The natural world. Looking pretty for 3.5b years.

Plant of the Month: Clivia, a Gondwana survivor

Author: Hugh Bollinger/Monday, March 9, 2015/Categories: natural history, photography, art and design, environment, plants

Clivis are plants represented by six living species today, all found in South Africa.The genetic and evolutionary lineage of these sturdy bulbs, related to amaryllis, stretches back to the ancient super-continent of Gondwana that split apart becoming Africa, Madagascar, India, Australia, and Antarctica.

During this month of March, clivias will be celebrated by two public exhibitions bringing attention to recent plant breeding successes that have accelerated the development of new and wonderful forms of these ancient plants.

Clivia cv 'Out of the Blue' (credit:SWP Media) Variegated clivia hybrids (credit: SWP Media)

Clivia cv Longwood 'Debutante' (credit: SWP Media)

The two events, are sponsored by the North American Clivia Society , and will occur at the Longwood Gardens outside of Philadelphia, PA (March 14-15) and at the The Huntington Library & Gardens in Pasadena, CA (March 21-22). There will be exhibits of flowering and patterned-leaf forms; presentations by leading clivia breeders and growers; and tables set for plant sales of various new cultivars.

You might want to get to know these beautiful plants better and try growing some yourself.

WHB

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Tags: clilvia Gondwana plants North American Clivia Society the Huntington Longwood Gardens clivia exhibtions