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Haemanthus is a genus of flowering plants in the family Amaryllidaceae, comprising about 22 species which are varying greatly in appearance. It is endemic to Africa, from Ethiopia to Cape Town, and can be found growing from coastal dunes to mountain tops, rocky ledges to seasonally-inundated gravel plains and bogs. The name Haemanthus is derived from the Greek haima, meaning blood, and anthos which means flower. Haemanthus is also known as Blood Lily or Red Cape Tulip.
Haemanthus are bulbuous plants, occuring in many forms. The large bulbs are act as food and water storage units. Haemanthus plant has one to six leaves, ranging from broad, leathery and prostrate to thinner, crisped or succulent and erect, with a variety of surface textures from smooth to extremely hairy or sticky. Most of the species are cultivated for their dense heads of small, star-shaped flowers, often brightly colored. The flowers produce abundant nectar and pollent, and a faint odor which is unappealing to humans. The aromatic fruits are mostly globuse, and range through bright red, to pink, orange and white when ripe.
Haemanthus albiflos (Paintbrush) is an evergreen, summer-flowering bulb, native to South Africa. The upper part of the bulb is usually exposed and bright green. It bears 2-6 almost prostrate, broadly elliptic leaves with hairy edges. The flower stem appear between leaves and bears brush-like head of up to 50 white flowers with very narrow petals and protruding stamens.
Haemanthus coccineus (Blood Lily) is a South African summer-flowering bulb bearing two elliptic leaves that are hairy beneath, lying flat on the ground. A spotted stem, forming before the leaves, bears a cluster of tiny red flowerswith prominent stamens.
H. albiflos , H. deformis and H. pauculifolius are evergreen and have bulbs that are only partly buried, with the exposed section often turning bright green. Some species have bulbs that are fairly deep below the surface, usually flowering before producing leaves.
Haemanthus species grow best in large, well-drained container or in a rock garden. They do well in full sun or partial shade,ans well-drainedsoil or sandy soil mix, depending on species. Propagation is by offset, leaf cuttings, and seeds. All parts may cause mild stomach upset if ingested. Contact with the sap may cause skin irritation.
