Bulbinella is a genus of plants in the family Asphodelaceae, subfamily Asphodeloideae, first described as a genus in 1843. Many species are endemic to Cape Province in western South Africa, confined to the winter rainfall area. Other species are endemic to New Zealand, where they are most common in the central Otago region which enjoys a similar climate to the Cape Region of South Africa.
Bulbinella
They are characterised by the presence of a dense terminal raceme of flowers, often yellow but also white, pink, yellow or orange depending on the species. Each flower occurs in the axil of a bract and has 1 nerved perianth segments that are almost free. Each flower has 6 stamens. The seeds are characteristically shield shaped and there are one or two seeds in each chamber.
The plants may grow up to 1 metre in height and have narrow or thread like but never succulent leaves. The leaves decay into prominent fibres at the base of the stem, often netted or reticulate in appearance, although this feature is absent from the New Zealand species. They tend to overwinter and aestivate with wiry or swollen tubers.
Bulbinella possesses many medical uses and has been called the South African version of Aloe Vera, but its medicinal benefits go far beyond that of Aloe Vera.
Bulbinella is excellent for helping to:
- Slow down bleeding,
- Dry up acne,
- Soothe sores, lips and cracked heels,
- Soothe sunburn,
- Get relief from eczema symptoms,
- Helps in relieving burns,
- Helps to lighten bruises,
- Help in treating minor skin cancer,