Albuca
setosa
Is one of a number of plant species
which are presently being tested
for their suitability to be grown as Green Roof plants in the Durban
region that have initially shown good results. They all occur naturally
within a radius of 50 km of the Durban city centre
Albuca
setosa is a small bulb belonging to the family Hyacinthaceae found growing in full sun in dry rocky ground
in the Durban area.
Growth habit
A small upright
growing bulb with narrow leaves. The cultivar being grown is much
smaller and have much narrower leaves that most other found growing in
this area. They reproduce naturally by means of seed which germinates
readily and by producing bulblets.
Decorative value
These plants are
being grown for their neat growth habit and attractive flowers
Drought resistance
These plants are
very drought resistant.
Disease and pest resistance
Unknown
Suitability as Green Roof plants
These plants are
valuable in plantings that are going to get the very minimum of or no
water in winter in combinations with other plants that do not have a
very vigorous nature. They simply go dormant when growing
conditions are not favourable re-appearing when they are. They
reproduce readily under green roof conditions.
Biodiversity value in the Green Roof landscape
All plants have
biodiversity value in the green roof environment.
Cautions and precautions in the Green Roof
application
Care
must be taken to ensure good drainage.