This is a genus of perennial bulbs in the asparagus family (Asparagaceae) native to Africa and the Arabian Peninsula and contains about 117 different species. The common name slime lilies refers to the mucous-like juice in the leaves. There are both evergreen and deciduous species. They generally prefer full sun and well-drained sandy soil. Propagation is by division of the off-sets. They can be anywhere form 8 inches to 4 feet tall. The flowers are yellow or white with a green or brown stripe down the center of each tepal. They are on stems that can be erect to nodding and are born in clusters. Leaves are often strap-like, thick and contain a mucous-like substance. They vary widely in size. The species will determine the use of these plants as some are not frost tolerant and some are cold tolerant. Diseases, Insect Pests and Other Plant Problems: No significant issues.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
Soil texture
Loam (Silt); Sand
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0); Alkaline (>8.0); Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist | Occasionally Dry
Available space
Less than 12 inches
Mature size
Height: 0 ft. 8 in. - 4 ft. 0 in. | Width: 0 ft. 6 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
Growth rate
Medium
Maintenance
Medium
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous (3-15 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Erect
Texture
Medium
Leaf color
Green
Leaf type
Sheath
Leaf shape
Filiform; Lanceolate
Leaf margin
Entire
Leaf feel
Rubbery
Leaf value
Showy
Hairs present
Yes
Leaf detail
Leaves are produced at the same time as the flowers, filiform to lanceolate. The leaves can be glabrous (smooth) or pubescent (hairy) and 8 to 40 inches long depending on the species. Leaves sheath the stem.
Flower color
Gold/Yellow; Green; Red/Burgundy; White
Flower value
Fragrant; Showy
Flower form
Raceme
Flower shape
Bell; Radial; Tubular
Flower size
< 1 inch
Flower detail
Inflorescence is a raceme with yellow or white tepals that have a green or red stripe on each. They can be erect of nodding. Flowers are scented, especially at night. Six tepals can be all open or have the inner three curve inward so the tips meet. Flowers usually appear with the leaves.