Haemanthus

We are very interested in Heamanthus and collect and grow them.  The following observations concern some we are familiar with.

H. coccinea:  They are found as far east as the Keiskama river valley which is considerably furher east than Grahamstown.

H. montanus:  We have found very large populations in the Bedford district - nearly 150km west of King Williams Town.  They flower here in January, leaves emerging only after flowering.  They are very specific regarding habitat and are confined to shallow soil with rock underlays.  These soils become waterlogged after rain, but rapidly dry out and remain parched most of the time.  Within four months of flowering, the leaves dry out and blow away and one would not know that a population of Haemanthus existed here.  So they have a very short growing cycle in nature.

© Copyright 2002 by Cameron McMaster. Reproduced by permission.

H. humilis humilis:  We have found them to very variable in the eastern Cape with four distinct forms.  The most impressive is one I refer to as "The Giant" with leaves as big as chair seats and an amazing flower.  It is confined to steep south facing cliffs on the Kei River, growing in vast numbers in almost full shade.  The leaves probably get as big as this to catch as much light as possible. The only way to reach this population is to swim the river and scale the cliffs.

Last updated 4 September 2002
© Copyright 2002 by James E. Shields. All rights reserved.