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 frutescens is a popular, water wise garden plant, especially when planted en masse as a groundcover, or in rock gardens. It is also cultivated for its medicinal properties. The fresh leaf produces a jelly-like juice that is wonderful for burns, rashes, blisters, insect bites, cracked lips, acne, cold sores, mouth ulcers and areas of cracked skin. This plant is ideal to grow and is a useful first-aid remedy for childrens’ daily knocks and scrapes. 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. During spring into summer it produces upright spreading racemes in yellow, orange or rarely white. On offer here are seeds for the Yellow form of Bulbine frutescens. We also sell the Orange and White forms. Sow the seeds of Bulbine frutescens during spring or summer.