Description
Formerly thought of as a species in its own right (Tritonia watermeyeri), the occurrence of a series of intermediates has led to this plant from the western Karoo being reclassified (Manning and Goldblatt, 2006) as a form of securigera distinguished by several factors such as its crisped and undulate leaves and a paler throat which may have lines visible . However all of the features seem variable and one has to wonder how long the taxon will hold.
It has bright orange, orange-yellow or rarely pure yellow flowers, often said to be scentless but in fact they smell faintly of wood. The lower petals on each flower have a distinct bright yellow tooth, from which the species gets its name (A Securiger is an axe-bearer, in Latin)
It is known from less than 10 sites in the extreme west of the Little Karoo and is regarded as a naturally rare subspecies that occurs as localised sub-populations with few individuals.
Cultivation presents no difficulties. Full sun is best. Like all Tritonia, the foliage is not likely to survive prolonged periods of freezing or frosting though it will take transient coldness and light frosts. Once dormant in summer the foliage is best cut (not pulled) and the plant not disturbed too much to allow it to establish.
