Herb latin name: Crinum bulbispermum


Synonyms: Crinum capense, Crinum longifolium


Family: Amaryllidaceae (Amaryllis Family)



Edible parts of Crinum bulbispermum:

Root?? A number of species in this genus have edible bulbs. Although no records have been seen for this species, it is fairly hardy in Britain and the root can be as large as a football. It is worthy of investigation.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Bulb


Height:
100 cm
(3 1/4 foot)

Flowering:
June to
August

Scent:
Scented
Bulb

Habitat of the herb:

Seasonal pools, marshes and the banks of rivers.

Propagation of Crinum bulbispermum:

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe, placing 2 - 3 seeds in individual pots in a greenhouse. Do not cover the seed. Sow stored seed April/May in a warm greenhouse. Once they have germinated, you can thin each pot to just one plant if required, though we have not found this to be necessary. Give an occasional liquid feed to ensure that the plants do not suffer nutritional deficiencies. Grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first 2 years, planting them out into their permanent positions in the spring. Division of offsets in April/May or in September. When divided in the spring, the bulbs can be planted out direct into their permanent positions, if done in September, however, they should be potted up and overwintered in the greenhouse.

Cultivation of the herb:

Seasonal pools, marshes and the banks of rivers.

Medicinal use of Crinum bulbispermum:

None known

Known hazards of Crinum bulbispermum:

One report says that the plant is toxic to mammals, but gives no indication as to the degree of toxicity.

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.