Cyrtanthus herrei
Cyrtanthus herrei (F.M.Leight.) R.A.Dyer
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Common names: Richtersveld cyrtanthus
Introduction
This striking bulb comes from arid parts of southern Africa.
Description
Description
Cyrtanthus herrei is a large evergreen bulb with a long neck that protrudes from the surface of the soil; from this neck, long slender leaves are borne. The roots are fleshy. The leaves are linear, 350-450 x 5.5-6.0 mm, and pale green. The leaf has an attractive twist in it that gives the plant some extra character. The leaf tip is rounded. The flower stalk on mature plants is 500-600 mm long. Flowers are dark orange with a hint of green, are borne on an umbel-like structure, and are pendulous. Under ideal growing conditions, 20-25 flowers are produced on a single umbel. Plants flower during the months of March and April.
Distribution and habitat
Distribution description
Cyrtanthus herrei is restricted to the arid winter rainfall areas and occurs in southern Namibia in between the fissures in rocks in the Rosh Pinah area. Other areas where this species occurs is the Richtersveld/Ais Ais Transfrontier National Park and as far south as the Harasberg which is on the northern boundary of the Namaqualand region in South Africa. It tends to grow on eastern and southwestern slopes in full sun.
Derivation of name and historical aspects
History
The name Cyrtanthus is derived from the Greek word kyrtos, curved, and anthos, flower. The species name herrei is derived from the famous plant collector, the late Hans Herre. Mr. Herre was well known for collecting succulents in the Namaqualand and Richtersveld areas of South Africa and Namibia.
Ecology
Ecology
Cyrtanthus herrei is in all aspects a very handsome plant. It is certainly one of the larger species of the genus Cyrtanthus. The plant is considered on a regional level as rare.
In this genus, seed dispersal occurs when the short, stout seed capsule splits open along the sides when dry, releasing the seed. The seeds are black, flattened and produced during October and November. Many of seeds do not always germinate because of the hot arid conditions. Those seeds that are fortunate to be blown under a bush or into a crevice of rock should germinate if the right amount of rain falls at the right time.
Uses
Use
This plant is not often used in cultivation, but it could be used as a container plant or planted in a rockery.
Growing Cyrtanthus herrei
Grow
Cyrtanthus herrei can be cultivated as a container plant or grown in a rockery. Propagation can be done by means of seed and division of bulbs. Sow seed in April or May.
Prepare deep seed trays (± 10 cm deep) containing well-drained, coarse river sand. First water the tray with a fine rose spray before sowing. This will settle the seed mixture. The seeds should be sown evenly on the medium and covered with a thin layer of sand of about 5 mm deep. Keep seed tray moist, but not wet. Transplant seedlings in March or April (the following year) in a 1 pint bag in a well-drained mixture of 4 parts fine river sand, 2 parts coarse river sand, 3 parts well-rotted compost, 1 part perlite and 1 part vermiculite.
Bulbs can be split during the dormant season from late November till early March. The same soil mixture for sowing seed will suffice. Be careful not to plant the bulbs too deep. Remember the slender neck of the bulb should protrude above the surface of the soil otherwise the bulb is likely to rot.
References
- Du Plessis, N. & Duncan, G. 1989. Bulbous plants of southern Africa. Tafelberg, Cape Town.
Credits
Ian Oliver
Karoo Desert NBG
July 2007
Plant Attributes:
Plant Type: Bulb
SA Distribution: Northern Cape
Soil type: Sandy
Flowering season: Autumn
PH: Neutral
Flower colour: Orange
Aspect: Full Sun
Gardening skill: Average
Rate this article
Article well written and informative
Rate this plant
Is this an interesting plant?
User Comments
Ranulf Bennet, United States
July 25, 2017 at 7:09 PMI have grown, flowered and set seeds of Cyrtanthus herrei for many years. The soil mix I use is simply: 2 parts commercial (Kellogg's) palm/ cactus/succulent mix and one part pumice. I have found that perlite and vermiculite absorb and retain too much water and dangerous amount of chemicals; I never use them. Also, I wouldn't recommend "well-rotted compost" or any kind of sand in the soil mix. The former also retains too much moisture, while the latter keeps the soil cold and damp. Do growers in SA really still use Vermiculite and Perlite??? If so, they should change to pumice if it is available.
Alice Notten
July 27, 2017 at 9:23 AMIn the Kirstenbosch bulb nursery they do well grown in coarse river sand, with a layer of well-rotted compost at the base of the container, where it does not touch the bulbs. We also do not use vermiculite or perlite in any of our bulb soil mixes, but have not tried pumice either, as it is not available here.
Login to add your Comment
Back to topNot registered yet? Click here to register.