The rules for posting are simple!

1. Every Friday post a photo that includes one or more flowers.
2. Please only post photos you have authority to use.
3. Include a link to this blog in your post - http://floralfridayfoto.blogspot.com/
4. Leave the link to your FloralFridayFoto post below on inlinkz.
5. Visit other blogs listed ... comment & enjoy!

When to Post:
inlinkz will be available every Thursday and will remain open until the next Wednesday.

Wednesday 14 March 2012

FFF17 - BLOOD FLOWER

Haemanthus coccineus (commonly known as the Blood Flower or Paintbrush Lily), is a bulbous geophyte in the genus Haemanthus, native to Southern Africa. The generic name Haemanthus is derived from the Greek words haima for "blood" and anthos for "flower"; coccineus is the Latin word for red or scarlet. In the Afrikaans language it is known as Bergajuin, Bloedblom, and many other vernacular names.

The Blood Lily is native throughout the winter rainfall region in Southern Africa - from the southern parts of Namibia, to South Africa in the Cape Peninsula, to the Keiskamma River in the Eastern Cape. It is an adaptable species, growing in a wide range of soils derived from sandstones, quartzites, granites, shales and limestones. It will survive annual rainfall ranging from 100–1,100 millimetres.

The large (up to 10 cm diameter) flowerheads of Haemanthus coccineus emerge between February and April in the Southern Hemisphere, with scarlet spathe valves on them like bright shaving brushes, making it a striking plant. The flowers are soon followed by translucent, fleshy berries. There are usually two very large leaves per bulb, and occasionally three, these leaves appearing only after flowering has occurred. We have it growing in our garden quite happily and it always attracts a lot of attention when it is in bloom.

Please join me for Floral Friday Fotos by linking your flower photos below, and please leave a comment once you have done so!


19 comments:

  1. Such a beautiful flower! The flower heads are so delicate! You have captured the true red color!

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  2. ...das ist ja eine intensive Farbe und in der Mitte wie bei einem Feuerwerk...danke...

    lG Geli

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  3. Great shot of the beautiful flower!
    I've never seen it before.
    Thanks for sharing this beauty and for hosting.
    Mette

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  4. Very striking red flower with no green leaves. It's very unusual flower, Nick, isn't it?

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  5. How enticing.
    I don't even know that family. It reminds me of hepatica.
    And wouldn't that make a striking contrast.

    I love your series of plants and shrubs unknown to me.

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  6. I do not think i have ever seen one of these before.

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  7. Beautiful orangy red -- I love it! Thanks for hosting!

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  8. a beauty unfamiliar to me. But is looks like a desert flower.

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  9. I have never seen anything like this! Very exotic and very nice photo!

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  10. I especially love the heart of this flower! Thanks for sharing - bloedblom would be a good name for it- at least I can speak THAT language:)

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  11. Beautiful flowers--they are a lovely bright red. Have a terrific weekend. Mickie :)

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  12. Lovely photo of the lovely red flower!
    I have not come across it here in Norway.
    But we often grow Amaryllis.
    Have a nice weekend

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  13. An amazing, vibrant red! Interesting how the heartland dominates the petals!

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  14. this lily is new to me; such intense red and looks so strong a plant too; great shot. Reds aren't always easy to get a great photo of

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  15. What a beautiful flower, I have never seen this one before.

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  16. a wonderful photo work, super nice ..
    Greetings Karin.

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  17. I am sorry I missed your beautiful Floral Friday's meme again.
    -Cheers Gisela.

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