Bulbinella (Katstert)

Bulbinella (Katstert) #

Bulbine frutescens

Placehoder

Quick Info #

  • Distribution & habitat: originating in South Africa, flowers in any type of soil (but especially rich, composted soil), likes full sun and does not need much water
  • Family: Asphodelaceae
  • Florescence: potentially year-round
  • Name origin: “bulbine” comes from the Latin word “bulbus” meaning an onion or bulb
  • Other names: burn jelly plant, cat’s tail, snake flower, stalked bulbine
  • Plant: perennial

Description #

There are different kinds of this fast-growing plant; some with dark-green, long, thin leaves, and others with lighter, squat leaves. The most common one has yellow flowers and juicy leaves. These flowers are six-petaled, small and star-shaped. Bulbinella also has a fruit, which is a rounded, small capsule containing black seeds. The plant generally reaches around 15 cm in height.

Uses & Ecology #

The jelly-like sap of the leaves has many medicinal uses. The extract from the sap is used as a base for skin cream. Its use is comparable to that of aloe vera. The sap can immediately relieve eczema, and is used to treat acne, beestings, blisters, burns, cold sores, cracked lips, cracked skin, cuts, insect bites, itchy skin, mouth ulcers, scrapes and wasp stings. It is also used to treat rashes and sores on animals.

An infusion of fresh leaves in boiling water is made by Rastafarians. Arthritis, colds and coughs are treated with the strained drink.

Bulbinella useful in landscape architecture, with a neat, dense appearance and the potential to carry a mass of flowers throughout the year. It has some resistance against city pollution, drought, hoarfrost and strong wind.

Bees are attracted by the brightly-coloured flowers. Bulbinella also has some beauty and decorative value as a potted plant.

References #

  • Harris, S. (2003) Bulbine frutescens. Available at: https://pza.sanbi.org/bulbine-frutescens (Accessed: 7 & 9 January 2026)
  • Roberts, M. (1993) Alles oor Kruie. Cape Town: Struik Publishers.
  • Roberts, M. (2012) My 100 Favourite Herbs. Cape Town: Struik Nature.

Caution: Consult a qualified health practitioner before considering medically using or ingesting any plant parts. Any mentioned traditional uses are based on cultural practices and anecdotal evidence. They are not necessarily clinically proven or supported by modern scientific studies.