Brunsvigia namaquana D.Müll.-Doblies & U.Müll.-Doblies
Namaqualand Brunsvigia
Perennial bulbous geophyte endemic to the arid plains of Namaqualand (Northern Cape, South Africa) and southern Namibia. One of the smallest Brunsvigia species, it flowers spectacularly during the winter rainfall season (July–September), producing pink to magenta umbels on quartzite stony soils. Species of very restricted distribution, considered vulnerable due to grazing pressure and collection.
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© Dr. Alexey Yakovlev, Flickr / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0), Steinkopf, Springbok, Northern Cape, South Africa, 2017
CC BY-SA 2.0
Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Genus | Brunsvigia |
| Growth Habit | Compact bulbous herb, winter-rainfall geophyte; few prostrate leaves emerging with or after flowers. |
| Conservation Status | Vulnerable (VU) — very restricted distribution; threatened by overgrazing, illegal collection and climate change in the Namaqualand region. |
| pH Target | 5.0–6.5 |
| Type | Very well-drained stony quartzite, sandy. |
Origin & Habitat
Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Very well-drained stony quartzite, sandy.
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
U
A
Every 7–10 years; this species greatly resents repotting.
Minimal fertilisation — very dilute low-nitrogen feed (1/4 recommended dose) once at the start of the growing season.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
HIGHLY TOXIC — Like all Amaryllidaceae members, contains isoquinoline alkaloids (lycorine, haemanthamine, narciclasine and analogues) that are dangerous even in low doses. Lycorine acts as a potent emetic; narciclasine has cytotoxic activity. Serious risk from accidental ingestion of the bulb, which can be mistaken for an edible onion.
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Plant Health
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"This species is strictly dependent on the Namaqualand winter rainfall regime. In cultivation under summer-rainfall climates, the risk of rot is very high unless summer drought is replicated with perfectly isolated drainage. A specialist collection species."
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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.