Page 48 - Thola Issue 17

46 Red-hot Pokers
PICTURESQUE
POKER PLANTS
Himansu Baijnath profiles the eight vibrant species of Red-hot Pokers found growing naturally in the eThekwini Municipality.
Kniphofia (Red-hot Pokers) are lily-like plants recognised by their non-fleshy leaves with a pronounced keel on the underside, unbranched flower stalks, and tubular flowers. They are used
in many garden landscapes for their striking flower heads, which display an unusual blend of colours.
Common Marsh Poker, Kniphofia linearifolia.
KNIPHOFIA
BUCHANANII
Plants growing singly. The leaves are narrow and grass-like, 400-600 mm long and 2.5-4 mm wide, recurving. The flower stalk overtops the leaves, 400-850 mm tall. The flower heads are oblong, 35-90 mm long and 10-14 mm wide, dense at the apex, lax below. The
flowers are 4-5.5 mm long and white. Buds are greenish, cream or tinged red. The capsules are globose to ovoid, about 2.5 mm long.
Kniphofia buchananii flowers from October to April, and are most prolific in February. It occurs in Hillary, Pinetown, Krantzkloof, Alverstone and Ndwedwe within the eThekwini region.
thola: VOLUME 17. 2014/15
Photo credit: Syd Ramdhani