I was wondering if anyone recognizes this plant. It is a bulb from South Africa which has large glossy green leaves in spring and early summer with brilliant orange flowers in Autumn on short stems. I used to call it "Elephant's ears" but that is obviously incorrect courtesy of this web site.
I think it might be called a Blood Lily SwampyM. Haemanthus. Colleen.
Hi Swampy. This plant is Scadoxus, once classified as Haemanthus, belonging to Plant Family Amaryllidaceae.
There is a lot of information on this plant in "Garden Bulbs for Australia and New Zealand"; James Hitchmough ISBN 0 670 90131 8.
Presently the leaves are as you describe. It is a very unusual plant. I was lucky to be given a bulb three years ago that has now multiplied to two. Quite slow I think
Haemanthus (Paintbrush Lily) are interesting as well.
I hope this information helps. You will find much more on the web.
Thanks for clearing that up Wayne. My books are out of date. Sorry SwampyM. Colleen
Colleen, I am yet to find the correct species name! :)
They are great plants.
The Haemanthus (Paintbrush, Blood Lily) that I have, has just come to its end of flowering. I hope to collect seed. Last year a sulphur creasted cockie bit off all the flower heads! :((((
Presently the Scadoxus has four sets of leaves and is looking very healthy cramped in an 8" plastic pot. The lady who gave it to me said they liked to be tight in the pot. I think I will take a look later when it is dormant and see how it is going down below.
Hopefully it will flower well and produce seeds too.
Wayne, would it be Scadoxus punicsus? Colleen
Hi Swampy...
Was the information Colleen and I posted here of any help?
I finally got around to take a photo of the Scadoxus we have here.
Jury still out Colleen. Not sure yet as to the species. Maybe someone here will know.
I am going to keep this plant in pot culture as the leaves tend to lay on the ground and would rot. I think it would work in the ground with a gravel mulch, something inorganic. Snail protection for sure.
