Pokerplant (Kniphofia uvaria, Allg. Naturgesch. 3(1): 566 (1841))

Family: Asphodelaceae

Author: (L.) Oken

Bibliography: Allg. Naturgesch. 3(1): 566 (1841)

Year: 1841

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Kniphofia

Vegetable: False

Observations: SW. & S. Cape Prov.

Description

The Pokerplant, scientifically known as Kniphofia uvaria, is an intriguing and striking perennial species within the Asphodelaceae family. This plant is indigenous to the Southwestern and Southern regions of the Cape Province, encompassing a range of climates and terrains that contribute to its hardy nature.

Originally described and categorized in the notable bibliography “Allgemeine Naturgeschichte” in 1841 by Oken, Kniphofia uvaria has garnered attention for its unique aesthetic and robust form. The plant is also commonly referred to as the Red Hot Poker or Torch Lily, names that vividly capture its fiery, elongated inflorescences.

The foliage of the Pokerplant is composed of long, arching, and narrow leaves that form a dense basal rosette. Rising from this lush greenery, the tall, stately flower spikes can reach impressive heights, often exceeding three feet. These inflorescences are clustered with tubular flowers that transition in color from deep red to orange and yellow as they mature, giving rise to the plant’s common names. This gradient of warm hues creates an eye-catching display, especially when several plants are grouped together.

In terms of habitat, the Pokerplant thrives in conditions that mimic its native environment, such as well-drained soils and plenty of sunlight. It is known for its drought resistance, an attribute well-suited to the sometimes arid conditions of the Cape Province. This resilience makes Kniphofia uvaria an attractive option for gardeners seeking low-maintenance yet visually spectacular additions to their landscapes.

Moreover, the Pokerplant is not just a visual marvel. It also plays a role in the ecosystem, attracting pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds, which are drawn to the vibrant colors and copious nectar. This interaction with pollinators is essential, ensuring the propagation and genetic diversity of the plant.

In conclusion, Kniphofia uvaria stands out as a prominent member of the Asphodelaceae family, celebrated for its dramatic flower spikes and adaptive qualities. Whether in natural settings or cultivated gardens, the Pokerplant continues to captivate and contribute to biodiversity.

Common Names

Dan: raketblomst
Eng: red-hot-poker, redhot poker, pokerplant, torch-lily, torchflower, red-hot poker, torch lily
Deu: schopf-fackellilie
Swe: fackellilja
Por: lírio-tocha
Cym: procer poeth, proceri poeth
En: Pokerplant, Torch-lily, Torchflower, Red-hot-poker, Red Hot Poker, Torch lily, Redhot poker, Cape poker, Red-hot Poker
Af: Vuurpyl
Ar: كنيفوفيا عنبية
Zh: 火炬花
Cs: Mnohokvět hroznatý
Da: Almindelig Raketblomst, Raketblomst
Fi: Hehkusoihtulilja, Soihtulilja
De: Schopf-Fackellilie, Schoft-Fackelilie
Hu: Fürtös fáklyaliliom
Ga: Bior gabhann dearg
Fa: گرزی
Pl: Trytoma groniasta
Pt: Lírio-tocha
Ru: Книпхофия ягодная
Sk: Fakľovka aloovitá
Sv: Fackellilja
Zh-tw: 火炬花
Zh-hant: 火炬花
Cy: Procer poeth, Proceri Poeth

Synonyms

• Triclissa uvaria ((L.) Salisb.)
• Aletris uvaria ((L.) L.)
• Veltheimia uvaria ((L.) Willd.)
• Tritomium uvaria ((L.) Link)
• Kniphofia burchellii ((Sweet ex Lindl.) Kunth)
• Kniphofia uvaria var. serotina (Baker)
• Kniphofia uvaria var. glaucescens (G.Nicholson)
• Kniphofia uvaria var. nobilis ((Guillon) Baker)
• Tritoma uvaria ((L.) Ker Gawl.)
• Tritoma glauca (E.Vilm.)
• Tritoma canari (Carrière)
• Tritoma saundersii (Carrière)
• Aloe uvaria (L.)
• Tritoma recurva (E.Vilm.)
• Kniphofia alooides (Moench)
• Kniphofia bachmannii (Baker)
• Tritoma nobilis (Guillon)
• Veltheimia speciosa (Roth)
• Tritomanthe uvaria ((L.) Link)
• Tritomanthe speciosa ((Roth) Bosse)
• Tritoma uvaria var. lindleyana (Rob.)
• Kniphofia occidentalis (A.Berger)
• Kniphofia odorata (Heynh.)
• Tritoma burchellii (Sweet ex Lindl.)

Distribution

• Cape Provinces (native)
• Argentina Northeast (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Germany (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Madeira (introduced)
• Mexico Central (introduced)
• Mexico Gulf (introduced)
• Mexico Northeast (introduced)
• Mexico Southwest (introduced)
• Oregon (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)
• St.Helena (introduced)
• Tasmania (introduced)
• Turkey (introduced)
• Washington (introduced)

Additional Images

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

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

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

Flower

Taken Jul 10, 2018 by malicroix (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 20, 2019 by mreggiardo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 27, 2019 by Bob Arnold (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 14, 2019 by Claudia Torrealba (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 30, 2019 by Nicolas HERVE (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 21, 2021 by patricia fabel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 16, 2021 by Cade Lillquist (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2022 by v d (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 20, 2019 by mreggiardo (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 16, 2021 by salicornia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2019 by Elisabeth de Maistre (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 21, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 18, 2021 by myriam renault (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 17, 2022 by Ha Anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 6, 2022 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 3, 2019 by Jean-Christophe Lombardo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 1, 2022 by Vladimír Langer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 14, 2022 by Brendan Watts (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 10, 2019 by Ashley Ashley (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 21, 2020 by poisson lune (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 9, 2021 by Modi Elnadi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 27, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 29, 2020 by Artemis (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Feb 3, 2019 by Jean-Christophe Lombardo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 3, 2019 by Jean-Christophe Lombardo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 22, 2018 by Marie Go (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2021 by chan Psqr (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Richard001 (public)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5305033)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:537112-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Kniphofia uvaria (L.) Oken)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth