Cyrtanthus breviflorus Fire Lily PFAF Plant Database

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Summary

Taxonomic Note: This genus was formerly classified in the family Alliaceae. Modern classifications include it within the Amaryllidaceae.

Physical Characteristics

Cyrtanthus breviflorus is an evergreen Bulb growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.1 m (0ft 4in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Anoiganthus breviflorus. Harv.

Plant Habitats

Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves
Edible Uses:

A food plant[177]. No more details are given.

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

None known

References More on Medicinal Uses

Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Easily grown in a moist soil[90]. Requires a free-draining light soil in full sun[188]. This species is not very hardy in Britain, it tolerates temperatures down to about -5° if it is growing in a warm sheltered position in a well-drained soil[200]. It is best given some protection over winter[1]. Plants are deciduous in colder climates[200]. It is best to keep the plants fairly dry when they are resting[200]. A very variable plant[90].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe, otherwise in spring. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division of offsets after flowering.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

AFRICA: Kenya, Tanzania, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini, South Africa (Cape Province (east), Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Transvaal)

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it's worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

IUCN Red List

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

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Expert comment

Author

Baker.

Botanical References

200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Cyrtanthus breviflorus - Baker.