Bulbine Frutescens

Native to southern Africa, this lovely, slowly-spreading, succulent ground cover plant bears slender succulent foliage accented by tall flower stalks with buds that have a unique green centre stripe. The petals are either yellow or sometimes orange, which combines attractively with the fluffy yellow stamens to give a bi-coloured look. This versatile dry climate gem adapts to humidity and harsh weather, making it an ideal rock garden plant or massed ground cover, and it is often used in landscaping where a drought-resistant, tough plant is required. The cut fresh leaf produces a jelly-like juice (hence its name) that is reputed to be wonderful for burns, rashes, blisters, insect bites, cracked lips, acne, cold sores, mouth ulcers and areas of cracked skin, and although it is extremely unlikely, could possibly make you live to be at least 120 years old.