I have never seen African Bulbine in person, but the plant fascinates me. An evergreen perennial in South Africa, it grows 24 inches tall and spreads 40 inches wide. However, it looks nothing like the evergreens we have in Indiana. It has lovely, orange or yellow star-shaped flowers and the leaves contain a gel very much like that of Aloe Vera. This herb thrives in the South-African heat, but the first Hoosier frost would kill it. I have read that you can grow it indoors; and I'd like to try that, as it supposedly flowers all year round. 
African Bulbine, having similar uses as Aloe Vera, alleviates some of the same maladies: insevere burns, wounds, cuts, and abrasions, as well as stings, rashes, and eczema. This herb also treats rheumatism, herpes, cracked lips, and urinary problems. The Zulu used it for hundreds of years to heal rashes, stop bleeding, to fight against poisoning, and in the treatment of sick livestock!TID BIT: The roots of Bulbine latifolia (one of the varities) can make a red dye for wool and other fibers and fabrics.
As far as I know, you shouldn't eat African Bulbine. Personally, I would use the pressed flowers for crafts like cards, pictures, and decoration for just about anything.
I enjoyed researching this herb, and I hope that you enjoyed reading about it!:) Next week we will learn about an herb that treats parasitic problems. Actually, it got its name for this ability!
