Ammocharis longifolia (L.) Herb.
Long-leafed ammocharis / Cape bulb
Ammocharis longifolia is a bulbous geophyte endemic to south-western South Africa and Namibia, typical of arid and semi-arid environments of the Karoo and the fynbos-karoo biome. It is distinguished by its especially long leaves (up to 90 cm) and by its umbels of white to pale pink, very fragrant flowers that appear in late winter or spring. Unlike most African bulbs, it follows a winter-flowering pattern with simultaneous leaves. It is considered the largest-sized species in the genus.
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
© JonRichfield, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
CC BY-SA 3.0
Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Genus | Ammocharis |
| Growth Habit | Large acaulescent geophyte; strap-shaped erect to semi-erect leaves (not prostrate), up to 90 cm long; very large bulb up to 25 cm in diameter. |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern (IUCN). Restricted to the Karoo and Cape; locally abundant in intact habitats. Affected by agricultural expansion in the Karoo. |
| pH Target | 6.0 – 7.5 |
| Type | Deep sand, sandy loam, well drained; very low in nutrients. |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Strap-shaped leaves 60–90 cm long, semi-erect or arching, dark green, more upright than in other species of the genus. Present during winter flowering.
ecoDense umbels of 20–40 tubular white to very pale pink flowers, long tube (3–5 cm), narrow reflexed tepals, exserted stamens. Very fragrant, with a honey and vanilla scent. Scape 40–60 cm.
ecoThe largest bulb in the genus: globose, tunicated, 15–25 cm in diameter, with thick brown outer tunics. The neck protrudes several centimetres above the ground.
ecoLong, fleshy and contractile roots anchoring the large bulb in deep sandy soils. Root system can penetrate up to 60 cm depth.
ecochevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Deep sand, sandy loam, well drained; very low in nutrients.
groups Beneficial Associations
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Propagation Strategy
- 1 Sow recalcitrant seeds immediately after ripening in very sandy substrate.
- 2 Keep slightly moist at 20–25 °C with indirect light.
- 3 Transplant after one year; apply summer-dry cycle from the first year.
- 4 Patience: the bulb will take many years to reach flowering size.
- 1 Carefully extract the mother bulb — it is very heavy.
- 2 Separate lateral bulblets with sterile knife; allow to heal 48–72 h.
- 3 Plant in very draining sandy substrate in a deep pot.
- 4 Water gently after 7–10 days.
R
Using shallow pots that cannot accommodate the large root system.
Every 4–6 years at most; frequent repotting reduces flowering. Preferable to grow directly in the ground.
Very low fertilisation: a single application of phosphorus-potassium fertiliser (low nitrogen) in autumn at the start of the vegetative cycle.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Toxic. Contains typical Amaryllidaceae alkaloids. Harmful to humans and domestic animals if ingested.
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Plant Health
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
"A. longifolia stands out for its more erect leaves than in the rest of the genus, which distinguishes it morphologically at a glance in the field. It is the only species in the genus in which leaves and flowers coexist simultaneously during winter flowering. Its extraordinarily large bulb can take 8–10 years to reach reproductive maturity from seed, making it a highly prized but scarce species in the bulb trade."
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Scientific Integrity
🔴 LowVote to help validate this record
Sources
Loading…
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.