Ammocharis tinneana (Kotschy & Peyr.) Milne-Redh. & Schweick.
Tinne's ammocharis
Ammocharis tinneana is the genus species with the most northerly distribution, present in the savannas and seasonal grasslands of tropical Africa from Uganda to Zambia and Malawi. It produces spectacular umbels of crimson flowers with narrow reflexed tepals and very long stamens that give it a very characteristic spider-like appearance. It was photographed in the Serengeti, Tanzania, where it grows in seasonal grass prairies. It was named in honour of Alexine Tinne, a Dutch 19th-century explorer and botanist.
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© Leyo, CC BY-SA 2.5 CH, via Wikimedia Commons
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Genus | Ammocharis |
| Growth Habit | Acaulescent geophyte; strap-shaped semi-erect to prostrate leaves; medium tunicated bulb. Grows in open grasslands with clear water seasonality. |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern (IUCN). Species distributed across several protected African savannas (Serengeti, Masai Mara). Stable in protected areas. |
| pH Target | 5.5 – 7.0 |
| Type | Sandy-clay tropical savanna soil, well drained; tolerates briefly waterlogged soils during the wet season. |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Strap-shaped leaves 40–60 cm, semi-erect, dark green, developing during the wet season. They wither and disappear completely in the dry season.
ecoUmbels of 15–25 crimson to deep pink tubular flowers, with 6 very narrow-reflexed tepals and extraordinarily long exserted stamens giving a spider-like or firework appearance. Very fragrant at dusk. Robust scape 25–45 cm.
ecoGlobose tunicated bulb 8–15 cm in diameter, with brown fibrous tunics. The neck protrudes slightly above the ground in its natural habitat.
ecoFleshy and contractile roots adapted to clayey-sandy savanna soils. They regenerate at the start of the wet season.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Sandy-clay tropical savanna soil, well drained; tolerates briefly waterlogged soils during the wet season.
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Collect fresh seeds and sow in lightly moist sandy-clay substrate.
- 2 Temperature 24–30 °C; high relative humidity.
- 3 First dry cycle: gradually reduce watering after 3 months.
- 4 Transplant individually in the second year.
- 1 Extract the mother bulb when the leaves have completely dried.
- 2 Separate bulblets with sterile knife; allow to heal for 48 h.
- 3 Plant in dry substrate initially; first watering after 10 days.
- 4 Maintain minimum temperature of 15 °C in winter.
I
Exposing to temperatures below 10 °C: the species is tropical and not cold-hardy.
Every 2–3 years at the start of the dry season. Prefer medium clay pots; not excessively deep.
Moderate fertilisation: one application of balanced fertiliser (10-10-10) at the start of the wet season and a second one mid-growing season. No fertilisation during dormancy.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Toxic. Contains Amaryllidaceae alkaloids (lycorine, tazettine and analogues). Dangerous to people and animals if ingested. Handle with gloves when repotting.
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Plant Health
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"A. tinneana is morphologically distinguished from all other species in the genus by its exceptionally long and exserted stamens that greatly exceed the length of the tepals, creating the characteristic spider-like appearance documented in Serengeti photographs. This morphology suggests a pollination syndrome by long-proboscis Lepidoptera (such as sphingids or noctuids) that would visit the fragrant flowers at dusk. The epithet honours Alexine Tinne (1835–1869), the first woman to attempt to cross the Sahara, who collected specimens in the White Nile."
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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.