Eucomis bicolor - 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 bicolor is another South African indigenous Pineapple Lily. The leaves arise from a bulb, and are fleshy and wavy, and the stem, around 30cm or so high, is green mottled with maroon. The flower spike is about 20cm long. With its impressive, long-lasting display of star-shaped waxy greenish maroon flowers Eucomis bicolor is a must have for any collector of South African bulbs. Bulbs of Eucomis species are used in Zulu, Tswana, Sotho and Xhosa traditional medicine. Bulbs and root shavings are boiled in water or milk and used as ingredients in infusions to treat pain and fever. Extracts from E. bicolor are also used to treat colic and as a purgative. Scientific research has found bulb and root extracts to have anti-inflammatory properties.