Ammocharis coccinea (L.f.) Herb.
Karoo lily / Crimson lily
Ammocharis coccinea is a bulbous geophyte of the Amaryllidaceae family, native to the arid and semi-arid regions of southern Africa, mainly the Karoo, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia. It produces large umbels of crimson or deep pink flowers with reflexed petals and prominent stamens, above strap-like prostrate leaves that spread at ground level. It is one of the most striking African bulbs, with flower umbels that can reach 30–40 cm in diameter at maturity. Contains lycorine-type alkaloids with documented pharmacological activity in South African ethnobotany.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Genus | Ammocharis |
| Growth Habit | Acaulescent geophyte; strap-like prostrate leaves, deciduous during dormancy; large tunicated bulb up to 20 cm in diameter. |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern (IUCN). Widespread distribution across the Karoo and southern Africa; not threatened although illegal bulb collection represents a local pressure. |
| pH Target | 6.0 – 7.5 |
| Type | Sandy or sandy-clay soil, well drained, low in nutrients; tolerates calcareous soils. |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Strap-shaped leaves 30–60 cm long by 5–8 cm wide, prostrate on the ground, glaucous or grey-green, with smooth margins. They develop mainly in winter and spring, and die back during the summer dormancy.
ecoUmbels of 20–40 tubular-stellate flowers in crimson or deep pink with a short perianth tube and 6 reflexed tepals; long exserted stamens; very fragrant, especially at dusk. Floral scape appears before the leaves in autumn-winter.
ecoTunicated, globose bulb up to 20 cm in diameter, with reddish-brown fibrous tunics. The neck protrudes slightly above ground. Can live for decades with proper care.
ecoFleshy and contractile roots, whitish in colour, anchoring the bulb deeply in sandy-clayey soils and helping to pull the bulb deeper during the dormancy period.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Sandy or sandy-clay soil, well drained, low in nutrients; tolerates calcareous soils.
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Collect seeds when the capsule begins to open and sow immediately (recalcitrant seeds).
- 2 Sow on the surface or bury 1 cm in sandy, moist substrate.
- 3 Maintain at 20–28 °C with high relative humidity; germination in 2–4 weeks.
- 4 Transplant to individual pot when seedling is 5–8 cm.
- 5 First dormancy: gradually reduce watering in the first summer; from the second year, follow normal cycle.
- 1 Extract the mother bulb from the substrate at the end of the dormancy period.
- 2 Separate lateral bulblets with a sterile knife, keeping roots if present.
- 3 Allow cut surfaces to heal for 24–48 h in a dry, airy place.
- 4 Plant with the neck at soil level in well-draining sandy substrate.
- 5 First gentle watering after 5–7 days; place in full sun.
P
Watering during summer dormancy, which rots the bulb.
Every 3–4 years in autumn, as dormancy ends. Prefers deep clay pots; do not repot during the vegetative period.
Low fertilisation: one application of low-nitrogen fertiliser (5-10-10) in early winter when floral scapes appear. No fertilisation in summer.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Toxic. Contains Amaryllidaceae alkaloids (lycorine, narciclasine and others). Ingestion can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, hypotension, and seizures. Toxic to dogs, cats, and cattle.
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Plant Health
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"A. coccinea is considered the type species of the genus Ammocharis and one of the most spectacular geophytes of the Karoo. Its crimson umbel flowers appear in autumn before the leaves, an unusual phenological pattern adapted to pollination by nocturnal sphingids attracted by its intense twilight fragrance. The alkaloids present (especially lycorine and narciclasine) have been investigated for anti-tumour properties in in vitro studies."
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Scientific Integrity
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Sources
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Discussion
Disclaimer
This species record is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Jardín Roca Negra does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the data. Content is community-curated and may be subject to revision; it should not replace advice from a qualified botanist. This species may be toxic, invasive, or subject to legal restrictions — verify before handling or cultivating. Jardín Roca Negra accepts no liability for any harm arising from reliance on this information. Images are reproduced under Creative Commons or equivalent free licenses; credits are noted below each image.