Copper tips
Crocosmia aurea

Family: Iridaceae

What it is like

A herb. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 60-100 cm tall. It has oval tubers or corms. It has creeping stems. The leaves are in 2 ranks. They clasp one another at the base. They are 2-3 cm wide. The leaf blades are ribbed. The flowers are trumpet shaped. They are orange or yellow.

There are 9 Crocosmia species. They come from Southern Africa.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It will grow in most well-drained soils. It needs an open sunny position. It is resistant to frost and drought. It grows between 1,500-2,000 m above sea level. It grows on the edges of forests.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Australia, Central Africa, Congo, East Africa, Eswatini, Malawi, Mexico, Mozambique, South Africa (country/location of origin), Southern Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The flowers are the source of a yellow dye used as a substitute for saffron.

Edible parts

Flowers - spice

How it is grown

Plants are grown by seed.

Its other names

Local names

Dvwendvweni, Golden monbretia, Montbretia, Tritonia, Umlunge

Synonyms

Tritonia aurea Pappe ex Hook.;