Stalked Bulbine (Bulbine frutescens): The Medicinal Succulent with Orange Flowers

Stalked bulbine, or orange bulbine, is a clump-forming succulent with cylindrical, fleshy leaves and wiry stems bearing star-shaped, orange-yellow flowers with frilly stamens. Native to South Africa, Bulbine frutescens is drought-tolerant, long-blooming, and the gel from its leaves is used like aloe for burns and skin irritation.

Cultivation and Uses

Full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil. Very drought-tolerant. Blooms spring through fall. The leaf gel is antibacterial, soothing—apply fresh to cuts, burns, insect bites. It's a great rock garden, border, or container plant.

Medicinal Properties

Contains anthraquinones and glycoproteins that promote wound healing. Used traditionally by South African healers. Easy to propagate by division or seed.

Taxonomic Profile