The distribution of this attractive and distinctive Eriospermum is in the western region of the Northern Cape as well as the south western Cape. The plants are usually found in rocky shady places amongst Karoo or fynbos vegetation. The solitary leaf may have a few to numerous unbranched enations separating it form Eriospermum paradoxum that has a single long profusely branched enation.

A specimen originating from Charles Craib.

The tuber can be simple or have proliferating stolons.

The flowering time is in February and March and the leafing period April to October.

Propagation is from seed or if available, stolons.

Eriospermum crispum is endemic to the arid Little Karoo where it occurs sporadically growing in between ferri-crete pebbles in apronveld. This rare species only occurs in the areas between Oudtshoorn and Calitzdorp.

A single wavy gray-green erect leaf is produced in winter.

The flowers are creamy white with a single green line and the raceme is less then 20 cm tall.

The cultivation of Eriospermum crispum is similar to others in the genus. The tuber should be planted about one or 2 cm below the soil surface. The resting period is in summer when watering should be done sparingly. A well drained soil is recommended.

Propagation is by sowing the white cotton-like seeds or making cuttings from the tuber.


Eriospermum crispum near Oudtshoorn.


Reference:

Vlok,J and A. Plants of the Klein Karoo. Hatfield: Umdaus Press, 2010.

Eriospermum paradoxum is a member of an odd and unique genus that is mainly distributed in the desert and semi-desert areas of Sub-Saharan Africa.

Eriospermum paradoxum occurs in arid areas of South Africa.

The plants are winter growing with a freely rooting potato-like tuber. The enations (bifurcating protrusions) of the single leaf demonstrate the diversity in the genus and gives the appearance of a small Christmas tree.

In spring the leaf dies off, leaving the tuber to rest underground for the next season.

During autumn a raceme of white fragrant flowers is produced.

Cultivation of the plants is relatively easy. The tuber should be planted about a cm or 2 below the surface of a well drained soil. Water only very occasionally during the summer months and in winter only when the soil is dry. Propagation is by seed or by dividing the tuber.

Eriospermum paradoxum in habitat in the Little Karoo.