Ammocharis taveliana Schinz
Taveta ammocharis
Ammocharis taveliana is a bulbous geophyte with a restricted distribution in the Taveta region, on the border between Tanzania and Kenya, in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is one of the least known and studied species in the genus. It produces umbels of deep pink to red flowers, similar to A. coccinea, above prostrate strap-like leaves. It grows in volcanic sandy soils at mid-altitudes (500–1200 m), with marked seasonal rainfall.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Genus | Ammocharis |
| Growth Habit | Acaulescent geophyte; prostrate strap-like leaves; medium to large tunicated bulb. |
| Conservation Status | Data Deficient (IUCN). Very restricted geographic distribution; few herbarium records. Potentially vulnerable to habitat loss in the Kilimanjaro region. |
| pH Target | 5.5 – 7.0 |
| Type | Sandy volcanic soil, well drained, slightly acid pH. |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Strap-shaped leaves 30–50 cm, prostrate or semi-erect, bright green. Present in the wet season.
ecoUmbels of deep pink to crimson tubular flowers, similar to A. coccinea but with a shorter scape. Fragrant. Flowering at the start of the wet season.
ecoMedium-sized globose tunicated bulb (8–15 cm), with brown tunics. Shallowly buried in volcanic sandy soil.
ecoFleshy roots adapted to loose volcanic soils. Renewed annually at the start of the wet season.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Sandy volcanic soil, well drained, slightly acid pH.
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Collect fresh seeds and sow immediately.
- 2 Lightly moist volcanic sandy substrate; temperature 22–28 °C.
- 3 Keep in semi-shade during germination.
- 4 Transplant after one year when bulblet reaches 2 cm.
S
Applying the summer-dry regime of other Ammocharis: this species follows the eastern African bimodal pattern.
Every 3–4 years at the start of the main dry season.
Light fertilisation with balanced formula (10-10-10) at the start of each wet season.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Toxic (assumed by analogy with the genus). Amaryllidaceae alkaloids assumed based on genus membership.
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Plant Health
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"A. taveliana is one of the rarest and least documented species in the genus Ammocharis. It was described by Schinz based on material collected in the Taveta region (current Kenya-Tanzania border). Its taxonomy remains partially uncertain given the small number of herbarium specimens available. Its possible relationship with A. coccinea is suggested by floral morphology but has not been confirmed by modern phylogenetic analyses."
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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.