Bulbine frutescens (L.) Willd.

stalked bulbine, snake flower, cat's tail, burn jelly plant

Afr

balsem kopieva, geelkatstert

isiZulu

IsiXhosa

Description

Family:

Asphodelaceae

Order:

Asparagales

Description

Bulbine frutescens is a fast-growing, succulent perennial with fleshy, linear green leaves arranged in opposite rows, forming spreading clumps. It produces upright, branched stems with small, star-shaped yellow or orange flowers carried in racemes above the foliage, mainly in spring and summer. The plant is highly drought-tolerant, suitable for groundcover, borders, and rock gardens, and is widely cultivated for its ornamental and medicinal value .

Plant Details

Height

30–60 cm (flower stalks up to 60 cm)

Thorns

None

Soil

Prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils; tolerates poor soils

Moderate to fast

Growth Rate

30–60 cm (flower stalks up to 60 cm)

Size

Perennial

Lifespan

Flower Colour

Flowering Season

, , ,

Horticultural Zones

Neutral to slightly acidic

pH

Prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils; tolerates poor soils

Soil

Full sun to part sun

Aspect

Moderate to high

Frost Tolerance

High

Drought Resistance

Link to PlantzAfrica.co.za

Distribution

, , ,

Companion Plants

Combines well with other drought-tolerant perennials and succulents; suitable for mixed beds and rockeries

Caterpillars

Not specifically documented; supports pollinator insects and possibly some Lepidoptera larvae

Associations

Descriptions

The abundant yellow or orange flowers attract bees and other insects, providing an important nectar and pollen source for pollinators. The plant supports insect diversity and is often used in pollinator gardens. Its dense growth helps stabilize soil and provides microhabitat for invertebrates .

Flowers and fruits

Small, star-shaped yellow or orange flowers in racemes; pollinated by insects. Fruits are small capsules containing black seeds

Birds

Indirectly supports insectivorous birds by attracting pollinators and other insects

By Seeds:

Sow seeds in spring in well-drained soil; germinates readily

By Cuttings:

Easily propagated by division of clumps or stem cuttings

Traditional Uses

Widely used in traditional medicine for treating burns, wounds, rashes, and skin irritations; leaf gel is applied topically
Not a primary fodder species but not known to be toxic
Not known to be toxic
Useful for soil stabilization, erosion control, and supporting pollinator diversity in restoration projects

Plant Details

Height

Description

Thorns

Description

Leaves

Description

Size

Growth Form

Size

Size

Size

Lifespan

Size

Flower Colour

Size

Flowering Season

Size

Horticultural Zones

Size

pH

Size

Soil

Size

Aspect

Size

Frost Tolerance

Size

Drought Resistance

Description

DESCRIPTION

Height

DESCRIPTION

Leaves

DESCRIPTION

Thorns

DESCRIPTION

BSS

Ecoscore

Host plant Nectar Grazing

Link to PlantzAfrica.co.za

View

Distribution

Companion Plants

Description

Caterpillars

Associations

Leaves

Leaves

Flowers and fruits

Leaves

Birds

Leaves

Mammals

Leaves

By Seeds:

Leaves

By Cuttings:

Leaves

Traditional Uses

traditional uses