Albuca canadensis Slime Lily, Albuca PFAF Plant Database

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Summary

Taxonomic Note: This genus was formerly classified in the family Agavaceae. Modern classifications include it within the Asparagaceae. Bloom Color: Yellow. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Late spring. Form: Irregular or sprawling.

Physical Characteristics

Albuca canadensis is a BULB growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower in April. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Stem
Edible Uses:

The succulent stems are chewed to allay thirst[177]. They are rather mucilaginous[2]. This use is listed for A. major, but since this species is so closely related it almost certainly has the same use[K].

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

None known

References More on Medicinal Uses

Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Landscape Uses:Border, Container. Requires a sheltered position in full sun in a light well-drained soil[200]. Succeeds outdoors in areas where frosts are short-lived and light, to a minimum of -5°, and in such areas grow well in a wild or informal garden[200]. It is best to give the bulbs some protection in the winter, preferably using a cloche or pane of glass[1]. This species is closely related to A. major and that species is included here by some botanists[73, 200]. Special Features: Not North American native, Fragrant flowers.

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - we have no details for this species but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse in a light well-drained compost as soon as it is ripe if possible, otherwise in spring. Sow the seed thinly so that the young plants can be grown on in the same pot for their first year of growth. Apply a liquid feed from time to time if the seedlings look as though they need nutrients and prick them out at the end of their first growing season. Grow on the plants for at least their next winter in a greenhouse and plant out when the bulbs are dormant in late summer or early autumn. Division of offsets in late summer.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

AFRICA: South Africa (Northern Cape, Western Cape)

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it's worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

IUCN Red List

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Albuca amboensis	Slime Lily	Bulb	0.0	-		LM	N	DM	2	0
Albuca major	Slime Lily	Bulb	0.5	7-10		LM	N	DM	1	0

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

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Expert comment

Author

(L.)F.M.Leight.

Botanical References

73200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Albuca canadensis - (L.)F.M.Leight.