Description
Eucomis autumnalis. Grahamstown (Hyacinthaceae) Common Pineapple Lily, Wildepynappel(a), Khapumpu(s), ubuhlungu becanti(x), umathunga(z). Very hardy, bulbous, deciduous plant with a rosette of attractive, broad strap-like leaves and a spike of green flowers with a tuft of green bracts on top which gives the flower the look of a pineapple or with a bit of imagination little green men from Mars. It flowers from late summer, makes a wonderful, long lasting cut flower and an interesting container plant when in flower. It is best grown in full sun. Extensively used for medicinal purposes. Size 25 to 30cm: Flowering stem up to 50cm. Date of harvest : June 2011. Locality : Grahamstown. Sowing : Plant seeds in springtime. Cold stratification (5 °C) for 45 days will significantly improve the percentage of germination (90%).
