Cape tulip
| Botanical Name | Homeria collina |
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| Family | Iridaceae |
| Origin | South Africa |
Identification
The plant grows up from a globos corm which has a thick, fibrous tunic. A single long, tough leaf arise from the corm, arching over to trail their tips on the soil. Flowers funnel-shaped, about 50mm diameter, orange-scarlet to salmon pink in colour with yellow at the base of the petals. The stem has a characteristic "zig zag" shape, with the flowers borne at the angles. Numerous seeds are produced in a narrow, cylindrical capsule 40 to 50mm long x 5 mm. Numerous corms also produced, ranging in size from the size of a wheat grain up to 25 mm diameter.Habitats
Escaping out of gardens to surrounding farm pasture, where it becomes very persistent.Impact to Biota and Ecosystems
All parts of the plant have proven poisonous to man and farm animals, and the prolific capacity to reproduce and persist makes it an invasive species also.Dispersal Routes, Vectors, Infestation Sources
Originally planted as a garden ornamental. Both corms and seed are produced by thousands, by each plant, and may build up to millions per acre. Corms produced in the soil (up to 300mm deep) are long persistent, and capable of being moved about by animals, and farm machinery, or run-off water.Management
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Management |
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| Physical Control |
In some situations, afforestation of infested sites has been carried out to make the environment less favourable for the plant, though corms have proven viable in the soil for many years even in these circumstances. Small sites can be hand cleared as long as all corms are removed. |
| Disposal | All plant material should be incinerated at high temperatures. |
| Chemical Control | |
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Biological Control |
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| Recommended Approach | |
Any sighting of this plant should be reported to a Pest Plant Officer. Control work is only to be carried out by persons authorised by AgriQuality.
Further Comment
Cape tulip is a Notifiable Pest Plant and landowners/occupiers have a legal obligation to report the presence of this plant to AgriQuality and/or your local Pest Plant Officer who will arrange for the necessary eradication work.
It is an offence for anyone to grow this plant. Notifiable Pest Plants are deemed to pose an intolerable threat to NZ and must be eradicated. The Government pays for and organised all eradication work need on this plant.
This plant is prohibited from propagation, sale and distribution within New Zealand!