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.[2] In South Africa its range extends as far east as Somerset East in Eastern Cape Province.[3] O. undulatum is a poisonous plant, and consumption of the leaves can kill livestock.[4]
| Ornithoglossum undulatum | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
| |
| 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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It is also known as the poison onion, cockatoo snakelily, or wave-leaved bird's tongue.[5][2] The Afrikaans moniker of slangkop means "snake's head," referring to the resemblance of their flowers to a snake's head.[4]
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.[6]
Description
editThe 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.[5] 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.[5][3] The plant flowers between the months of April and July.[3] They are most often found on rocky terrain, usually in granite or sandstone slopes.[5] The plants are perennials and have an underground corm.[4]
Distribution
editOrnithoglossum undulatum is found within the provinces of Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Western Cape in South Africa.[6] In Namibia it is found throughout the ǁKaras Region, concentrated in the Richtersveld and Namaqualand regions.[5][4]
Cultivation
editOrnithoglossum undulatum grows well in well drained soil with moderate or little watering required. The plant favors heavy sunlight, owing to its desert habitat.[2]
References
edit- ^ "Ornithoglossum undulatum". www.mindat.org. Retrieved 17 October 2021.
- ^ a b c "CAUDICIFORM Ornithoglossum undulatum". www.bihrmann.com. Bihrmann's Caudiciforms. Retrieved 17 October 2021.
- ^ a b c "Ornithoglossum | Pacific Bulb Society". www.pacificbulbsociety.org. Pacific Bulb Society. Retrieved 17 October 2021.
- ^ a b c d Latti, Ivan. "Ornithoglossum undulatum". Operation Wildflower. Retrieved 17 October 2021.
- ^ a b c d e "Ornithoglossum undulatum". www.llifle.com. Encyclopedia of Living Forms. Retrieved 17 October 2021.
- ^ a b "Threatened Species Programme | SANBI Red List of South African Plants". redlist.sanbi.org. South African National Biodiversity Institute. Retrieved 17 October 2021.
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