Shire Wild Bulbs and Nursery
Hyacinthaceae Eucomis

Eucomis

This is a genus of 12 species mostly from the summer rainfall areas of South Africa, E. regia being the only winter rainfall species. The common name ‘pineapple lily’ is derived from the tuft of leaf bracts which appear above the inflorescence giving the flower a pineapple type appearance. They are hardy, pest resistant and very easy to grow. They make a good cut flower with long lasting racemes and are showy pot or garden plants. They enjoy a slightly acid, well-composted soil and a lot of sun.

Name Eucomis autumnalis Eucomis autumnalis shire indigneous bulbs
Common name pineapple lily
African name umathunga (x)
D/E deciduous
Rainfall summer
Height 40cm
Light requirements fs
Flowers Janury
Medicinal uses

Used widely in traditional medicine to treat urinary and pulmonary ailments, fever and disease of stock. Tswana and Sotho use decoctions of the bulb to treat hangovers. Bulbs are used in decoctions which are administered as enemas. These are used to treat lower backache, biliousness, urinary diseases, to
help in post-operative recovery, for fevers as well as to assist in the healing of
fractures (HUTCHINGS, 1996; VAN WYK et al., 1997).

 

Name Eucomis comosa Eucomis comosa shire indigneous bulbs
Common name slender pineapple lily
African name ubuhlungu-becanti
D/E deciduous
Rainfall summer
Height 1m
Light requirements ss
Flowers January
Medicinal uses

Used in traditional medicine to treat rheumatism and is also given as an enema to children during teething.

 

Name Eucomis humilis Eucomis humilis shire indigenous bulbs
Common name dwarf pineapple lily
African name  
D/E deciduous
Rainfall summer
Height 40cm
Light requirements ss
Flowers February
Medicinal uses

Used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflamatory properties. This is a common property of all Eucomis.

 

Name Eucomis montana Eucomis montanus shire indigneous bulbs
Common name dwarf pineapple lily
African name  
D/E deciduous
Rainfall summer
Height 30cm
Light requirements ss
Flowers December
Medicinal uses

Used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflamatory properties. This is a common property of all Eucomis.

 

Name Eucomis 'pink hybrid'                                                               Eucomis hibrid pink shire indigenous bulbs
Common name pink pineapple lily
African name  
D/E deciduous
Rainfall summer
Height 60cm
Light requirements fs
Flowers January
Medicinal uses

 

 

Name Eucomis pole-evansii Euocomis pole-evansii shire indigenous bulbs
Common name Giant pineapple lily
African name  
D/E deciduous
Rainfall summer
Height 1.5m
Light requirements fs
Flowers January
Medicinal uses

The bulb is used by the African people in the Ventersdorp region as a medicine for people who suffer from mental diseases. It is used for magical purposes such as acting as a protective charm against witchcraft. It is believed that it is useful in inflicting harm on one’s enemy.

 

Name Eucomis zambesiaca Eucomis zambesiaca shire indogenous bulbs
Common name Dwarf pineapple lily
African name  
D/E deciduous
Rainfall summer
Height 20cm
Light requirements fs
Flowers January
Medicinal uses

Used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflamatory properties. This is a common property of all Eucomis.
Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Shade Code

FS -  full sun
SS -  semi shade
S -    shade

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