Description
A rarely seen little plant which we are able to offer equally only rarely. It was first found, around the Olifants River in the Western Cape and described in 1797 (as Amaryllis radula). In 1811 it was moved to Brunsvigia.
It is said to be the smallest species and its flower heads rarely exceed 7 cm high, by a touch more across. The deep-pink flowers have long curving petals with even longer, white, curled filaments, bearing navy-blue anthers. The flowers are a good size for such a small species.
Small, prostrate leaves sit, tightly pressed to the ground. In our form these are densely covered in ivory bristles. These appear after the autumnal flowers have been and gone.
It is found on Dolomite close to van Rhynsdorp in Namaqualand but elsewhere is known to grow on quartzite. Rock type is less important than aspect. Brunsvigia radula grows on more shady S-facing slopes, generally in damper sites than the related Brunsvigia namaquana which grows in sandy depressions on barren rock outcrops exposed to day-long sunlight.
Eminently suitable to pot cultivation.
Picture © Denis Tsang, with thanks.
