Bulbine asphodeloides (L.) Willd., a native of Mozambique, South Africa and Swaziland, has often been confused with this species and, as their ranges overlap, it is not always clear to which of the 2 species a medicinal use should be attributed[].

Common Name:

General Information

Bulbine abyssinica is a tufted, perennial herb producing a rosette of grass-like leaves from a short rhizome[]. The leaves are around 35cm long, with a flowering stem up to 80cm long[]. The plant gradually spreads to form small clumps[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local medicinal use. It is occasionally traded locally[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Africa - Equatorial Guinea, Congo, DR Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, south to S. Africa; Arabian Peninsula - Yemen.

Habitat

Small colonies in montane grassland, miombo and mixed deciduous woodlands; wooded grassland on sand; dambo margins; swampy grassland; shallow soils over rock; seepage areas; on rocky hillsides at elevations from 600 - 2,750 metres[, ].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.70 m
Pollinators	Bees
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

The plant is found from the subtropics to the tropics, growing mainly in drier areas. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, including some frost[].
Requires a sunny position in a well-drained soil. Prefers a good, humus-rich soil[]. Established plants are drought tolerant[].
A fast-growing plant, it can commence flowering within 1 year from seed[].
The plant normally has seasonal flowering, but can flower almost all year round in suitable conditions[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The fresh leaf sap is applied to the skin to cure ringworm and rash[]. The sap is applied to wounds as a disinfectant and to promote healing[].
Crushed leaves are used as a dressing for burns and the leaf sap is applied to cracked lips[].

Anthraquinones have been isolated from the roots, leaves and fruits[].
The phenylanthraquinone bulbine-knipholone has been isolated from the roots. This compound showed in-vitro antiplasmodial activity, and no cytotoxic effects on mammalian cells[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed -germinates rapidly, usually within one to two weeks. Seedlings grow fast and can be transplanted when they are at an easily manageable size[].
Division of clumps, preferably as the plant comes in to new growth[].

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