Cyrtanthus smithiae

Cyrtanthus smithiae is often found growing in flat sand in Eastern Cape along highway.  Bulbs grow among low shrubs and succulent plants which provide shade and protection from animals.  This species flowers in October in its natural habitats.

Dennis Tsang (Nov 17, 2005)
Hong Kong

The specimens shown here produce flowers with orange stripes.  According to Cameron McMaster, a different colour form which produces creamy yellow stripes is found in Cookhouse area in Eastern Cape.

Dennis Tsang (Nov 17, 2005)
Hong Kong

The spiral leaves of Cyrtanthus smithiae are most attractive.  The leaves are much narrower than C. spiralis which is another spiral-leaved species.

Dennis Tsang (Nov 17, 2005)
Hong Kong

On an outing with the SA Indigenous Bulb Society on 18 November, we came across a colony (hundreds) of C. smithiae, a wonderful sight in full bloom. We were near Cookhouse, about 150 km north of Port Elizabeth (SA), a relatively dry and sandy area which can get very hot in summer - the beautiful spiralled leaves often die down by the end of January and stay dormant until the next spring rains. Rather difficult to cultivate!

Rhoda (6 Dec 2002)
Stutterheim, E. Cape