Kniphofia × praecox, also known as Kniphofia praecox or the greater red-hot poker[2] is a species of flowering plant in the family Asphodelaceae.
| Kniphofia × praecox | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Asphodelaceae |
| Subfamily: | Asphodeloideae |
| Genus: | Kniphofia |
| Species: | K. × praecox
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| Binomial name | |
| Kniphofia × praecox Baker
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| Synonyms[1] | |
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This species is believed to be the result of hybridization between Kniphofia uvaria and Kniphofia bruceae, leading to it being referred to as Kniphofia × praecox.[1]
Description edit
Kniphofia × praecox is a clump forming perennial species, with narrow grass-like leaves. Leaves can reach a maximum length of 2 metres. Plants produce upright, long flower stalks.[3] Due to the plants flower stalks they can reach a height of 1.5 metres tall.[4] Stems host a cylindrical cluster of flowers.[3] Flower buds start off scarlet red and transition to a reddish-orange and then yellow as they mature.[4]
Distribution edit
Kniphofia × praecox is native to South Africa, where it is found from the Swartberg Mountains to the Eastern Cape.[3]
The species is used in gardens around the world as an ornamental plant.[2] Introduced/escaped populations have been recorded within the United Kingdom, Belgium, New Zealand, Colombia and Ecuador.[5]
Habitat edit
Kniphofia × praecox naturally grows alongside streams, riverbanks and marshland habitats.[4]
It is naturally found at elevations of around 2400 metres above sea level.[1]
Outside of its natural range it has been recorded to grow on the verges of railway tracks.[6]
References edit
- ^ a b c "Kniphofia × praecox". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 14 April 2022.
- ^ a b "Kniphofia × praecox". www.rhs.org.uk. 2022-04-14. Retrieved 2022-04-14.
- ^ a b c "Kniphofia praecox". www.pacificbulbsociety.org. 2018-04-21. Retrieved 2022-04-14.
- ^ a b c De Moor, Lubke, Irene J., Roy (1998). Field Guide to the Eastern & Southern Cape Coasts. Cape Town: University of Cape Town Press. p. 246. ISBN 9781919713038.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ "Kniphofia × praecox". Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Retrieved 14 April 2022.
- ^ "Kniphofia × praecox". https://alienplantsbelgium. 2022-04-14. Retrieved 2022-04-14.