Kniphofia linearifolia Baker

Asphodelaceae, S. Kativu. Flora Zambesiaca 12:3. 2001

Morphology General Habit

Plants clump-forming, fairly robust, up to 1.5 m tall.

Vegetative Multiplication Rhizomes

Rhizome horizontal with closely-spaced erect corm-like branches, the latter usually clothed in fibrous remnants of old leaves; roots fibrous or slightly swollen.

Morphology Leaves

Leaves 24–160 cm long, 0.8–2.5 cm wide, linear, acuminate, with margins entire or occasionally sparingly serrulate, very strongly keeled, erect at first, usually becoming bent over.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Inflorescences Peduncles

Peduncle up to 140 cm long, sometimes with 1–2 sterile bracts below the raceme.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Inflorescences

Raceme 5–12 cm long, ovoid or oblong, very dense; bracts 5–10 mm long, ovate-oblong, rounded to subacute, sometimes serrulate; pedicels 2–5 mm long.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers

Flowers patent, finally pendulous,yellow or lemon-yellow; buds red to orange.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Perianth

Perianth 25–40 mm long, cylindrical, not constricted above the ovary, straight.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Androecium Stamens

Stamens just exserted at anthesis, later withdrawn.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Gynoecium Style

Style eventually exserted by 3–8 mm.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Fruits

Capsule 4–6 mm long, subglobose.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Seeds

Seeds angled, scarcely winged, c. 3 mm long.