Biology:Ornithoglossum undulatum
| Ornithoglossum undulatum | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Liliales |
| Family: | Colchicaceae |
| Genus: | Ornithoglossum |
| Species: | O. undulatum
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| Binomial name | |
| Ornithoglossum undulatum Sweet, 1825
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Ornithoglossum undulatum, also known as the Karoo Slangkop, is a species of flowering plant in the family Colchicaceae. It is found in Southern Namibia and South Africa .[1] In South Africa its range extends as far east as Somerset East in Eastern Cape Province.[2] O. undulatum is a poisonous plant, and consumption of the leaves can kill livestock.[3]
It is also known as the poison onion, cockatoo snakelily, or wave-leaved bird's tongue.[4][1] The Afrikaans moniker of slangkop means "snake's head," referring to the resemblance of their flowers to a snake's head.[3]
While not rated under the IUCN Red List, the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) Red List rates this species as "least concern" as of 2005.[5]
Description
The plant can grow from 5 to 20 centimeters in height. There are two to four leaves that are lanceolate in shape which are undulated, the leaves are 10 centimeters in length and are a blue-grey color.[4] The flowers are zygomorphic and nodding downwards on pedicels, they range in color from white to pink, with maroon tips, and are fragrant during the night.[4][2] The plant flowers between the months of April and July.[2] They are most often found on rocky terrain, usually in granite or sandstone slopes.[4] The plants are perennials and have an underground corm.[3]
Distribution
Ornithoglossum undulatum is found within the provinces of Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Western Cape in South Africa .[5] In Namibia it is found throughout the ǁKaras Region, concentrated in the Richtersveld and Namaqualand regions.[4][3]
Cultivation
Ornithoglossum undulatum grows well in well drained soil with moderate or little watering required. The plant favors heavy sunlight, owing to its desert habitat.[1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "CAUDICIFORM Ornithoglossum undulatum". Bihrmann's Caudiciforms. http://www.bihrmann.com/caudiciforms/subs/orn-und-sub.asp.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Ornithoglossum | Pacific Bulb Society". Pacific Bulb Society. https://www.pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/index.php/Ornithoglossum.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Latti, Ivan. "Ornithoglossum undulatum" (in en-gb). https://www.operationwildflower.org.za/index.php/albums/bulbs/ornithoglossum-undulatum-thabo-2-2120.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 "Ornithoglossum undulatum". Encyclopedia of Living Forms. https://www.llifle.com/Encyclopedia/BULBS/Family/Colchicaceae/34319/Ornithoglossum_undulatum.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Threatened Species Programme | SANBI Red List of South African Plants". South African National Biodiversity Institute. http://redlist.sanbi.org/species.php?species=3996-7.
Wikidata ☰ Q15546040 entry
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