Kniphofia ritualis clumping

A clump of Kniphofia ritualis plants has developed here in the Drakensberg grass. The semi-deciduous perennial grows solitary or in small groups. Like all rhizomatous plants they may spread from their underground stems that multiply in similar fashion as tillering in grasses. Buds develop at intervals on the horizontally spreading rhizomes, then send up shoots. These shoots multiply forming the leafy clusters or clumps.

This partly underground growth phenomenon increases survival chances in harsh conditions by replenishing water and nutrients from the storage facility. It also protects against hungry herbivores and the fires of dry seasons (Manning, 2009; Pooley, 1998; iNaturalist; Wikipedia).