Eucomis autumnalis - 10 Seed Pack - Indigenous Perennial Bulb -Combined Global Shipping- New

Eucomis is a southern African genus of flowering plants in the Hyacinthaceae family. The species name Eucomis is of Greek origin, eu- meaning "pleasing" and kome "hair of the head", which refers to the tuft of leaf-like bracts that crown the inflorescence of the species in this genus. They are bulbous perennials with basal rosettes of leaves with stout stems covered in star-shaped flowers. Plants are commonly known as Pineapple Lilies because in several of the species the flowers resemble a pineapple. Most of the species are indigenous to the summer rainfall areas of South Africa. They grow well in rockeries and pots and under cultivation they have proved to be cold hardy, particularly when planted deeply.

They are best grown in the shade and given regular water during their active growth period. This is particularly true of plants grown in sun as otherwise the leaves will become limp and burn. Plants belonging to the Eucomis genus are found in South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland, Zimbabwe and Malawi. Species can be found in grassland, forest, swamps and on river banks.

Eucomis autumnalis, commonly known as Autumn Pineapple Flower or Autumn Pineapple Lily is indigenous to South Africa. It is a summer flowering deciduous bulbous perennial. The flower stem, which is 40cm tall, rises from a basal rosette of broad waxy, semi-succulent leaves. It is produced from mid to late summer and is tipped with a raceme of up to 125 greenish white flowers. The bulb of Eucomis autumnalis is up to 10 cm in diameter. The plant, including its inflorescence, can grow up to 60cm tall. It is reported that Eucomis autumnalis is used as a medicinal plant in South Africa for the treatment and relief of low backache, to assist in post-operative recovery, and to aid in healing fractures. Decoctions are used for a variety of ailments, including urinary diseases, stomach ache, fevers, colic, flatulence, hangovers and syphilis, and to facilitate childbirth.