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Description
Haemanthus Deformis, commonly known as the blood flower, is a species of flowering plant in the Amaryllidaceae family. It is native to the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa and is known for its striking red flowers that bloom in late summer and fall. The plant has a bulbous underground stem and produces large, strap-like leaves that can grow up to 60 cm long. The flowers are large and spherical, with a diameter of up to 20 cm.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Genus | Haemanthus |
Appearance
The blood flower has large, strap-like leaves that can grow up to 60 cm long. The flowers are large and spherical, with a diameter of up to 20 cm. They are held on a long stalk that rises above the foliage. The flowers are bright red and have a unique shape that is similar to a ball made up of hundreds of individual flowers. The plant has a bulbous underground stem that can grow up to 15 cm in diameter.
Care Guide
The blood flower is a relatively easy plant to care for. It prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant should be watered regularly during the growing season, but care should be taken not to overwater as the bulbs can rot. Fertilizer can be applied every two to three weeks during the growing season to promote healthy growth. The blood flower prefers full sun to partial shade and can be grown in hardiness zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The blood flower is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to aphids and mealybugs. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant can also be susceptible to root rot if overwatered.
Habitat
The blood flower is native to the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. It grows in rocky soil on hillsides and along streambanks. The plant is drought-tolerant and can survive in areas with low rainfall.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my blood flower?
A: The blood flower should be watered regularly during the growing season, but care should be taken not to overwater as the bulbs can rot.
Q: What kind of soil does the blood flower prefer?
A: The blood flower prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for the blood flower?
A: The blood flower can be grown in hardiness zones 9-11.
Q: What pests are the blood flower susceptible to?
A: The blood flower can be susceptible to aphids and mealybugs.
Related Plants
- Haemanthus Coccineus
- Haemanthus Albiflos
- Haemanthus Humilis
References
- “Haemanthus Deformis – PlantZAfrica.com.” PlantZAfrica.com. South African National Biodiversity Institute, n.d. Web. 16 July 2021.
- “Haemanthus Deformis.” Pacific Bulb Society. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 July 2021.
- “Haemanthus Deformis – Blood Flower.” Gardening Know How. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 July 2021.
