Indigenous healing plants

Indigenous Healing Plants By: Margaret Roberts A first edition hardcover published by Southern Book Publishers in 1990 Green cover boards with white writing to the spine, binding is tight & strong, previous owners signature on front flyleaf, dustjacket is complete clean & bright Packaging and Postage within South Africa R70.00 Overseas Customers can contact us for a Postal Quotation

Please select your seed variety from the drop down list above.  As we all by now know, there is no such thing as special bonsai seeds. All seeds used to grow bonsai would develop the same way as the full sized parent plant. There is however much truth in the fact that seed collected from specific parent plants with desirable characteristics are preferred to those which are not. I have identified and selected from our indigenous flora, species most suited and easy to cultivate from seed. Our seed is supplied by leading seed specialists that regularly go on collecting trips and in this way ensure the seed is as fresh as possible. We currently stock: Acacia galipini (Monkey-thorn) Diospyros whyteana (Bladder-nut) Celtis Africana (White Stinkwood) Podocarpus falcatus (Outeniqua Yellowwood) Ficus Natalensis (Natal Fig) Olea europaea subsp. africana (Wild Olive) To ensure success with these seeds please purchase our Professional Seedling Mix and sow your seeds in plastic trays; select from our numerous sizes here.

  Plants in the Ruschia genus are among the most striking, versatile and diverse of all succulents in the Mesembryanthemaceae family. Due to the large size of the genus, authors have grouped species into several sections, each based on growth habit, flower and capsule form. Plants may vary from large, erect shrubs reaching 1.4 m, to dwarf, tufted and even mat-forming ground cover species. Growing to 1m a multi-branched shrub with many white flowers. Flowers in summer and is native to coastal areas. USDA Zone - 8 Season to Sow - Autumn   Please familiarise yourself with the shipping info below Shipping Rates are as listed below Approximate processing and transit times are listed below PLEASE NOTE THAT WE DO NOT SHIP OUTSIDE OF SOUTH AFRICA  

  Plants in the Ruschia genus are among the most striking, versatile and diverse of all succulents in the Mesembryanthemaceae family. Due to the large size of the genus, authors have grouped species into several sections, each based on growth habit, flower and capsule form. Plants may vary from large, erect shrubs reaching 1.4 m, to dwarf, tufted and even mat-forming ground cover species. Growing to 1m with pinky-mauve flowers. USDA Zone - 8 Season to Sow - Autumn   Please familiarise yourself with the shipping info below Shipping Rates are as listed below Approximate processing and transit times are listed below PLEASE NOTE THAT WE DO NOT SHIP OUTSIDE OF SOUTH AFRICA  

  Indigenous low growing, carpet forming plants with beautiful shiny flowers that open in the full sun. Hardy. USDA Zone - 8 Season to Sow - Autumn   Please familiarise yourself with the shipping info below Shipping Rates are as listed below Approximate processing and transit times are listed below

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 narcissifolia commonly known as Strap-leafed Bulbine or Snake Flower is used medicinally by the Basotho and Griqua for wound healing and as a mild purgative. Bulbine narcissifolia is ideal to use as an accent plant in a small bed or as a mass display in a large bed. Plants are rather fast growing and drought resistant, making it ideal for water-wise gardening. In its natural habitat it mostly flowers during spring (February to April) and summer (September to November), but can have an extended flowering period in cultivation. It puts of a gorgeous display of brilliant yellow flowers without requiring a lot of attention. The contrasting white bracts and bright yellow flowers on the compact inflorescences form an interesting display. Bulbine narcissifolia is used medicinally by the Basotho and Griqua for wound healing and as a mild purgative. As with many other Bulbine species, the roots can also be taken to counteract vomiting, diarrhoea and urinary infections. It is also commonly used to treat diabetes, rheumatism and blood problems. Sow the seeds of Bulbine narcissifolia during spring.

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 narcissifolia commonly known as Strap-leafed Bulbine or Snake Flower is used medicinally by the Basotho and Griqua for wound healing and as a mild purgative. Bulbine narcissifolia is ideal to use as an accent plant in a small bed or as a mass display in a large bed. Plants are rather fast growing and drought resistant, making it ideal for water-wise gardening. In its natural habitat it mostly flowers during spring (February to April) and summer (September to November), but can have an extended flowering period in cultivation. It puts of a gorgeous display of brilliant yellow flowers without requiring a lot of attention. The contrasting white bracts and bright yellow flowers on the compact inflorescencan interesting display. Bulbine narcissifolia is used medicinally by the Basotho and Griqua for wound healing and as a mild purgative. As with many other Bulbine species, the roots can also be taken to counteract vomiting, diarrhoea and urinary infections. It is also commonly used to treat diabetes, rheumatism and blood problems. Sow the seeds of Bulbine narcissifolia during spring.

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 natalensis commonly known as Rooiwortel is a perennial, frost tender succulent with broad sharp pointed fleshy yellow-green leaves. It bears clusters of star-shaped yellow flowers on long thin flowering stems. It is drought resistant and requires full sun to semi-shade. Reportedly it has many traditional medicinal uses. It is used as a first-aid remedy to treat stings, mosquito bites, blisters, cold sores, mouth ulcers, cracked lips, -finger tips and -heels, burns, sunburn, cuts, bruises, dries out acne, wounds, rashes, itches, ringworm, herpes, fever blisters and sores, itching. The leaf gel aids healing of post-operative scars. It is also very useful in the treatment of rashes or eczema on animals as it is non-toxic.

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 natalensis commonly known as Rooiwortel is a perennial, frost tender succulent with broad sharp pointed fleshy yellow-green leaves. It bears clusters of star-shaped yellow flowers on long thin flowering stems. It is drought resistant and requires full sun to semi-shade. Reportedly it has many traditional medicinal uses. It is used as a first-aid remedy to treat stings, mosquito bites, blisters, cold sores, mouth ulcers, cracked lips, -finger tips and -heels, burns, sunburn, cuts, bruises, dries out acne, wounds, rashes, itches, ringworm, herpes, fever blisters and sores, itching. The leaf gel aids healing of post-operative scars. It is also very useful in the of rashes or eczema on animals as it is non-toxic.

Aloe grandidentata commonly known as Dwarf Soap Aloe is a low-growing species that is often mistaken for Aloe maculata but can be distinguished by its smaller size which is about one third of that of the Soap Aloe. A low-growing profile and suckering habit make it useful as a ground cover and since it is drought tolerant it becomes the perfect candidate for landscaping around areas with demanding tree roots. This succulent aloe plant is cold hardy and not sensitive to frost. Aloes are very popular and some of the most rewarding plants to cultivate. They make excellent accent plants owing to their often strange and inspiring architectures, as well as the bright flowers that offset the grey-green leaves. They are also very suitable as container plants and small aloes can be used very effectively as border plants at the edge of a bed. Although aloes are most often included in rockeries, their application in horticulture is not limited to this feature and they can be used in almost any setting and in conjunction with most common garden plants. More about the Aloe genus below. Aloes are very popular and some of the most rewarding plants to cultivate. They make excellent accent plants owing to their often strange and inspiring architectures, as well as the bright flowers that offset the grey-green leaves. They are also very suitable as container plants and small aloes can be used very effectively as border plants at the edge of a bed. Although aloes are most often included in rockeries, their application in horticulture is not limited to this feature and they can be used in almost any setting and in conjunction with most common garden plants. Their natural adaptation to harsh and often arid climates makes aloes outstanding subjects for the water-wise garden. Aloes can tolerate long periods of drought, but it is not true that watering should be withheld to obtain optimal growth. Stressed plants are more susceptible to insects and pests. Plants flourish, flower better and are more resistant when given adequate water during the growing season. However, be very cautious not to overwater aloes because they may rot if they stay wet for too long. Adequate drainage is essential. Plant smaller aloes in raised beds and only water them when the top 5cm of soil has dried. Even though there are some species that are challenging to grow, most of the aloes are easy and can readily be grown just about any place in the country. Aloes generally need soils with good drainage and do best in warm climates. When planted in rich soil that are frequently mulched they will do well for many years without interference making them very low-maintenance plants once established. Aloe is a genus in the Asphodeloideae family containing about 600 species of flowering succulent plants. The most common and well known of these is Aloe vera. The genus is mostly native to Africa with about 125 being indigenous to South Africa. About 405 species can be found in Africa while about 45 species are found in the Arabian Peninsula. Socotra has 4 natural species and the Mascarene and other Western Indian Ocean Islands share about 7 species. Madagascar, for its size, has a pretty extensive collection of about 145 species. Aloes are sometimes confused with Agaves. Contrarily to Agaves, Aloe leaves contain a gel like sap. Another difference is that Aloes don't die after blooming as most Agaves do. For an extensive list of documented Aloe species please see this Wikipedia page.

The bitter sap in the leaves of Aloe greatheadii var davyana is used medicinally for the treatment of wounds, sores and burns. Aloe greatheadii var. davyana commonly known as Spotted Aloe has shiny green leaves that are spotted and forms a spreading rosette. This aloe flowers in mid-winter from June to July. It has sharp brown teeth on the leaf margins. It grows easily from seed and also transplants well. It is particularly striking when planted in groups. Aloes are very popular and some of the most rewarding plants to cultivate. They make excellent accent plants owing to their often strange and inspiring architectures, as well as the bright flowers that offset the grey-green leaves. They are also very suitable as container plants and small aloes can be used very effectively as border plants at the edge of a bed. Although aloes are most often included in rockeries, their application in horticulture is not limited to this feature and they can be used in almost any setting and in conjunction with most common garden plants. More about the Aloe genus below. Their natural adaptation to harsh and often arid climates makes aloes outstanding subjects for the water-wise garden. Aloes can tolerate long periods of drought, but it is not true that watering should be withheld to obtain optimal growth. Stressed plants are more susceptible to insects and pests. Plants flourish, flower better and are more resistant when given adequate water during the growing season. However, be very cautious not to overwater aloes because they may rot if they stay wet for too long. Adequate drainage is essential. Plant smaller aloes in raised beds and only water them when the top 5cm of soil has dried. Even though there are some species that are challenging to grow, most of the aloes are easy and can readily be grown just about any place in the country. Aloes generally need soils with good drainage and do best in warm climates. When planted in rich soil that are frequently mulched they will do well for many years without interference making them very low-maintenance plants once established. Aloe is a genus in the Asphodeloideae family containing about 600 species of flowering succulent plants. The most common and well known of these is Aloe vera. The genus is mostly native to Africa with about 125 being indigenous to South Africa. About 405 species can be found in Africa while about 45 species are found in the Arabian Peninsula. Socotra has 4 natural species and the Mascarene and other Western Indian Ocean Islands share about 7 species. Madagascar, for its size, has a pretty extensive collection of about 145 species. Aloes are sometimes confused with Agaves. Contrarily to Agaves, Aloe leaves contain a gel like sap. Another difference is that Aloes don't die after blooming as most Agaves do. For an extensive list of documented Aloe species please see this Wikipedia page.

Aloe gerstneri plants grow as single rosettes and the stems are very short or absent. The leaves of Gerstner’s Aloe as it is commonly known are long, quite broad and without thorns on mature plants. The inflorescence may have 2 to 3 branches covered with orange coloured flowers that appear in late summer. Aloes are very popular and some of the most rewarding plants to cultivate.           They make excellent accent plants owing to their often strange and inspiring architectures, as well as the bright flowers that offset the grey-green leaves. They are also very suitable as container plants and small aloes can be used very effectively as border plants at the edge of a bed. Although aloes are most often included in rockeries, their application in horticulture is not limited to this feature and they can be used in almost any setting and in conjunction with most common garden plants. Aloes can tolerate long periods of drought, but it is not true that watering should be withheld to obtain optimal growth. Stressed plants are more susceptible to insects and pests. Plants flourish, flower better and are more resistant when given adequate water during the growing season. However, be very cautious not to over-water aloes because they may rot if they stay wet for too long. Adequate drainage is essential.

Gasteria is a genus of 23 species of succulent plants indigenous to South Africa with all except one being endemic to South Africa. Closely related genera include Aloe, Astroloba and Haworthia. The genus name Gasteria is named for its stomach-shaped flowers. In Greek, gaster, means belly, and alludes to the swollen base of the flower. The genus is part of the family Asphodeloideae. Common names include cow-tongue cactus, lawyer's tongue, mother-in-law's tongue and ox-tongue. Gasteria species are grown in well-drained, sandy soils in light shade. Gasteria species thrive in cultivation both indoors and outdoors, used as potted plants or in outdoor rockeries and are tolerant of a wide range of soils and habitats. The flowers attract birds to the garden during spring.           Germination usually occurs within 8 days but may take as long as one month depending on the species. With their ability to grow under lower light conditions they are easily grown and maintained in cultivation. Gasterias are used in various traditional medicines. In the Eastern Cape Gasteria excelsa and Gasteria croucheri are occasionally put on the roofs of homes to stop lightning from striking the house. There are also reports that the plants are used during faction fighting in a belief that it will make them invisible to their enemies. Gasteria bicolor var. liliputana commonly known as Dwarf Gasteria in English and Klein-beestong in Afrikaans is a beautiful endemic species which has a large area of distribution in the Eastern Cape. This is a miniature clustering variety. The little plants boast leaves only 3-5 cm long. There is another variety within this species named Gasteria bicolor var. bicolor which has much larger leaves than Gasteria bicolor var. liliputana.

  Pelargonium is a genus of flowering plants which includes about 200 species of perennials, succulents, and shrubs, commonly known as geraniums (in the United States also storksbills). Confusingly, Geranium is the correct botanical name of a separate genus of related plants often called cranesbills or hardy geraniums. Both genera belong to the family Geraniaceae. Pelargonium species are evergreen perennials indigenous to Southern Africa, and are drought and heat tolerant, but can tolerate only minor frosts. They are extremely popular garden plants, grown as bedding plants in temperate regions. A 1m shrub with rose-camphor scented crisped simple leaves and white to pinkish-purple flowers in Spring to Autumn. USDA Zone - 8 Season to Sow - Autumn   Please familiarise yourself with the shipping info below Shipping Rates are as listed below Approximate processing and transit times are listed below PLEASE NOTE THAT WE DO NOT SHIP OUTSIDE OF SOUTH AFRICA  

  Pelargonium is a genus of flowering plants which includes about 200 species of perennials, succulents, and shrubs, commonly known as geraniums (in the United States also storksbills). Confusingly, Geranium is the correct botanical name of a separate genus of related plants often called cranesbills or hardy geraniums. Both genera belong to the family Geraniaceae. Pelargonium species are evergreen perennials indigenous to Southern Africa, and are drought and heat tolerant, but can tolerate only minor frosts. They are extremely popular garden plants, grown as bedding plants in temperate regions. A 2m shrub with soft peppermint-scented leaves and pink flowers in Summer. USDA Zone - 8 Season to Sow - Autumn   Please familiarise yourself with the shipping info below Shipping Rates are as listed below Approximate processing and transit times are listed below PLEASE NOTE THAT WE DO NOT SHIP OUTSIDE OF SOUTH AFRICA