Common Names
Balsem kopieva, geelkatstert (afrikaans)Stalked bulbine, snake flower, cat's tail, burn jelly plant (english)
Taxonomy
Family ASPHODELACEAE
Genus Bulbine
Species frutescens
SA Plant Number
Basionym Bulbine frutescens
Description
Bulbine frutescens is a very hardy, evergreen, vigorous, spreading, succulent shrublet or groundcover with grey-green, smooth, short, succulent, quill-like leaves.
Throughout the year it bears spikes of pretty, star-shaped, yellow or orange flowers that attract insects.They also make good cut flowers.
It is an important medicinal plant as the juice of the leaves has excellent healing properties, and will relieve stings, burns and rashes.
Plant in large groups or in between rocks for good effect Plant in full sun or light shade.It is drought-resistant but also grows well in normal garden conditions.
Size: 30 to 50 cm
Wildlife
Good pollination plant: Its yellow or orange flowers attract insects
Uses
medicinal: It is an important medicinal plant as the juice of the leaves has excellent healing properties, and will relieve stings, burns and rashes
Distribution
Gauteng, KwaZulu Natal, Free State, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, Western Cape
Habitat:Rocky grassland, Succulent rich thickets