Bulbine frutescence (Balsem kopiva)

Bulbine frutescence in my garden, Tarlton, South Africa

Commonly called Bulbinella, which is incorrect as Bulbinella is a completely different species, bulbine is effective in preventing skin infection, healing and soothing cuts, rashes, insect bites, burns, cold sores, pimples and other skin problems. Its clear and soothing gel forms an invisible 'seal' over the wound, protecting against bacteria and providing ongoing relief and healing throughout the day.

It is a very attractive succulent indigenous to South Africa which needs little attention, and thrives in most soil types and in most weather conditions. The juice from the leaves is used in creams, and can also be applied to eczema, burns, rashes, fever blisters and stings etc. I often use it on cuts and scrapes I might pick up while working in the garden.

Bulbine ccurs naturally in the Free state, KwaZulu-Natal, and in parts of all the Cape Provinces. It is perennial, evergreen and frost tolerant. It has fleshy, yellowish-green leaves, with beautiful yellow or orange flowers borne on elongated clusters of long, thin flowering stems. It gets about ±40m tall with a spread of about ±30cm.

Very popular as a rockery plant and is drought, heat and frost tolerant.

Bulbine is ideal to grow if you have children as it is a first aid remedy that can be topically used for wounds, burns, rashes, itches, ringworm, cracked lips, herpes, cuts, boils, eczema, insect bites, cold sores, acne. Crush the leaf softly between your fingers and squeeze the clear leaf sap out and place directly on the skin.

 

Some newly planted Bulbine frutescence in my garden

When planting this delightful herb, make sure you leave enough space between each plant as they tend to spread a meter or more

 Bulbine self-seeds and you will find new plants coming up all over the garden. These are easily removed from areas where they are not wanted and transplanted to a more appropriate location

 

 

There are more than 50 Bulbine species and several are used medicinally by our traditional healers. These include B. asphodeloides (wildekopiva), B. alooides (rooistorm), B. narcissifolia (geelslangkop), B. natalensis (rooiwortel), and B. latifolia. This native of South Africa occurs naturally in the Orange Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and parts of all the Cape Provinces.

Afrikaans: balsemkopieva, copaiba, geelkatstert, katstert

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