BULBINELLA INDIGENOUS

Bulbine frutescens Rankkopieva, balsemkopiva (Afrikaans)

ORIGIN OF PLANT / HABITAT Widely distributed in the eastern & northern parts of South Africa. There are several species that are used medicinally, such as B. asphodeloides (Afrikaans: wildekopiva), B. alooides (Afrikaans: rooistroom), B. natalensis and B. narcissifolia (Afrikaans: geelslangkop). Bulbinella grows to a height of about 15cm. LEAF SHAPE This species is an aloe-like plant with sturdy, fleshy, narrow slightly tapered leaves that grow directly out the crown & contains a slimy gel. FLOWERS The yellow flowers are borne in elongated clusters on long, thin, flowering stems. The hairy stamens are an easy way to distinguish Bulbine species from other similar plants. PARTS USED The gel from fresh leaves is used. CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS Stems & roots contain anthraquinones (chrysophanol & knipholone), glycoproteins (aloctin A & aloctin B) ACTIONS Antibacterial

MEDICINAL
Externally Insect bites & stings, itchy skin, fever blisters, chapped lips, dry skin, mouth ulcers, burns, blisters, rashes, pimples, cuts, boils, eczema, herpes

COSMETIC
Extracts of the juice make an excellent basis for skin creams. Can be used in a similar way to Aloe vera.

HOME
Very useful to landscapers has a neat, compact growth & a mass of flowers all year round. It withstands drought, survives frost, strong winds & city pollution.

INFO REF: Van Wyk, B.; Van Oudtshoorn, B. & Gericke, N. 2000. Medicinal Plants of South Africa. Van Wyk, B. & Gericke, N. 2000. Peoples Plants: A guide to useful plants in Southern Africa. Hey, B. Die Geillustreede Kruieboek. Struik Uitgewers, 1996. Roberts, M. A Z of Herbs. Struik Publishers, 2000. SPECIMEN COLLECTED Moms garden PE DATE 04/2003