Kniphofia northiae | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Monocots |
Order: | Asparagales |
Family: | Asphodelaceae |
Subfamily: | Asphodeloideae |
Genus: | Kniphofia |
Species: | K. northiae
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Binomial name | |
Kniphofia northiae Baker[1][2]
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Synonyms | |
Tritoma northiae (Baker) Skeels |
Kniphofia northiae, the giant red-hot poker, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asphodelaceae, native to the Eastern Cape[3] of South Africa. Growing to 1.7 m (5.6 ft) tall, it is a robust evergreen perennial with handsome curved leaves resembling an aloe.[4] In spring and summer the stout central stem bears oval flowerheads consisting of many tubular florets packed closely together. Green in bud, the flowers open to a muted red and fade from the base to yellow and brown, thus giving the appearance of a red-hot poker.
K. northiae is found above 300 m (980 ft) in the mountain grassland of the Drakensberg from the Eastern Cape to KwaZulu-Natal.[4] This species is named after the English botanical artist Marianne North.
K. northiae is valued in horticulture for its architectural qualities. It is hardy down to −10 °C (14 °F). Slightly larger and more tender than its cousin K. rooperi it favours milder locations such as the south west coast of England. It requires a situation in full sun, which is reliably moist but well-drained. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.[5][6]