AUTHOR Pat Collins looks at the agapanthus in her new book The Wondrous World of Weeds.
AGAPANTHUS
African lily Agapanthus praecox subs. orientalis
DISTRIBUTION Native to South Africa and now widespread. Naturalized in southern Australia, mainly Tasmania. HABITAT Grown as an ornamental that has escaped. Growing in gardens, roadsides, growing in gardens, roadsides, edge of forests, wastelands and disturbed sites.
DESCRIPTION Perennial plant with a flowering stalk up to 120 cm (3 ft 9 in) tall. Strong underground rhizome system. LEAVES Large, leathery, strap-like, which grow in clusters from the base of the plant.
Perennial plant with a flowering stalk up to 120 cm (3 ft 9 in) tall. Strong underground rhizome system. LEAVES Large, leathery, strap-like, which grow in clusters from the base of the plant.
FLOWERS Generally blue with six large petals that are fused into a tube at the base.
FRUIT/SEED Large, elongated,
FLOWERS Generally blue with six large petals that are fused into a tube at the base.
FRUIT/SEED Large, elongated, threesided capsule full of seeds.
USES EDIBLE/OTHER Considered a magical and medicinal plant by the indigenous people of South Africa. Tins and old pots of Agapanthus are grown around the home as they are considered a plant of fertility and pregnancy. To soothe your feet after a long hike, weave the soft leaves into a slipper shape, put over the feet and relax. Has a silky smoothness that eases your aches. Use the leaf as a bandage to hold a poultice.
MEDICINAL Xhosa women of South Africa use the root for pregnancy and childbirth. Zulu use the plant for heart disease, paralysis, an emetic for coughs, colds, chest pains and tightness.1 This plant contains toxins and I wonder if these locals have built up a resistance to the toxins. Advised not to take internally. Externally the juice from the rhizome is antifungal.
FARM/ENVIR. When I was in southern Queensland, I noticed that Agapanthus grew on the edge of the forests, multiplying via their rhizomes. It is such an easy plant to grow and you are rewarded with a long period of flowering. Agapanthus come in many varieties and colors and people make good money from selling the flower heads, especially the white ones for weddings. Stock seem to avoid eating the plant as the leaves have an acrid sap. Dig it out of your paddocks as it contains toxins.
FURTHER READING Indigenous Healing Plants by Margaret Roberts (AGAPANTHUS).
WARNING Toxic to humans and the sticky acrid sap in the leaves can cause severe ulceration of the mouth. May be a skin irritant.
- For our review of The Wondrous World of Weeds click HERE.
- The Wondrous World of Weeds, Pat Collins, New Holland, RRP. $29.99