Hessea speciosa

'Hessea speciosa habitat' - Hessea speciosa is native to dry, semi-desert like habitats in the Northern Cape Province. Bulbs grow deep in flat, sandy river beds (as shown in the lower part of the picture) which are subjected to temproary run-off perhaps once in a decade. In the habitats, bulbs grow in hot sands baked under full sun from sun rise to sunset. In dry years, bulbs may remain dormant without any sign of growth. Bulbs response to rainfall by producing flowers and seed within a few weeks, followed by growing of foliage. In cultivation, bulbs require a deep pot, full sun and growing media with sharp drainage.

Dennis Tsang (April 23, 2007)
Hong King

Dennis Tsang