Plant Information

Common Name: BELL FLOWER – WHITE AFRICAN BLUEBELL
Scientific Name: Wahlenbergia rivularis
Alternative Names: Ipipiyo (xhosa)

N/A

R95.00

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Description

• Perennial
• White African Bluebell is indigenous to Mpumalanga, KwaZulu Natal, Free State, the Eastern Cape and does well in the summer rainfall areas.
• It is very hardy, semi-deciduous and spreads horizontally to form an attractive groundcover of soft, green foliage.
• White African Bluebell bears masses of delicate looking white to cream bells.
• The slender flower stems reach 30 to 40 cm above the ground, setting the flowers swaying in even the slightest breeze.
• Plant in full sun or semi-shade and water regularly.
• It goes slightly dormant in winter – prune slightly as can look a bit untidy but remains green.
• In the veld they do not die off completely in winter - after the spring rains they quickly regain their former size and charm.
• The flowers attract insects to the garden.
• It looks lovely planted along the edge of a path or a pond - also amongst grasses in a grassland garden or as a border.
• White African Bluebell is easy to propagate by division, from cuttings or seed.

Culinary Uses

• The leaves are eaten like spinach.

Parts Used

• The above-ground parts.

Medicinal Uses. It is said that

• Plant decoctions are used to treat intestinal ulceration in children by Southern Sotho people.
• The Zulu people used this plant in traditional medicine to make eye lotions, emetics and pre-battle washes.

The information contained within this website is for educational purposes only. This site merely recounts the traditional uses of specific plants as recorded through history. Always seek advice from a medical practitioner.

Mountain Herb Estate, and its representatives will not be held responsible for the improper use of any plants or documentation provided. By use of this site and the information contained herein you agree to hold harmless Mountain Herb Estate, its affiliates and staff