The genus has
herbaceous and evergreen species. The herbaceous species and hybrids have narrow, grass-like leaves 10–100 cm (4–39 in) long, while
evergreen species have broader, strap-shaped foliage up to 1.5 m (5 ft) long. All plants produce spikes of upright, brightly coloured flowers well above the foliage, in shades of red, orange and yellow, often bicoloured.[5] The flowers produce copious nectar while blooming and are attractive to bees and
sunbirds. In the
New World, they may attract
nectarivores such as
hummingbirds and
New World orioles.
Etymology
The genus Kniphofia is named after
Johann Hieronymus Kniphof, an 18th-century German physician and botanist.
Species
There are about 73 described species, including two hybrids.[1][6]
Several species of Kniphofia are cultivated as garden plants, valued for their architectural properties. These include K. galpini, K. northiae, K. rooperi and K. thomsonii.
Terete raceme of Kniphofia shown together with a cross section of a peduncle. A: Inflorescence; B: Terete peduncle; C: Cross section of a terete peduncle
The genus has
herbaceous and evergreen species. The herbaceous species and hybrids have narrow, grass-like leaves 10–100 cm (4–39 in) long, while
evergreen species have broader, strap-shaped foliage up to 1.5 m (5 ft) long. All plants produce spikes of upright, brightly coloured flowers well above the foliage, in shades of red, orange and yellow, often bicoloured.[5] The flowers produce copious nectar while blooming and are attractive to bees and
sunbirds. In the
New World, they may attract
nectarivores such as
hummingbirds and
New World orioles.
Etymology
The genus Kniphofia is named after
Johann Hieronymus Kniphof, an 18th-century German physician and botanist.
Species
There are about 73 described species, including two hybrids.[1][6]
Several species of Kniphofia are cultivated as garden plants, valued for their architectural properties. These include K. galpini, K. northiae, K. rooperi and K. thomsonii.
Terete raceme of Kniphofia shown together with a cross section of a peduncle. A: Inflorescence; B: Terete peduncle; C: Cross section of a terete peduncle