Tritoniopsis triticea
Image: © petrabroddle
Description
This entire genus is endemic to the Western Cape provinces.Requires acid sandy soil.
Pollinated by sunbirds and Aeropetes tulbaghia. Dispersed by wind.
Challenging to grow because they rot easily and corms are eaten by porcupine.
Propagation instructions - cuttings
Plant the corms in autumn, 3-4 cm deep with 6-8 cm spacing in well-drained soil. If planting in a container, use an acid, sandy growing medium such as three parts medium-grained river sand and one part fine acid compost or finely milled acid bark, and place them in a well-ventilated, sunny location. Give them a good soaking every seven to ten days during the growing period (autumn-winter-spring), and be careful not to over-water. When in flower, the stems can be staked to prevent them from falling over. This species requires protection when grown in very cold climates.
Propagation instructions - seeds
Sow seed when it is ripe, in autumn-winter in a well-drained, sandy soil mix: 2 parts sand and 1 part milled bark. Cover them with a thin layer of fine-milled bark. Allow seedlings to stay undisturbed in the original container until the next season.
Sources and references
Scientific name
Tritoniopsis triticea
Common name(s)
Mountain pipes