Burmanniaceae
Afrothismia baerae
H
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
This small, non-photosynthetic herb is a mycoheterotroph, meaning it obtains nutrients from fungi rather than photosynthesis. It grows from a succulent rhizome with clusters of root tubers. The plant produces vertical flower-bearing stems, typically 3-6 cm tall, bearing slightly zygomorphic flowers with a distinctive dark purple perianth tube. Each flower is subtended by a single large dorsal bract.
Where it works in Kilifi
Due to its specific mycoheterotrophic nature and reliance on particular fungal symbionts, this species is not suitable for typical garden or landscape placement. It is a highly specialised species found in coastal forest remnants with deep, well-drained red soil and specific canopy conditions.
Growing notes
This critically endangered species is a mycoheterotroph, entirely dependent on specific fungal associations for survival, making successful cultivation outside its natural, undisturbed forest habitat extremely challenging. Attempts to grow it from seed have not been recorded as successful, and it is highly vulnerable to habitat disturbance.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: researchgate.net, kew.org, biorxiv.org, africanplantdatabase.ch, scispace.com, ipni.org. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.