Plum-puddings (Romulea rosea, Topogr. Verz. Pflanzensamml. Ecklon: 19 (1827))

Family: Iridaceae

Author: (L.) Eckl.

Bibliography: Topogr. Verz. Pflanzensamml. Ecklon: 19 (1827)

Year: 1827

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Romulea

Vegetable: False

Observations: SW. & S. Cape Prov.

Description

Plum-puddings, known scientifically as Romulea rosea, is a notable species within the Iridaceae family. This exquisite plant was firstly cataloged in 1827 in the “Topographischer Verzeichnis der Pflanzensammlung von Christian Friedrich Ecklon,” through the diligent work of the botanist Eckl.

The natural habitat of Romulea rosea predominantly spans the southwestern and southern regions of the Cape Province, where it thrives in the unique climatic conditions. This region, distinguished by its Mediterranean climate, provides the ideal environment for the flourishing of this plant. Observations in these areas reveal that Plum-puddings prefer sun-kissed, well-drained soils, typical of the Cape’s diverse fynbos and renosterveld ecosystems.

Romulea rosea is cherished for its vibrant, rose-colored flowers which emerge gracefully above the verdant foliage. The blossoms of Plum-puddings are not just a visual delight; they also play an integral role in the ecological tapestry of their native landscapes, contributing to the biodiversity and serving as a vital component in the local pollination networks.

In cultivation, Romulea rosea is admired by horticulturists and plant enthusiasts alike, who value it for both its beauty and adaptability. It is not uncommon to see this species cultivated in gardens designed to mimic Mediterranean environments, where it can captivate onlookers with its lush, colorful blooms.

The legacy of this plant is rooted deeply in botanical history, reflecting the meticulous work of early botanists and the rich floral heritage of South Africa’s Cape Province. For those interested in botany, ecology, or simply natural beauty, Plum-puddings (Romulea rosea) presents an enriching subject of study and admiration.

Common Names

Eng: guildford-grass, rosy sandcrocus, oniongrass, plum-puddings
Fra: romulée rose
En: Plum-puddings, Guildford-grass, Oniongrass, Rosy sandcrocus, Guildford Grass, Onion Grass, Romulea
Af: Knikkerjie, Perdefroetang
Fr: Romulée rose

Synonyms

• Syringodea rosea ((L.) Klatt)
• Bulbocodium roseum ((L.) Kuntze)
• Ixia rosea (L.)
• Trichonema roseum ((L.) Ker Gawl.)

Distribution

• Cape Provinces (native)
• Norfolk Is. (native)
• California (introduced)
• Chile Central (introduced)
• France (introduced)
• Italy (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• Sardegna (introduced)
• Sicilia (introduced)
• South Australia (introduced)
• St.Helena (introduced)
• Tasmania (introduced)
• Tristan da Cunha (introduced)
• Victoria (introduced)
• Western Australia (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 24, 2022 by Michal Svit (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 27, 2016 by EOL − JK Johnson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 2, 2015 by EOL − Donna Pomeroy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 11, 2018 by Susan Munoz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 27, 2018 by Ricardo Ramirez (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Sep 10, 2018 by alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 4, 2019 by Sarami (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 11, 2019 by jacques57 (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 10, 2018 by alex (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Sep 10, 2018 by alex (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Mar 21, 2014 by EOL − Sarah Minnick (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 7, 2014 by EOL − Sarah Richardson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 29, 2014 by EOL − boschniakia (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 2, 2016 by EOL − naturalist eve (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 9, 2014 by EOL − Gerald and Buff Corsi (cc-by-nc-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2743935)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:440828-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Romulea rosea (L.) Eckl.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth