In search of the blood lily

I spotted this striking beauty under a tree outside my office today.  The flower is followed by fleshy red berries, which the monkeys and birds love.  I’ll try to remember to take a photograph of the berries when they come through.  The bulb is traditionally used to cure coughs, headaches and stomach problems.  The plant is also known as Paintbrush (charming), Rooikwas and isiPhompo.

The Blood Lily.
The Blood Lily.

Read more

Anyone recognise this plant?

One of the lessons I’ve learnt from writing this blog is to always keep a record of the names of plants you buy from nurseries.  I think the next time I create a garden I will write down each plant in a little black book.

Anyway, I got this plant from the Fig Tree Nursery in Westville and have always liked it.  It has furry leaves, grows very easily from cuttings and shoots up these amazing red flowers every year.

Flower.
Flower.

Read more