Bowiea (Zulu potato)

Origin

The genusBowiea belongs to the hyacinth family (Asparagaceae, formerly Hyacinthaceae) and is widespread in many parts of Africa. The best-known member,Bowiea volubilis(Climbing Onion) grows in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia, Tanzania and Kenya. It is found in various habitats – from rocky and bushy landscapes to savannas and wooded slopes. There, the plant usually grows in shady areas between bushes or rocks, often partially covered by foliage. It is adapted to fluctuating rainfall and survives both dry periods and wetter summers.

Appearance

Bowiea volubilisIt forms a large, spherical to slightly flattened bulb, which is mostly partially above the ground surface and can grow up to 20 cm in size. The bulb is scaly, greenish and outwardly resembles an onion. From it, in late winter or spring, a fine, branched, climbing shoot network springs up, which can grow several meters long and clings to supports. It is striking that the plant has almost no leaves – the green, thread-like shoots take over photosynthesis. The flowers are small, star-shaped and greenish-white; they appear numerous along the shoots, but do not emit a pleasant scent. In autumn, the shoots die back, and the plant enters a pronounced dormancy phase.

Care

Location: BowieaIt prefers a bright location with slight shading of the bulb. The above-ground shoots like a lot of light, while the bulb itself should be kept rather shady and cool. Direct midday sun can damage the bulb.

Substrate:A well-drained, loose substrate is ideal – a mixture of cactus soil, mineral components (e.g. pumice, lava, perlite) and some humus-rich soil. The bulb can sit partially above the substrate to prevent rot.

Irrigation:During the growing season in spring and summer, water regularly, ensuring that the substrate dries out between waterings. Waterlogging must be avoided at all costs. After the shoots have died back in autumn, watering is significantly reduced or stopped altogether until the plant sprouts again in late winter.

Fertilizer:During the growing season, a weakly dosed cactus fertilizer can be applied every 3-4 weeks. No fertilizer is applied during the dormant period.

Summer/Winter: BowieaIt is not frost-hardy and should be kept in a bright, cool (approx. 10–15 °C) and dry place in winter. In summer, it can be placed in a sheltered spot outdoors.

Popular species

• 
  Bowiea volubilisThe best-known species, also called "climbing onion". It is characterized by the large, greenish bulb and the delicate, climbing shoot.
  
• 
  Bowiea volubilis subsp. gariepensisA subspecies from southwestern Africa with slightly smaller bulbs and lighter-colored flowers.
  

Note

All parts ofBowieaare poisonous because they contain cardiac glycosides. The plant should neither be consumed nor be within reach of children or pets. Even skin contact can cause mild irritation in sensitive people.