Ammocharis coranica (Ker Gawl.) Herb.
Karoo lily / Ground lily
Ammocharis coranica is the most widespread and well-known species in the genus, with a range spanning from South Africa's Eastern Cape to Uganda. It produces prostrate strap-like leaves and umbels of 15–30 tubular pink to pale lilac, fragrant flowers emerging on a robust scape in autumn-winter. It is widely used in ethnomedicine throughout its distribution range, and its alkaloids have been extensively studied. It adapts well to cultivation in Mediterranean gardens and dry-winter climates.
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© Kate Webster00, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Genus | Ammocharis |
| Growth Habit | Acaulescent geophyte; prostrate strap-shaped deciduous leaves; large tunicated bulb (10–18 cm in diameter). |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern (IUCN). Very widespread species in eastern and southern Africa; locally abundant in savannas and seasonal grasslands. |
| pH Target | 6.0 – 7.5 |
| Type | Sandy-clay or sandy loam, well drained; tolerant of poor and calcareous soils. |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Strap-shaped leaves 30–60 cm long, radially prostrate from the bulb, bright green. They develop after flowering in winter-spring and wither in summer.
ecoCompact umbels of 15–30 tubular flowers in pink, pale lilac or pinkish-white, with 6 reflexed tepals and exserted stamens. Very fragrant, with a sweet scent especially at night. Scape 15–30 cm.
ecoTunicated globose bulb 10–18 cm in diameter, partially emergent from the soil. Outer fibrous tunics cream to brown. Very long-lived — can exceed 30 years.
ecoWhite fleshy contractile roots, regenerating annually at the start of the vegetative period. They gradually deepen the bulb in sandy soils.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Sandy-clay or sandy loam, well drained; tolerant of poor and calcareous soils.
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Collect recalcitrant seeds (non-storable) as soon as the capsule opens.
- 2 Sow immediately in moist sandy substrate at 1 cm depth.
- 3 Maintain at 22–28 °C and moderate humidity; germination in 2–3 weeks.
- 4 First leaf emerged: begin summer-dry watering cycle.
- 5 Transplant after one year when bulblet is at least 2–3 cm in diameter.
- 1 Extract the mother bulb at the end of dormancy, before leaves appear.
- 2 Carefully separate lateral bulblets; allow to heal for 48 h.
- 3 Plant in sandy substrate with neck at soil level.
- 4 First watering after 7 days; then follow normal winter-dry cycle.
O
Watering in summer during dormancy: causes fatal rot.
Every 3–5 years at the end of summer. Keep in a shallow wide pot; tolerates being pot-bound well.
One application of low-nitrogen fertiliser (5-10-10 formula or similar) in early autumn when floral scapes emerge. No fertilisation during the dormancy period.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Toxic. Contains lycorine, narciclasine, haemanthamine and other Amaryllidaceae alkaloids. Dangerous to humans, dogs, cats and herbivores. Ingestion causes vomiting, hypotension, convulsions and can be fatal at high doses.
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Plant Health
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"A. coranica is the species in the genus with the greatest phytochemical coverage: its alkaloids — especially narciclasine and lycorine — have shown significant cytotoxic activity against human tumour lines (MCF-7, HeLa) in multiple studies. It also has acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity (relevant for Alzheimer research). In its native range it is used by Zulu and Nguni healers to treat skin infections and inflammation."
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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.