Haemanthus pubescens

Endemic to South Africa, Haemanthus pubescens grows from Cape Town northwards along the coast to southern Namibia, in the sandy soils of strandveld and coastal fynbos. The deeply buried bulb produces two spreading to prostrate, strap-shaped leaves, covered with fine hairs on one surface or along the margins, hence the epithet "pubescens". The inflorescence, surrounded by four to five large fleshy bracts, bears a dense umbel of small, bright red, occasionally pink, flowers opening in March-April, often before the leaves. It requires a sunny position, well-drained sandy soil, and dry summer dormancy.