Boophone disticha

Boophone disticha is a fascinating member of the Amaryllis family, found in sunny grasslands throughout Africa. We were fortunate to see these in person atop rocky cliffs during our 2005 expedition to South Africa, and are finally able to have a few to share that we grew from seed. The unusual Latin genus name, Boophone means ox killer, alluding to it's use as a livestock toxin. Boophone disticha forms a thick woody subterranean caudex, from which emerges a fan of thick, glaucous wavy foliage. The foliage goes dormant in winter, followed a few months later by the spring-borne flowers, which occur on thick stalks, less than 1' tall. The large umbels, which resemble ammocharis, can vary in color from scarlet to shades of rosy pink.