Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, South Africa

Family: Amaryllidaceae (Amaryllis)

Distribution: Namaqualand and W Karoo to Saldanha

Habitat: Various including Renosterveld. Sand or clay, often near rocks.

National red list: Least Concern

Life form: Geophyte (bulb, corm or tuber - seasonally dormant)

Comments: The plants in the genus Gethyllis have several unusual and interesting features. Their leaves are often coiled and hairy, and their flowers and fruits are typically very fragrant. The appearance of the flowers itself is yet another fascinating aspect of these plants, as the flowers often emerge above-ground at the passing of a cold front when the atmospheric pressure drops. These plants are commonly known as Kukumakranka, a name of Khoisan origin. These indigenous people used the flowers of this plant to fragrance objects or spaces, to eat as sweetmeats or to infuse liquor, and these practices were later adopted by the early settlers. This infused drink, known as Kukumakranka brandy, was also used to treat stomach aches and colic.