Genus of perennial flowering plants in the family Asphodelaceae
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.
Description.
The genus has herbaceous and evergreen species. The herbaceous species and hybrids have narrow, grass-like leaves long, while evergreen species have broader, strap-shaped foliage up to long. All plants produce spikes of upright, brightly coloured flowers well above the foliage, in shades of red, orange and yellow, often bicoloured. The flowers produce copious nectar while blooming and are attractive to bees and sunbirds. In the New World, they may attract nectarivores such as hummingbirds and New World orioles.
Etymology.
The genus "Kniphofia" is named after Johann Hieronymus Kniphof, an 18th-century German physician and botanist.
Species.
There are about 73 described species, including two hybrids.
Cultivation.
Several species of "Kniphofia" are cultivated as garden plants, valued for their architectural properties. These include "K. galpini", "K. northiae", "K. rooperi" and "K. thomsonii".
In addition to the species, many named cultivars of mixed or uncertain parentage have been selected for garden use. The following have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit:- 
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References.
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