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sc gardens - plant enthusiasts

Drimias are common in seasonally dry
regions and many of them flower in late
spring or summer. D. sanguinea (left) produce
a long spectacular inflorescence in spring and
are a sight to behold in the Kalahari, where
surrounding vegetation has died back, and

these bulbs appear almost miraculously from
the desert sands.
There are over 100 species of Drimia worldwide,
and we have six species recorded in Botswana. They
have been used since ancient times for various
ailments such as dropsy, respiratory ailment, bone
and joint complications, skin disorders, epilepsy and
cancer, according to several journals. Toxic properties
of some Drimia species have been traditionally used
for rat control.

Two of the best-known
species are the sea
squill, Drimia maritima,
and Drimia intricata
(formerly Schizobasis
intricata - right) which is
sometimes cultivated as
a bulbous plant.

Drimia species are usually deciduous, more rarely
evergreen, growing from bulbs, and commonly found
in central to southern Botswana. The bulbs may be
underground or occur on or near the surface, and
are easy to grow in sandy soil. Make sure to avoid
watering throughout winter if growing in the garden.
Text and Pics by S.C
SC GARDENS: CONSULTATION SERVICES

CALL: 75435290/EMAIL: sc.gardens@yahoo.com