Babiana plicata Baboon root (Iridaceae)

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Babiana plicata
Baboon root
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The Babiana plicata plant species is found in S. Africa. It is a member of the Iridaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Baboon root. Some home gardeners know the variety as B. caerulescens. B. reflexa.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Babiana plicata
Common Name:  Baboon root
Family:  Iridaceae
Author:  Ker-Gawl.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  0.15   Mature Width:  0.08

Habitat:  Sandy soils on flat land and mountain sides[73].

Propagation Notes: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cool greenhouse, it will germinate in the spring[200]. The seed can also be sown in a warm greenhouse at most times of the year[1]. It usually germinates within 4 - 8 weeks at 20°c[134]. Give young seedlings as much light as possible[134]. Sow the seed thinly so that it does not need to be thinned and grow the young plants on for their first year without disturbance. Give an occasional liquid feed to ensure that they do not become nutrient deficient. Pot the small bulbs up when they are dormant, placing 2 - 3 bulbs in each pot, and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least the next year. Plant them out into their permanent positions when the plants are dormant in the autumn. Division of offsets when the plant is dormant in the autumn. They are freely produced[42, 200]. The offsets can be planted direct into their permanent positions if required.

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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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