Eucomis comosa 'Sparkling Burgundy'

  • Dr Henry Oakeley
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Eucomis comosa 'Sparkling Burgundy'. Dr Henry Oakeley. Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0). Source: Wellcome Collection.

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Eucomis comosa (Houtt.)H.R.Wehrh. Hyacinthaceae Pineapple flower. From the Greek eu comis meaning 'good hair' referring to the tuft of leaves on top of the flowers. Comosa being Latin for 'with a tuft' referring to the same thing. 'Sparkling Burgundy' has the Award of Garden Merit from the RHS. Used in South African 'muthi' medicine. Enemas of Eucomis autumnalis are used in Africa to treat low backache, to aid postoperative recovery and to speed the healing of fractures. Decoctions are taken for the treatment of everything from hangovers to syphilis. The active ingredients include homisoflavones, which have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic activity (van Wyk et al, 2000). Photographed in the Medicinal Garden of the Royal College of Physicians, London.

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