Of course today’s Fynbos Friday has to be a very special one.   Firstly; Happy Christmas,  I sincerely hope Santa has looked after you and that the Holiday season is a good one.  So back to fynbos, why I chose the Agapanthus for X-Mas day…this is a plant that is often overlooked due to the fact that it grows everywhere, however remains near to my heart over this time as it is usually flowering furiously over this period.

Since we celebrate the birth of Christ today, I feel it quite fitting that we discuss the amazing medicinal benefits of the Agapanthus.   The rhizomes and roots of this plant are used as a decoction, either as antenatal or postnatal treatments, as well as being given to the infant immediately after birth.   They have mild purgative effects and are used during a difficult labour and to ensure the placenta is expelled.  ( Thanks Graham Duncan and the Kirstenbosch hand book for growing Aggies for the info)

And if you are a scientific name fundi, as I am, the generic name originates from Agape ( love) and Anthos (flower).  Awesome no?

It is also one of the easiest plants to grow from cuttings, for any aspiring horticulturalist out there, look no further in expanding your green fingers than this.  Its bullet proof, grows in anything and is seriously drought resistant.   When we are finished the wetland I have some mini-aggies that are going to look absolutely stunning down there.  Come and visit.  See how easy it is.   Like falling off a donkey.  Which thankfully Mary didn’t do and gave birth to an immaculate little baby Jesus. So we can have a super day of turkey and wine and eat too much and open lots of pressies and spend some quality time with family and friends.  From all of us here on the farm we wish you a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.   What’s the Fynbos Friday going to be for that I wonder?

http://www.plantzafrica.com/plantab/agapanpraecox.htm