Boophone disticha

Zietsman, P. C. & Zietsman, L. E., 2019, Floristic diversity at Kolomela mine on the Ghaap Plateau, Postmasburg, Northern Cape Province, Indago 35, pp. 1-33 : 8

The extremely toxic bulb of Boophone disticha

(Bushman Poison Bulb, Figs 6a & b )

is widely used medicinally to treat septic wounds and as dressing after circumcision (Van Wyk, van Oudtshoorn & Gericke 2009). It is very popular in the muti markets and amongst urban and rural healers. This is a protected species that is threatened in most parts of the country. It is declining due to both habitat loss, especially in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, and unsustainable harvesting, mainly because large, reproductive individuals are being removed. Although this species is long-lived, the plant only flowers after 10 years and seldom flowers every year. As can be expected, harvesters collect the biggest bulbs, which are also the reproductive individuals, thus putting further pressure on populations (SANBI 2017a).

Figures

Figure 6. Boophone disticha inflorescense (a) and fan-shaped leaves (b).