Poor Knights lily (Xeronema callistemon)
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Xeronemataceae
Genus: Xeronema
Species: X. callistemon
Binomial name: Xeronema callistemon
Common name: Poor Knights lily, Raupo Taranga, Xeronema,
Introduced Poor Knights lilies can be found growing through out New Plymouth.
Xeronema callistemon is a species of flowering plant discovered in 1924 and is endemic to the Poor Knights Islands and Taranga Island one of the Hen and Chickens Island off the north east coast of New Zealand.
Xeronema callistemon usually grows on rhyolite sea cliffs and rocky outcrops and sometimes in the islands forest.
The largest plants with their sword like leaves, up to 1.5 metres high, are under the canopy of large Pohutukawa. These plants also benefit from highly fertile soils continuously enriched by the millions of seabirds which nest there. They requires much water and is pollinated by birds and butterflies. If its seed falls on a nearby tree, such as Metrosideros excelsa, then it may grow as an epiphyte on it. The species has no obvious natural enemies and is listed as vulnerable because it grows naturally only on two islands. These islands are protected by the New Zealand Government as nature reserves and have a limited access. However, the plant is becoming popular for cultivation in private gardens.
The green stalks of Xeronema callistemon start growing vertically. They then turn sideways, showing red flowers tipped with orange pollen and resemble a giant bottlebrush or toothbrush. The individual flower tepals are 10–15 mm long, and the length of the brush is usually between 18 and 25 cm and can reach 45 cm.
Plants grow from fresh falling seeds. Although they germinate easily, it might take 10–15 years for them to grow into the flowering size. They flower between September and December, peaking in October.
Some of the photographs below were takren at Te Kainga Marire Gardens at Spencer Place
A developing flower head
A closeup showing the seeds which later will drop after the flower dies and dries.
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