Cyrtanthus falcatus
Cyrtanthus falcatus R.A.Dyer
Cyrtanthus falcatus, known as the falcate fire lily, is a bulbous perennial in the Amaryllidaceae family native to KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It was described by R.A. Dyer in 1940. The plant grows up to 30 cm tall and features glossy, strap-shaped leaves and erect burgundy-colored stems. It produces umbels of 8-10 narrowly flared, pendulous tubular flowers in red, green, and cream during spring and summer. The umbels are uniquely curved into a crook or sickle shape. The plant becomes dormant in winter, with its bulb—shaped like a bowling pin—resting with its neck above the soil.
Description
Cyrtanthus falcatus is a member of the Amaryllidaceae family, found in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This bulbous perennial reaches a height of 30 cm and has glossy, strap-shaped leaves. The burgundy-colored stems bear umbels of 8-10 narrowly flared, pendulous tubular flowers in spring and summer, with colors ranging from red to green and cream. The umbels are distinctly curved into a crook or sickle shape. The plant goes dormant in winter, and its bulb, resembling a bowling pin, remains partially exposed with its neck above the soil surface. The species was first described by R.A. Dyer in 1940.
Distribution
KwaZulu-Natal
