Chasmanthe

Family Iridaceae. Description: three species of Chasmanthe are found in cultivation: the Ethiopian chasmanthe (C. aethiopica), the Kaffir chasmanthe (C. caffra) and the profusely flowering chasmanthe (C. floribunda). Previously this plant was placed in the genus Antholisa (Antholisa).

So far only the latter species is widely sold. All species of Chasmanthe originate from eastern and southern Africa, where they grow on mountain meadows together with many other bulbous plants. Tubular flowers, which over time open into beautiful star shapes, are gathered into archingly curved one- or two-sided inflorescences. Depending on the species, the flowering period occurs in spring or summer. Smooth, grass-like leaves 40–60 cm long grow in a fan-shaped rosette. Chasmanthe are warmth-loving and not frost-hardy plants for greenhouses.