Boophane haemanthoides has a coastal distribution from Hondeklip Bay in southwestern Namaqualand to Churchhaven, growing mainly in deep sands and on limestone flats. It has no magical uses, but 8 alkaloids (naturally occurring, toxic compounds) have been identified in this species. Among these, isolates of lycorine and distichamine showed strong activity against leukaemia, breast cancer and cervical cancer.