Chlorogalum pomeridianum Soap lily (Hyacinthaceae)

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Chlorogalum pomeridianum
Soap lily
(1 Page of 5)

The Chlorogalum pomeridianum plant species is found in Southwestern N. America - California. It is a member of the Hyacinthaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Soap lily. Some home gardeners know the variety as Loathoe pomeridiana.

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Latin Name:  Chlorogalum pomeridianum
Common Name:  Soap lily
Family:  Hyacinthaceae
Author:  (DC.)Kunth.

Known Hazards:  The bulb contains saponins. Although fairly toxic, these substances are very poorly absorbed by the body and most of them simply pass straight through. Saponins are found in a number of common foods, including many beans. They are destroyed by thorough cooking[K]. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish[K].

Mature Height:  2   Mature Width:  0.3

Habitat:  Dry open hills and plains, occasionally in woods, below 1500 metres[71].

Medicinal Information: Soap lily bulbs contain saponins, a medicinally active ingredient that is of particular value as an antiseptic wash. Saponins are somewhat toxic (see the notes above on toxicity) and so any internal use of this plant should be carried out with great care[K]. The bulb is antiseptic, carminative, diuretic and laxative[94, 257]. A decoction has been used to treat wind in the stomach[257]. Externally, the bulbs have been rubbed on rheumatic joints[257]. The pounded bulbs were mixed with water and used as a hair wash in the treatment of dandruff, to prevent lice and also to treat skin irritations including that caused by poison oak[213, 257]. A poultice of the baked bulbs has been used as an antiseptic on skin sores[257].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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