rastafarians make an infusion of a few fresh leaves in a cup of boiling water. The strained drink is taken for coughs, colds and arthritis.