Present on Pacific Islands?  no

Primarily a threat at high elevations?  no

Other Latin names:  Antholyza floribunda Salisb.

Habit:  herb

Description:  "A perennial herb with a tuber and corms up to 6 cm in diameter, and annual leaves and flowering stems.  Leaves are 25-80 cm long and 2-4 cm wide, and have a prominent midvein.  Flower-bearing stems are glabrous, few-branched and up to 1 m tall.  The tubular and asymmetric flowers are orange-red to yellow, 6-8 cm long, and borne in spikes of 15-15 cm length.  Fruits are depressed globose capsules of 10-15 mm diameter, releasing smooth and orange seeds.  Two varieties have become naturalized in Australia: var. floribunda with orange flowers and var. duckittii with yellow flowers"  (Weber, 2003; p. 101).

Habitat/ecology:  "Grass- and heathland, sclerophyll forests, riparian habitats.  The species grows best on well-drained calcareous soils.  The plant builds up large and dense populations that eliminate native vegetation by competing for space, water and nutrients"  (Weber, 2003; p. 101).

Propagation:  "The flowers are attractive to nectar-feeding birds, and the plant produces copious amounts of seed.  Vegetative spread is possible due to the formation of daughter cormlets at the end of the growing season"  (Weber, 2003; p. 101).

Native range:  South Africa (Northern and Western Cape) (GRIN).

Control:  If you know of control methods for Chasmanthe floribunda, please let us know.