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Haemanthus coccineus

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Wild plants.


The top of a large bulb.


Origin at D'Algulhas, most southern point of Africa.


Drawing by Barbara Jeppe.

Author:  Carl Linnaeus, 1753
Family:  AMARYLLIDACEAE
Origin:  Coastal Southern Namibia, South Africa.
Soil:  Sand - Mix
Water:  Medium
Sun:  Maximum
Thickness:  25 Centimetres
Height:  40 Centimetres
Flower:  Pale Red
Propagate:  Seeds/Bulbs
Names:  March flower, April Fool, Blood Flower, Paintbrush Lily, Powderpuff Lily, King-of-Candia
Synonyms:  Haemanthus callosus, Burch. ex Baker
Haemanthus carinatus,
L.
Haemanthus coarctatus,
Jacq.
Haemanthus concolor,
Herb.
Haemanthus crassipes,
Jacq.
Haemanthus hookerianus,
Herb.
Haemanthus hyalocarpus,
Jacq.
Haemanthus latifolius,
Salisb..
Haemanthus moschatus,
Jacq.
Haemanthus splendens,
Dinter.
Haemanthus tigrinus,
Jacq.
Haemanthus zebrinus,
Herb.
Perihemia coarctata,
Raf.

This member of the Amaryllidaceae family was described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. It is found in the coastal areas from southern Namibia southwards to the Cape Peninsula and eastwards to Grahamstown. It grows in sand or other well drained soil with some water and some to lots of sun. The bulb will grow up to 25 centimetres in diameter, the two or tree leaves up to 60 centimetres long and 22 centimetres wide. The flowers are brownish-red to red.

Haemanthus is Greek: haima for 'blood', and anthos for 'flower'. Coccineus is Latin for 'red' or 'scarlet'.

This is a winter-grower.


Flowering plant in cultivation.