Bushman Poison (Boophone disticha): Fan-Leaved Bulb

Boophone disticha, known as Bushman Poison, is a remarkable, deciduous bulb from the Amaryllidaceae family, native to southern Africa. It produces a massive, above-ground, scaly bulb and a fan of strap-like, grey-green leaves that lie flat on the ground.

The fragrant, pink to red flowers appear in a dense umbel on a short stalk in spring, before the leaves. Highly toxic. It requires a dry summer dormancy, well-drained gritty soil, and full sun. A collector's prize for unusual bulbs. Synonym: Amaryllis disticha.

Taxonomic Details