Bowiea is a genus of bulbous, perennial, succulent plants which thrive in dry and desert regions of eastern and southern Africa. It is native to a region stretching from Kenya to Cape Province. The genus contains a single species, Bowiea volubilis.

Bowiea volubilis commonly known as Climbing onion in English and Knolklimop in Afrikaans is a South African indigenous plant that has an unusual succulent adaptation – climbing inflorescences that harvest photosynthetic light in the absence of aerial leaves. This has made it a collectable curiosity amongst bulb enthusiasts worldwide. However, in southern Africa this species faces severe threat due to the medicinal market. Herbalists constantly rate this species as one of the top six medicinal species to have. Therefore it has become scarce as a result of over-utilization. Bowiea volubilis is a deciduous climber which climbs to 3-4 m in surrounding vegetation or scrambles over rocks on hillsides. The bulb is large, reaching 150 mm in diameter, with several fleshy white scales becoming greenish-yellow if exposed. Stems are fleshy, bright green, much branched and function as leaves. Flowers are 16-24 mm in diameter, green, with stalks turning backwards. Fruits are in the form of a brownish oval capsule, about 25 mm in diameter. The species is known to flower between January and March, throughout its wide distribution range.