Lampranthus bicolor

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Lampranthus bicolor (L.) N.E.Br.

Family: Aizoaceae

Common names: Bicoloured lampranthus (Eng.); bont vygie (Afr.)

View other plants in this family View other plants in this genus

Introduction

This is a beautiful species; when in bud, it displays the orange-red on the reverse of the petals, and as it opens it reveals their bright yellow upper surface.
Bright yellow Lampranthus bicolor flowers

Description

Lampranthus bicolor is an erect, stiffly branched shrub. It grows up to about 300 mm tall. The leaves are more or less cylindrical to three-sided, 12-35 mm long, and have reddish tips. The flowers are up to 35 mm in diameter, borne singly or in clusters of 2 or 3 at the tips of the branches. The petals are bright yellow on the upper surface and orange-red underneath.

Orange-red on the back of L. bicolor petal Close-up of L. bicolor flower

Flowers are followed by 5-locular, fleshy fruit which become woody when dry. Seeds are pear-shaped. Flowering time is from October-January.

Leaves of Lampranthus bicolor Two-tone effect of Lampranthus bicolor flowers

Conservation Status

Status

Lampranthus bicolor is classified as Vulnerable, meaning that it is in high risk of becoming extinct. The populations are declining as a result of development (urban and coastal), invasive alien plants and crop cultivation.

Distribution and habitat

Distribution description

Lampranthus bicolor occurs from the Cape Peninsula to Bredasdorp. It grows on sandy flats and slopes.

Lampranthus bicolor in habitat

Derivation of name and historical aspects

History

The genus name is derived from the Greek words lampros (bright) and anthos (flower), referring to the large showy flowers. The specific name bicolor -`bicoloured', refers to the two-tone effect of the petals, which are yellow above and red underneath. The genus consists of 227 species. Other related species are found along the coast of Namibia, Northern, Western and Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

Ecology

These plants are categorized as succulents as they store water in their leaves for use in time of prolonged drought periods. The bright colour of the flowers attracts pollinators to increase the production of seed. Seeds are released in wet weather conditions. The rain aids in dispersing the seed. It also ensures that there is enough moisture available for seed germination.

Fruit of Lampranthus bicolor

Uses

Use

There are no medicinal or traditional uses associated with these plants. However, they can be used in the garden and they are ideal for a waterwise garden.

Growing Lampranthus bicolor

Grow

Sow seeds in autumn, in trays filled with a mixture of sand and loam. Spread seeds out on top of the mixture and cover with a thin layer of sand. Make sure the trays are well drained. Keep the trays moist and in a well ventilated area. Plant seedlings out when they are about 50 mm high.

Plants can also be propagated from cuttings. Cut soft, young material from a healthy bush. Place cuttings in a mixture of 1:1 perlite and river sand. Ensure that the cutting medium is kept moist. Once cuttings have developed roots, they can be planted out in trays with a mixture of sand and loam.

References

Goldblatt, P. & Manning, J. 2000. Cape plants. A conspectus of the Cape flora of South Africa. Strelitzia 9. National Botanical Institute, Cape Town and Missouri Botanical Garden.
Manning, J. 2003. Photographic guide to the wildflowers of South Africa. Briza Publications, Pretoria.
Smith, G.F., Van Jaarsveld, E., Hammer, S., Chesselet, P., Hartmann, H., Burgoyne, P., Van Wyk, B-E. & Kurzweil, H. 1998. Mesembs of the world. Briza Publications, Pretoria.
Van Jaarsveld, E.J. & De Villiers-Pienaar, U. 2000. Vygies, gems of the veld. Grafica Quadro, Tradate (VA) Italy.

Credits

Olivia Tyambetyu
Millennium Seed Bank Project
February 2011

Plant Attributes:

Plant Type: Succulent

SA Distribution: Western Cape

Soil type: Sandy

Flowering season:

PH:

Flower colour: Red, Orange

Aspect:

Gardening skill: Average

Lampranthus bicolor