To date no other yellow Strelitzia juncea has been found in nature. Cape Flora is pleased to announce that an exciting discovery of a new Cyrtanthus species was made by Welland Cowley about a year ago. This new species has evaded botanists for over four hundred years. This is due to the fact that the leaves are particularly thin and blend in with the surrounding grass. The species is also endemic, i.e. restricted to a very small area about one square kilometer in a very remote valley in the South-Eastern Cape.
Plants grow between rocks and when in flower, make a stunning display.
As this is such a rare species, plants are being propagated from seed. Limited quantities of seedlings will be available in about 1 - 2 years time. This species is unique in that its flower parts are completely withdrawn into the tube. As this species is still in the process of being described by a qualified botanist, no name has yet been given to it. We will have to be patient, but will keep you informed.