Androcymbium striatum Seeds - Indigenous Bulbs Seeds

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 150 mm. All species have an ovoid corm (a corm unlike a bulb, is a stem that is swollen and modified for storage, flattened on top and slightly concave on the bottom: when upon being cut, the corm appears solid). It has a fan-like, basal fold, and is covered with dark leathery to woody tunics.

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