Kniphofia caulescens

The westerly border region of KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg is home to many Kniphofia or red-hot poker species. The Kniphofia genus forms part of the same family as the aloes, viz. Asphodelaceae, the tubular flower shapes reminding of that.

Kniphofia caulescens in bloom is one of the memorable seasonal features of this mountain grassland. Come visit in the first quarter of the year to see them like this. Photos reinforce the memories of walks in the mountain grassland, rich in panoramic vistas. The red and yellow inflorescences are better remembered than the blue-green, channelled leaves that grow long and usually fall outwards unless the wind blows (Manning, 2009; Pooley, 1998; iNaturalist).