Kniphofia ritualis

Quick Characteristics:

Kniphofia ritualis Codd is common in grassy mountain slopes and shallow soil and rock crevices in Lesotho and adjoining areas at altitudes of 1600 to 2800 m. Leaves are soft, spreading, deeply keeled with finely toothed margins. The leaves have been used for plaiting ropes. The dense inflorescenses follow the common color scheme of reddish buds opening to greenish-yellow flowers. As the epithet ritualis implies, this species was actually used in local women's initiation rites. It has also been used in traditional medicine to treat pain. This species is very similar to Kniphofia caulescens, but that species has shorter flowers and markedly exserted stamens. Photos taken by Cameron McMaster at Naude's Nek.