Rhodophiala bifida , commonly love as the Oxblood Lily , is a fascinating protuberant plant that belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family . This plant is native to South America , specifically Argentina and Uruguay . Its scientific name , Rhodophiala bifida , can be wear out down to understand its feature .
The genus name , Rhodophiala , comes from the Grecian words “ rhodo ” mean rose - colored and “ phiala ” meaning small cup or flask . This is in reference to the beautiful blush wine - red colour of the efflorescence that this works produces . The specific epithet , bifida , refer to the distinctively split or divided petals of the flower .
One of the prominent features of Rhodophiala bifida is its ability to work large clumps over meter . This mean that a single medulla oblongata can produce multiple kickoff or girl bulbs , resulting in a dim and telling video display of flowers . The industrial plant typically grows to a top of about 10 to 12 inches , with narrow , grass - same green leaves that emerge in the crepuscule and persist through mid - outpouring .
During its active get time of year , Rhodophiala bifida produce stunning flush that emerge on marvelous stalks . Each peak is cornet - shaped , with six petals that are split or divided at the tips , giving it a unequaled show . The color of the heyday is a vibrant and intense tad of red , often report as oxblood red , hence the vulgar name Oxblood Lily .
The unfolding period of Rhodophiala bifida is comparatively short , typically endure for a couple of week in late summertime or early fall . The flowers are highly attractive to pollinator , such as bees and butterfly stroke , which avail in the cognitive operation of cross - pollination .
After the flowering period , the leaf of Rhodophiala bifida bit by bit shrivel and dry up as the plant enters its dormant phase . During this time , the bulb roost underground , conserve energy for the next originate season . It is important to remark that Rhodophiala bifida is a summer - dormant bulb , meaning it requires a ironical flow during summer month to complete its life round successfully .
In terms of cultivation , Rhodophiala bifida is get laid to be a comparatively adaptable and crushed - sustentation works . It prefer well - draining soil and can tolerate a ambit of soil character , including sandy or mud soil . This plant thrives in full sunlight to part wraith stipulation , although it may require some protection from acute good afternoon sun in hot regions .
As a personal experience , I have had the pleasure of develop Rhodophiala bifida in my own garden . I was initially pull in to its striking blood-red blossom and the fact that it can cultivate and work declamatory ball over prison term . The plant has essay to be hardy and live , withstanding both frigid winters and live summers in my part .
Rhodophiala bifida , or the Oxblood Lily , is a becharm bulbous plant that adds a cutaneous senses of elegance and reverberance to any garden . Its alone flowers , adaptability , and ability to form big clumps make it a desirable choice for both tyro and experienced gardeners alike .
Caroline Bates
