Additional notes (click to expand)

Medicinal

Has been used to treat ailments of the heart and the stomach.
Plants for a Future at www.plantsforafuture.org.uk www.plantsforafuture.org.uk

Nomenclature

Family changed from Agapanthaceae to Amaryllidaceae 13/11/2023

Other use

Agapanthus L'Her. Amaryllidaceae. African Lily. Bulbous plant. Distribution: South Africa. The roots of Agapanthus africanus are used (in South African 'muthi' medicine) in a decoction for treatment of women in labour and after birth. It is believed to relieve difficult labour and to help the expelling of the placenta. The active chemicals are thought to be saponins and those in Agapanthus have uterotonic activity in crude decoctions (van Wyck, 2000).
Oakeley, Dr. Henry F. (2013). Wellcome Library notes. link

Geographical distribution

  • Africa, Southern Africa, Cape Provinces

Agapanthus africanus (L.) Hoffm.

Family: AMARYLLIDACEAE
Genus: Agapanthus
Species: africanus (L.) Hoffm.
Distribution summary: South Africa
Habit: Bulbous
Hardiness: H3 - Half hardy; unheated greenhouse/mild winter
Habitat: Acidic, sandy soil in rocky, mountainous terrain up to 1000m
Garden status: Currently grown
Garden location: Southern Hemisphere Wolfson bed (N), Plants in pots (POT), Plants in pots (POT)
Reason for growing: Medicinal


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