BULBINE LATIFOLIA - 10 SEED PACK - INDIGENOUS SUCCULENT - IN SOUTH AFRICA

The genus Bulbine is placed in the Asphodelaceae family and comprises more or less 73 species occurring in Africa and Australia. In southern Africa you will find 67 species, of which 62 are indigenous to South Africa, whereas only six species are found in Australia. Of the southern African species only five extend into tropical Africa. The genus is consequently considered to be a southern African entity. The genus is characterized by water-wise succulent plants with lax or compound racemes (flowers borne on stalks along an unbranched axis, lower ones opening first) of mostly yellow (very rarely white, orange or pink) flowers with bearded stamens. It is closely related to Bulbinella but has flowers that are "bearded" with hairy stamens. Many Bulbine species have medicinal uses too. Bulbine latifolia commonly known as Rooiwortel is one of the largest species in the genus. It can be identified by its aloe-like growth, but with an absence of marginal teeth on the leaves and elongated racemes bearing small yellow flowers. It is easily grown and can flower in the first season. It is a fast growing succulent normally forming solitary rosettes up to 20 cm high. Bulbine latifolia is popular among traditional healers in southern Africa. The roots are reportedly used to make concoctions which are taken orally to quell vomiting and diarrhoea, but also for a number of other ailments. Sow the seeds of Bulbine latifolia during spring.