Description
Haemanthus coccineus STRUISBAAI (Amaryllidaceae). March flower(e), Bloedblom(a). A bulb that produces 2 tongue like leaves after flowering.The leaves are often more-or-less barred with red or dark green on the underside. They may be prostrate, recurved or stand suberect. The plant flowers in late summer and produces a beautiful red paintbrush. Uses for the plant are as follows : Fresh leaves were applied as a dressing to septic ulcers and sores and also to the pustules of anthrax. A diuretic was made from the sliced bulb boiled in vinegar and mixed with honey. Asthma was also treated with this mixture. The bulb contains coccinine which is an alkaloid with a known convulsive action. Sowing : Sow seeds in deep seed trays as soon as possible after harvesting in a very well-drained, sandy medium to which some fine compost is added. Press lightly into the soil, so that the top of the seed remains visible. Water well once and then again only after the first leaves appear. After that, water well once every two to three weeks. When the leaves begin to yellow, withhold watering altogether. Judicious watering starts again when the leaves reappear after the dormant period. Leave young plants in seed trays for at least two years before potting up individually into large, deep pots about 30cm in diameter. Select pots which will hold the mature plants, as they don’t enjoy being disturbed again. Locality : Struisbaai. Date of harvest : March 2014
