Bulbine frutescens Medicus

Bulbine frutescens 'Medicus' is a decorative South African plant that has many medicinal uses. Like Aloe vera, the gel contained in its leaves is used for its soothing and healing properties. It is also appreciated for its exotic charm and ease of cultivation, if protected from frost. The plant, whose stems root at the base, produces long succulent leaves that are upright and a very soft glaucous green. Yellow star-shaped flowers with prominent stamens open on its slender spike-like inflorescences. In a coastal garden, this flowering can occur all year round if the winter is very mild. Elsewhere, the 'Medicus' bulbine should be grown in a pot on the terrace or balcony, to be protected from frost in a conservatory or indoors.

Bulbine frutescens 'Medicus' is a horticultural selection of uncertain origin, originally distributed in Germany by Volmary. The species is a woody-based herbaceous perennial plant of the Xanthorrhoeaceae or Asphodelaceae family, depending on the classification. It is native to the Cape Province in South Africa, particularly the dry valleys of the Eastern Cape. undemanding in terms of soil, the fibrous roots of the bulbine only dislike poorly drained soils that retain moisture. It thrives in rocky or sandy, poor soils, even limestone. Its hardiness does not exceed -4 to -6°C at the most, in soil which is dry in winter. Its foliage persists throughout the year.

The 'Medicus' selection closely resembles the wild bulbine. It is a fast-growing succulent perennial capable of forming a clump at least 60 cm wide and 30 cm tall for the foliage. The base of the stems is woody and prostrate and bears a few adventitious roots that easily penetrate the soil. Its foliage consists of long, upright, fleshy and narrow, light green leaves, hollowed out in grooves, becoming darker and greyer with age. Strongly overla[ped at the base, they are arranged in opposite ranks. The flowering period extends from May to October-November in open ground, but there is a resting period in July-August in very dry summers. Floral stems measuring up to 50-55 cm in height emerge between the leaves. They bear a very tight raceme inflorescence, 8 to 10 cm long at their tip. The small flowers open from the base to the top. Each flower, not exceeding 1 cm in diameter, has 6 yellow petals with a dark midline, curved backwards, revealing a cluster of hairy, bright yellow stamens. After pollination by insects, the fruit forms: a small round capsule with three chambers, containing small black, fine and winged seeds, easily transported by wind and water.

Bulbine frutescens 'Medicus' has a great effect in a large, low pot, which allows it to be brought indoors in winter. It is also a very good plant for Mediterranean rockeries in coastal gardens. On a large slope, it will accompany all the small plants of dry soil: lavenders, creeping rosemary 'Capri', Corsican spurge (Euphorbia myrsinites), Delosperma, small sedums... and many others.

Medicinal properties: The leaves of the bulbine have the same uses as those of Aloe vera. The fresh sap is recommended for treating burns, irritations, chapped skin, insect bites...