Broad-leaved Bulbine (Bulbine natalensis) is a rapid growing succulent plant, aloe-like in appearance, forming solitary rosettes up to 20 cm high. It produces colorful, tall spikes of yellow flowers. It is a perennial and drought tolerant. The plant has medicinal uses and is popular among the traditional healers.
Common names: rooiwortel, geelkopieva (Afr.); incelwane (isiXhosa), ibhucu (isiZulu)
Broad-leaved Bulbine Medicinal Benefits
- The roots are used, taken orally to quell vomiting and diarrhea, but also for a number of other ailments, including diabetes and rheumatism
- The leaf sap is used to treat wounds, burns, eczema, rashes and itches.
Growing Broad-leaved Bulbine
Indoor Sowing: Spring and Summer.
Direct Sowing: Spring and Summer.
- Seed should be sown during the warmer months in sandy well drained soil.
- Cover the seed with a thin layer of sand and keep the sand moist.
- Germination is within 3 weeks.
- The seedlings grow rapidly and can be planted out in small containers when they are large enough to handle.
- The young plants can be planted about 50 cm apart in the garden.
- It is best grown in full sun.
- The soil should be enriched with compost.
- It also grows well in containers with a sandy mixture enriched with compost.












