Xerophyta and other Velloziaceae

Submitted by Tingley on Fri, 01/03/2014 - 15:18

I recently bought seed of Xerophyta viscosa to see how well it does for me. Seems I can't help being attracted to the odd and unusual, and this plant certainly fits the bill (a.k.a 'Black Stick Lily')

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Xerophyta_viscosa_IMG_3053.JPG

Any advice from forumists with experience growing this plant would be greatly appreciated. 

Comments


Submitted by Mark McD on Fri, 01/03/2014 - 16:21

I can't offer any advice on how to grow this, but googling around I now see why they call it the "Black Stick Lily", very unusual to be sure!

This is a different species, X. retinervis, but it sure looks like black sticks with little liliaceous flowers popping out.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c2/Xerophyta_retinervis00.jpg