Wachendorfia thyrsiflora

Flowers of Wachendorfia thyrsiflora.<br>Photographer: John Smith-Dodsworth, Licence: <a target='_blank' href='https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0'>CC BY-NC</a>.

Virginia Lake, Whanganui. Dec 2007.<br>Photographer: Colin C. Ogle, Licence: <a target='_blank' href='https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0'>CC BY-NC</a>. <a class='member-message' href='/nzpcn/why-join-nzpcn/' target='_blank'>Members can view a larger version of this image.</a>

Empty capsules, Virginia Lake, Whanganui.<br>Photographer: Colin C. Ogle, Date taken: 10/04/2016, Licence: <a target='_blank' href='https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0'>CC BY-NC</a>. <a class='member-message' href='/nzpcn/why-join-nzpcn/' target='_blank'>Members can view a larger version of this image.</a>

Immature fruiting head in homestead garden, Bushy Park, Whanganui.<br>Photographer: Colin C. Ogle, Date taken: 22/11/2016, Licence: <a target='_blank' href='https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0'>CC BY-NC</a>. <a class='member-message' href='/nzpcn/why-join-nzpcn/' target='_blank'>Members can view a larger version of this image.</a>

Portion of immature fruiting head in homestead garden, Bushy Park, Whanganui.<br>Photographer: Colin C. Ogle, Date taken: 22/11/2016, Licence: <a target='_blank' href='https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0'>CC BY-NC</a>. <a class='member-message' href='/nzpcn/why-join-nzpcn/' target='_blank'>Members can view a larger version of this image.</a>

Immature fruit in homestead garden, Bushy Park, Whanganui.<br>Photographer: Colin C. Ogle, Date taken: 22/11/2016, Licence: <a target='_blank' href='https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0'>CC BY-NC</a>. <a class='member-message' href='/nzpcn/why-join-nzpcn/' target='_blank'>Members can view a larger version of this image.</a>

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Common name

blood root

Family

Haemodoraceae

Authority

Wachendorfia thyrsiflora L.

Flora category

Vascular – Exotic

Structural class

Herbs - Monocots

Conservation status

Not applicable

Features

Clump-forming, tuberous perennial. The basal leaf blades are hairless, entire, parallel veined and pleated. The rhizome is a distinctive red colour, containing a red fluid rich in arylphenalenone pigments. Dramatic bright yellow star-shaped flowers are produced on stalks up to 2.5m tall.

Flowering

October, November, December

Flower colours

Yellow

Year naturalised

1973

Origin

S. Africa

Reason For Introduction
Ornamental

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