Kniphofia
Encyclopedia
Kniphofia also called Tritoma, Red hot poker, Torch lily or Poker plant, is a genus of plants in the family Xanthorrhoeaceae
, subfamily Asphodeloideae, that includes 70 or more species native to Africa
. Some species have been commercially used horticulturally and are commonly known for their bright, rocket-shaped flower
s.
These plants produce spikes of upright, brightly-colored, red-to-orange flowers. This gives names such as "torch" and "red hot poker" to many of them. The flowers produce copious nectar while blooming and may attract sap-suckers such as hummingbirds and New World orioles.
The Kniphofia genus is named after Johann Hieronymus Kniphof, an 18th century German physician and botanist.
Xanthorrhoeaceae
Xanthorrhoeaceae is the botanical name of a family of flowering plants in the order Asparagales. Such a family has been recognized by most taxonomists, but the circumscription of the family has varied wildly....
, subfamily Asphodeloideae, that includes 70 or more species native to Africa
Africa
Africa is the world's second largest and second most populous continent, after Asia. At about 30.2 million km² including adjacent islands, it covers 6% of the Earth's total surface area and 20.4% of the total land area...
. Some species have been commercially used horticulturally and are commonly known for their bright, rocket-shaped flower
Flower
A flower, sometimes known as a bloom or blossom, is the reproductive structure found in flowering plants . The biological function of a flower is to effect reproduction, usually by providing a mechanism for the union of sperm with eggs...
s.
These plants produce spikes of upright, brightly-colored, red-to-orange flowers. This gives names such as "torch" and "red hot poker" to many of them. The flowers produce copious nectar while blooming and may attract sap-suckers such as hummingbirds and New World orioles.
The Kniphofia genus is named after Johann Hieronymus Kniphof, an 18th century German physician and botanist.
Some species
- Kniphofia brachystachya
- Kniphofia caulescens
- Kniphofia hirsuta
- Kniphofia rufa
- Kniphofia sarmentosa
- Kniphofia stricta
- Kniphofia triangularis
- Kniphofia uvariaKniphofia uvariaKniphofia uvaria is also known as Tritoma, Torch Lily or Red Hot Poker due to the shape and color of its inflorescence. The leaves are reminiscent of a lily, and the flowerhead can reach up to 5 feet in height. There are many varieties of torch lily, and they bloom at different times during the...
, Torch lily - Kniphofia reflexaKniphofia reflexaKniphofia reflexa is a species of plant which is endemic to Cameroon. Its natural habitat is swamps. It is threatened by habitat loss.-Source:* Cheek, M. & Pollard, B.J. 2000. . Downloaded on 22 August 2007....
(endangered http://www.redlist.org/search/details.php?species=39750)