HAEMANTHUS HUMILIS

This member of the Amaryllidaceae family was given this name by Nicolaus Joseph von Jacquin in 1804. It is found in southern South Africa, Lesotho and Botswana, growing in a well drained soil with some water and some sun. The caudex can grow to eight or even twelve centimetres in diameter, the rather flat leaves up to 20 (or even 60) centimetres in length. The flowers are white over rose to deep pink in colour. Haemanthus means blood flower; Greek haima for 'blood' and anthos meaning 'flower'. - a reference to the red flowers of most species. The species name indicate it is a low plant.