Publication: Bot. Reg. 2: t. 167. 1817 [1816 publ. 1817]
Description
Cyrtanthus spiralis (a.k.a. Spiral-leaved Cyrtanthus) is a bulbous plant that bears leaves which, as its name suggests, are spiral or perhaps, more strictly, helical. It is dormant in Winter but virtually evergreen in cultivation.
Bulb: The bulb will slowly grow to four centimetres in diameter.
Leaves: Appearing after flowers greyish-silver to glaucous-green up to around 15 cm tall and about 12 mm broad, ribbon-like and twisting round a central axis.
Inflorescence: About 25-30 cm tall.
Flowers: Down-facing trumpet shaped 4-8 on each spike up to 7 cm long, vermilion or dark pink.
Blooming season: Late-summer, autumn.
Origin and Habitat
South Africa, near Algoa Bay.
Habitat: In nature it can be found on flats and lower slopes in semi-arid habitats. Altitude 100-400 m.
Cultivation and Propagation
Cyrtanthus spiralis is one of the most difficult members to cultivate successfully over an extended period. It is usually evergreen in cultivation but needs to be kept almost dry during its dormancy as the bulbs is disposed to dwindle and rot. Its summer rest must be absolute. Water sparingly when growing and a little care, it is a definite water-wise species. Coarse river sand or gravel must be incorporated into the growing medium for excellent drainage.
Bibliography
Major references and further lectures
- John C. Manning, Peter Goldblatt & Deirdré A. Snijman “The Color Encyclopedia of Cape Bulbs” Timber Press, Portland. 2002
2)O’Neill C. 1991 “The genus Cyrtanthus” Herbertia 46(1-2): 37 (1990 publ. 1991)
-
Reid C, Dyer RA. “A review of the southern African species of Cyrtanthus.” in La Jolla: California, American Plant Life Society iv, 68p. 1984
-
Olivier W. “The genus Cyrtanthus Ait.” Veld & Flora (Kirstenbosch) 66(3): 78-81 1980
-
Nordal I. “Revision of the genus Cyrtanthus (Amaryllidaceae)” in East Africa. Norw. J. Bot. 26. (3): 183 - 192
Gallery
