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.
| Kniphofia northiae | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| 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 | |
| Synonyms | |
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Tritoma northiae (Baker) Skeels | |
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]
Gallery
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References
edit- ^ "Asphodelaceae Kniphofia northiae". International Plant Names Index. Retrieved 17 March 2018.
- ^ "Kniphofia northiae". The Plant List. Retrieved 17 March 2018.
- ^ Wilson, Matthew (15 November 2003). "How to grow: Kniphofia". The Telegraph. Retrieved 18 March 2018.
- ^ a b "Kniphofia northiae". Pacific Bulb Society. Retrieved 17 March 2018.
- ^ "RHS Plantfinder - Kniphofia northiae". Retrieved 3 March 2018.
- ^ "AGM Plants - Ornamental" (PDF). Royal Horticultural Society. July 2017. p. 56. Retrieved 14 March 2018.