| Kniphofia northiae | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Asphodelaceae |
| Subfamily: | Asphodeloideae |
| Genus: | Kniphofia |
| Species: | K. northiae |
| Binomial name | |
| Kniphofia northiae | |
| Synonyms | |
Tritoma northiae(Baker) Skeels | |
Kniphofia northiae, thegiant red-hot poker, is aspecies offlowering plant in thefamily Asphodelaceae,native to theEastern Cape[3] ofSouth Africa. Growing to 1.7 m (5.6 ft) tall, it is a robustevergreenperennial with handsome curved leaves resembling an aloe.[4] In spring and summer the stout central stem bears oval flowerheads consisting of many tubular florets packed closely together. Green in bud, the flowers open to a muted red and fade from the base to yellow and brown, thus giving the appearance of a red-hot poker.
K. northiae is found above 300 m (980 ft) in the mountain grassland of theDrakensberg from the Eastern Cape to KwaZulu-Natal.[4] This species is named after the English botanical artistMarianne North.
K. northiae is valued in horticulture for its architectural qualities. It is hardy down to −10 °C (14 °F). Slightly larger and more tender than its cousinK. rooperi it favours milder locations such as the south west coast of England. It requires a situation in full sun, which is reliably moist but well-drained. It has gained theRoyal Horticultural Society'sAward of Garden Merit.[5][6]
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