Androcymbium burchellii Seeds Bulbous Flowering Plants From Africa

Family : Colchicaceae
Common names: cup and a saucer, men-in-a-boat ( Eng. ); bobbejaanskoen (Afr.)

Members of the genus Androcymbium are low, short-stemmed to stemless perennials with leaves spreading on the ground. The most noticeable characteristics are the colourful bracts, which are upright, forming a cup that embraces the flowers.

DescriptionThe name is derived from the Greek words, aner, man, and kumbion, cup. Species of the genus Androcymbium are short-stemmed or stemless reaching a the height of 15 cm.

Leaves are few to several, scattered along the stem & they have a soft leathery texture and the margins are sometimes crisped and smooth or ciliolate or bristly.

Economic and cultural value The bulb of Androcymbium has been used medicinally by the Southern Sothos as ointment for sore ears. The plant is believed to be a charm to stop the enemy in wars.