Native to southern Africa, Bulbine frutescens is a perennial succulent herb valued both ornamentally and medicinally. It thrives in arid and semi-arid environments, naturally occurring in grasslands, rocky slopes, and sandy soils where it benefits from full sun exposure and well-drained conditions. The plant grows in clumps from a rhizomatous base, with narrow, fleshy, grass-like leaves that retain water efficiently. Flowering can occur year-round in mild climates, producing slender, upright stems topped with star-shaped blossoms that range from yellow to orange, each centered with a tuft of bright yellow stamens covered in fine hairs. These flowers open sequentially along the raceme. Traditionally, the leaf gel has been used in folk medicine for its soothing properties on burns, rashes, insect bites, and minor cuts, functioning similarly to aloe vera. Its adaptability to a variety of soil types, resistance to pests, and ability to thrive with minimal watering have contributed to its spread as an ornamental plant beyond its native range in warm, frost-free regions. Photographed in Florida.