Kniphofia umbrina | |
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Kniphofia umbrina inflorescence, Hhohho Region, Eswatini. | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Monocots |
Order: | Asparagales |
Family: | Asphodelaceae |
Subfamily: | Asphodeloideae |
Genus: | Kniphofia |
Species: | K. umbrina |
Binomial name | |
Kniphofia umbrina | |
Kniphofia umbrina, called the Eswati poker, is a species of flowering plant in the genus Kniphofia . [2] The species is native to an area near Forbes Reef in Eswatini, just to the north of Mbabane. [1]
Plants are herbaceous perennials which may grow up to 1.8 metres (5.9 ft) tall. Stems emerge from a thick rhizome, with 6-8 leaves per stem. [1] Flowers are brown, slightly scented, and form a raceme. It is similar in characteristics to Kniphofia typhoides . [3]
The species is native to sourveld, rocky grassland in a temperate climate. [1] Soils in the area are acidic, high in clay and organic matter, and serpentiferous. [4] Their observed distribution covers approximately 40 square kilometres (15 sq mi). The habitat falls on Swazi Nation Land, as well as on the Hawane Nature Reserve. [5]
The species was first listed by the IUCN as vulnerable in 1978 after a detailed survey. There were between 3,000 and 4,000 estimated individuals. The population was initially threatened by maize cultivation and road construction. [1] Conservation measures were undertaken, including translocating individuals into Malolotja Nature Reserve and collecting seeds. [5] The population of 1,900 transplants eventually went extinct. [4]
Between 1978 and 1985, the population declined 92%, down to only 357 known plants. This was attributed to increased pressure by grazing, agriculture, and the construction of a dam. In 2001, the species was reassessed as critically endangered. [4]
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, also known as the IUCN Red List or Red Data Book, founded in 1964, is an inventory of the global conservation status and extinction risk of biological species. A series of Regional Red Lists, which assess the risk of extinction to species within a political management unit, are also produced by countries and organizations.
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Kniphofia is a genus of perennial flowering plants in the family Asphodelaceae, first described as a genus in 1794. All species of Kniphofia are native to Africa. Common names include tritoma, red hot poker, torch lily and poker plant.
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Hawane Nature Reserve was first established in 1978 to protect an area of marsh along the Mbuluzi River in Eswatini. This area included the natural habitat of Kniphofia umbrina, a rare Eswatini endemic red hot poker. When the Hawane dam was built in 1988 to provide Mbabane's water supply, the reserve was expanded to protect the surrounding wetlands. The reserve is managed by the Swaziland National Trust Commission.
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