Nerine laticoma

Graham Duncan has just sent me a stunning picture of Nerine laticoma taken during his recent visit to southern Kalahari. 
 
Nerine laticoma is a spectacular species native to dry areas in northern parts of South Africa and southern Botswana.  Bulbs grow in full sun in exceptionally well drained sandy soil.  The above picture was taken in southern Kalahari near Upington in early summer when day temperature may reach 40 deg C and night temperature of less than 10 deg C.  Thousands of bulbs were in flower after a good rain.  Nerine laticoma is a variable species.  In southern Kalahari, the species varies considerably in size and shade, ranging from pale pink to dark mauve pink.
 
Graham Duncan
February 2006