Kniphofia × praecox
Species of flowering plant
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Kniphofia × praecox, also known as Kniphofia praecox or the greater red-hot poker[2] is a species of flowering plant in the family Asphodelaceae.
| Kniphofia × praecox | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Asphodelaceae |
| Subfamily: | Asphodeloideae |
| Genus: | Kniphofia |
| Species: | K. × praecox |
| Binomial name | |
| Kniphofia × praecox Baker | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
| |
This species is believed to be the result of hybridization between Kniphofia uvaria and Kniphofia bruceae, leading to it being referred to as Kniphofia × praecox.[1]
Description
Kniphofia × praecox is a clump forming perennial species, with narrow grass-like leaves. Leaves can reach a maximum length of 2 metres. Plants produce upright, long flower stalks.[3] Due to the plants flower stalks they can reach a height of 1.5 metres tall.[4] Stems host a cylindrical cluster of flowers.[3] Flower buds start off scarlet red and transition to a reddish-orange and then yellow as they mature.[4]
Distribution
Kniphofia × praecox is native to South Africa, where it is found from the Swartberg Mountains to the Eastern Cape.[3]
The species is used in gardens around the world as an ornamental plant.[2] Introduced/escaped populations have been recorded within the United Kingdom, Belgium, New Zealand, Colombia and Ecuador.[5]
