Brunsvigia orientalis, growing in South Africa
Like its close relative, the previously-featured Brunsvigia josephinae, Brunsvigia orientalis is also known as candelabra lily. Other common names for it include: red candelabra flower, king candelabra, chandelier lily, chandelier plant, and sore-eye flower.
In Afrikaans, common names include ajuinbol, koningskandelaarblom, kandelaarblom, kandelaarlelie, lantanter, Maartblom, marsblom, perdespookbossie, rolbossie, seeroogblom, and tanteletant. (all common names via the PlantzAfrica entry on Brunsvigia orientalis). One of these latter common names, perdespookbossie, is explained on the Fernkloof Nature Reserve’s page for Brunsvigia orientalis: “probably derived from horses becoming ‘spooked’ or frightened by the tumbling dried umbels”.
Although you can perhaps judge the size of this inflorescence by what is surrounding it, it is always good to go to the literature. In the 1897 Flora Capensis, J.G. Baker describes each pedicel (the stalks that support each individual flower) as measuring 4-6 inches (10-15cm) and the flowers being 2-2.5 in. long, so we can conclude the entire inflorescence is as large as 17 inches in diameter (43 cm). Baker goes on to describe the size of the scape (“8–12 in. long, as thick as a man’s finger”), and my favourite, the size of the bulb on this geophyte: “the size of a child’s head”. Baker’s description (note: this was when this species was considered to be Brunsvigia gigantea), along with illustrations and scans of pressed specimens, is available via JSTOR’s Global Plants: Brunsvigia orientalis.
The Pacific Bulb Society’s Wiki entry for Brunsvigia orientalis explains the habitat requirements: “found on sandy flats along the coast, riverbeds or inland sand plumes in predominantly low altitude winter rainfall areas”. This resource also has additional images.
In other Botany Photo of the Day news, some of you may recall the exceptional photos of Jacaranda decurrens shared with us by Dr. Ruy J.V. Alves. If there is any good news to be had, it is that the herbarium of the Brazil National Museum, curated by Dr. Alves, did not burn down with the rest of the museum and its artifacts a few days ago. In 2007, the herbarium was moved to a nearby building.
What a superb photo.
Makes one want to return to South Africa in February.
Such diversity in that floral kingdom.
So beautiful! I wish I could go to Africa and see it myself. Thank you for this post!
Perfect capture. Thanks for the treat.
That the herbarium from the Brazil National Museum did not burn up as did all the rest of Brazil’s material history, must be the only good news from that sad and horrible event.
Do you think these would grow in Hawaii? I have a collection of Crinum and thought this would be a fun addition. I found some for sale on eBay. Seller is from Poland.
Mahalo in advance for any advice
Is there someplace with sandy soils and a Mediterranean climate? I can think of places on the Big Island that might fit the bill.
It is unwise and illegal to import an alien species into Hawaii. Many well-meaning people have done so in the past, causing spectacular and irreparable damage to that remote island ecosystem. Don’t even think about it!
It doesn’t seem as restrictive as that: http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/pi/pq/import-program/plant-guidelines/
That said, Hawaii definitely has more than its fair share of invasives from previous introductions.
If you know of anyone that grows succulents from winter rainfall areas in a (summer) hot dry greenhouse in your area, than it could be done. I think that this plant can be hybridized with Crinum. Check International Bulb Society literature. It’s unlikely that it would be invasive as it would have to produce seeds. I do strongly recommend monitoring reproductive ability and survival of offspring for any new introductions to your garden. (horticultural volunteer for Fairchild Garden)
Incredible!
Mahalo Daniel for the link to Hawaii plant importation rules. Interesting to see that the emphasis is on insect and disease. For instance no coconuts imported I think for the control of the rhinosoraus beetle. Same with coffee, pineapple, bromeliad imports to protect those agricultural industries. We do get a lot of orchid, euphorbia and adenium imports from Thailand. There are more restrictions on what can be shipped out due to fruit fly.
Mahalo to Everett for idea on Crinum hybridization. I was interested to see if this Brunsvigia would adapt to our rain fall like the zephyranthes has.