Veltheimia capensis - South of Oudtshoorn

 Veltheimia capensis is an attractive bulb with red flowers somewhat reminiscent of Aloe. The plants are found from Namaqualand to the Little Karoo.

The flowering time is from late autumn to winter.

Veltheimia capensis is somewhat similar to Veltheimia bracteata from the Eastern Cape but in the latter case the leaves are green and larger while those of Veltheimia capensis are a grey-blue colour and smaller. Some literature states that the bulb of Veltheimia capensis is partly exposed above the ground but I have not seen this feature in plants from the Oudtshoorn area.


They grow in the open or in shade on hill sides or well drained rocky plains.

Propagation is from seed or offshoots.