Haemanthus coccineus

Bulbous geophyte of between 6 and 40 cm. The two leaves, dry at flowering, are tongue-shaped and fleshy and the margins are often rolled back and hairy. Scarlet flowers (February to April) grow in a compact head subtended by 6 to 9 fleshy scarlet bracts. The flower stalk and undersides of leaves are spotted.

Distribution in the Hex

Rocky slopes of De Doorns Renosterveld Karoo and De Doorns Sandstone Fynbos.

References

• Manning, J. & Goldblatt, P. 2012. Plants of the Greater Cape Floristic Region 1: the Core Cape flora, Strelitzia 29. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.