Kniphofia × praecox

Kniphofia × praecox, also known as Kniphofia praecox or the greater red-hot poker[2] is a species of flowering plant in the family Asphodelaceae.

Kniphofia × praecox
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Genus: Kniphofia
Species:
K. × praecox
Binomial name
Kniphofia × praecox
Baker
Synonyms[1]
  • Tritoma × praecox (Baker) Rob.

This species is believed to be the result of hybridization between Kniphofia uvaria and Kniphofia bruceae, leading to it being referred to as Kniphofia × praecox.[1]

Description

Kniphofia × praecox is a clump forming perennial species, with narrow grass-like leaves. Leaves can reach a maximum length of 2 metres. Plants produce upright, long flower stalks.[3] Due to the plants flower stalks they can reach a height of 1.5 metres tall.[4] Stems host a cylindrical cluster of flowers.[3] Flower buds start off scarlet red and transition to a reddish-orange and then yellow as they mature.[4]

Distribution

Kniphofia × praecox is native to South Africa, where it is found from the Swartberg Mountains to the Eastern Cape.[3]

The species is used in gardens around the world as an ornamental plant.[2] Introduced/escaped populations have been recorded within the United Kingdom, Belgium, New Zealand, Colombia and Ecuador.[5]

Habitat

Kniphofia × praecox naturally grows alongside streams, riverbanks and marshland habitats.[4]

It is naturally found at elevations of around 2400 metres above sea level.[1]

Outside of its natural range it has been recorded to grow on the verges of railway tracks.[6]

References
  1. "Kniphofia × praecox". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 14 April 2022.
  2. "Kniphofia × praecox". www.rhs.org.uk. 2022-04-14. Retrieved 2022-04-14.
  3. "Kniphofia praecox". www.pacificbulbsociety.org. 2018-04-21. Retrieved 2022-04-14.
  4. De Moor, Lubke, Irene J., Roy (1998). Field Guide to the Eastern & Southern Cape Coasts. Cape Town: University of Cape Town Press. p. 246. ISBN 9781919713038.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  5. "Kniphofia × praecox". Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Retrieved 14 April 2022.
  6. "Kniphofia × praecox". https://alienplantsbelgium. 2022-04-14. Retrieved 2022-04-14.
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