Bulbine natalensis
Bulbine natalensis and other similar species with aloe like leaves and thick red stem.
Afrikaans: Rooiwortel
English: Red water
IsiXhosa: Matshetshafike
Zulu : amanzibomvu - water red.
Description and diagnostic features
It looks like a very soft spineless aloe.
It has a thick stem that looks rather like a boerewors sausage. It is red.
Part used Red stem below the leaves.
Uses
If you cut thin slices of the stem and put it in a glass of water the water soon turns red and is good to drink before bed time as it is also a mild relaxant.
A bodybuilder took rooiwortel root extract for two weeks and did a full blood analysis before and after taking the extract. The only thing that stood out was the increase in testosterone. Traditionally it is used to improve erectile function.
French research has indicated that it dissolves cholesterol plaque in the arteries. It is noted that high blood pressure from high cholesterol is rapidly reduced from taking this red stem extract.
Propagation
The best way to harvest is cutting off the stem at soil level so that it sprouts out again. The stem can be cut off below the leaves and the leafy top placed on the soil where it will sprout new roots.
Warning No warning
Habitat It grows best where is does not have to compete with grass such as on rocky outcrops near the ocean where it gets regular mist that dries out so that grass cannot survive.