I think the person who gave her the "bulbs" is misinformed (he is something of a self-styled expert on everything), not playing a joke...unless they turn out to be something hallucinogenic! Now THAT would not surprise me.
I do wonder what they might be though. Wish she had taken some photos.
Thanks for all the info. I was pretty sure I'd only seen reference to them being grown from seed, but wasn't 100% sure.