Nymania capensis (100 seeds)

Nymania capensis (100 seeds)

A rigid shrub, attaining heights of 6 m under ideal conditions. However, its normal height is not more than 3 m. The leaves are stiff and leathery in texture. The leaf is oblanceolate (almost spear-shaped), tufted, and is on a short shoot. The flowers are solitary and borne in the leaf axils. Flowers are dull red in color; however, Nymania capensis from the Richtersveld often has bright red flowers. Seeds are produced in papery, inflated capsules, hence the common name, Chinese lantern. The seeds are pea-shaped, and brown in color.

Sowing instructions: Sow the seeds about 1 cm deep. Cover with a layer of coarse, sieved sand. The soil medium in the flat sowing pan must be well-drained, sandy loam. Keep moist and well ventilated. Allow plenty of light. The seeds will germinate in one to two weeks.

Locality: Oudtshoorn. Harvest: November 2024