Hirsute Haemanthus coccineus leaves
Hannon (Sat, 17 Nov 2007 18:39:09 PST)

Jacob,

I have some 5-year old seedlings of H. coccineus that still retain
juvenile pubescence on upper and lower leaf surfaces. However, the
parents (also grown from seed) are decidedly glabrous. Comes from
south of Steinkopf. I looked at some other seedlings I have from other
localities and they are also "hairy" in varying degree, though on
maturity they seem to transition to glabrousness in most cases. I have
this species from at least 10 localities and there is some interesting
variation. One especially odd form is from the East Cape
(Kenton-on-Sea) and has a significantly longer growing season, is
slower and smaller and the red-orange inflorescence has rather
inconspicuous bracts. I think Snijmnan said something about this
plasticity and she wondered if more taxa could not be discerned with
more study. Even the 2 or 3 plants of H. coccineus painted by Ellaphie
Ward-Hillhorst for Snijman's book appear to be very different.

I saw a photo of a plant of H. coccineus growing at Stellenbosch BG
and it had leopard spotting on the *upper surface* of the leaves.
Banding and speckling (or lack thereof) is another interesting
variable in this species.

Dylan

On 11/16/07, Jacob Knecht <sabepafronta@yahoo.com> wrote: