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Boophone ernestii-ruschii*

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Hendrik van Zij, Pza.sanbi.org found some in growth.


Unfortunately, it was in the dormant period I found this plant at Rosh Pinah, Namibia. The leaves are straight and rather short.


Said to be 100s of years old - they sure are big.


The inflorescence by Hendrik van Zij, Pza.sanbi.org.


And a few flowers by Hendrik van Zij, Pza.sanbi.org.

Author: Dinter ex. Solch, 1960
Family:  AMARYLLIDACEAE
Origin:  South-Western Namibia; Cape Province; South Africa
Soil:  Grit - Mix
Water:  Minimum - Medium
Sun:  Medium - Maximum
Thickness:  25 Centimetres
Height:  35-50 Centimetres
Flower:  Pink
Propagate:  Seeds/Bulbs
Names:  -
Synonyms:  Boophone disticha var. ernesti-ruschii, Dinter & G.M.Schulze, 1941.
Boophone haemanthoides
subsp. ernesti-ruschii, G.D.Duncan & C.C.Tsang, 2016.
BoophAne ernestii-ruschii.
BUphane ernestii-ruschii ???

This member of the Amaryllidaceae might be given this name by Dinter after Solch.'s description in 1960. It is found in the south-western Namibia and Cape Province of South Africa, growing in grit or other well drained soil with little to some water and some to lots of sun. The bulb is half exposed, and can reach a size of 25 centimetres in diameter. The leaves are straight and reach 20-25 centimetre, making the plant up to 50 centimetres in height. The flowers are pink.

*) I have not been able to verify this name neither at IPNI, Aluca or MoBot. It have been known as Boophone disticha var. ernesti-ruschii,  but more recently considered to be a form of Boophone haemanthoides. I find this a bit odd: It have significantly shorter leaves and it lack the undulate margins completely. Further more; the growing season is months later. The bulbs I have seen are more exposed and larger than any other Boophones.

The genera name from from Greek; bouphonos; 'killing cattle'. The species name after Ernst Julius Rusch, 1867-1957, a  farmer and business man in Namibia - and friend of Dinter.

This is a winter-grower.


And a fruit by Hendrik van Zij, Pza.sanbi.org.


A plant in culture by Graham Duncan, Pza.sanbi.org.