Haemanthus coccineus

Haemanthus coccineus. 

Family: Amaryllidaceae.

Common names: March flower, April fool, blood flower, paintbrush lily, powderpuff lily, king-of-Candia, pincushion (Eng.); bergajuin, bloedblom, rooikwas, bobbejaansool, koning-van-Kandie, Maartblom, misryblom, misryersblom, skoensole, velskoenblaar.

The flower-heads emerge in autumn, usually before the leaves appear. The peduncle is occasionally unmarked, but is most often more-or-less streaked or spotted. The flower-head comprises 6-9 stiff, red spathe valves surrounding the 25-100 coral to scarlet flowers.

Sowing: Sow immediately in a rich but well drained medium by pressing the seeds just onto the soil without covering them.

Locality: Gouda.

Harvest: March 2024