Annals of the Transvaal MusFum. 
57 
where it finds a good condition to thrive. The Windwaaier 
does not remain long connected with the plant, but breaks off, 
is caught by the Avind, it being very light, rolls over the 
ground, in this way serving for the distribution of the young- 
plants. 
“ Buphane ” is the Greek name for “ death to cattle ”. 
Horned cattle are very fond of the leaves, but are said to 
prove fatal when eaten by them. With the sap of the bulb the 
Hottentots are said to poison their arrows. 
The plant flowers in October on sunny spots on the Kopjes 
round Pretoria ; Miss Leendertz, 351. 
Note.- I have not found it mentioned in any book that Buphane is 
viviparous, nor that the fruit is indehiscent. 
L collected a “Windwaaier” in November and soon I saw the first roots 
break through the membranous fruit wall, followed by the green leaves. 
As far as May I saw the germinating of the large bulbous seeds, tender 
young roots and green leaves hanging out from the pierced capsule. 
9. Haemanthus, L. (F. C. VI., 229.) 
Perianth straight, erect with a short tube, segments 
longer than the tube, linear or lanceolate, spreading or ascend- 
ing ; stamens inserted at the throat of the tube, filaments 
filiform, often longer than the segments, anthers dorsifixed ; 
ovary 3-loculed, style filiform, stigma slightly 3-lobed ; 
berry globose, often bright coloured, seeds few, round. 
Plants with red or white, small flowers in dense capitate 
umbels, surrounded by many erect or spreading, often 
coloured bracts ; leaves mostly thick and fleshy, broad and 
obtuse, produced with or after the flowers. The builb has 
sharp qualities and is often used as a household medicine. 
Many species are in cultivation on account of the showy 
flowers. 
A South African genus with 50-60 species at the Cape, 
extending into tropical Africa ; 6 species Occur in the 
Transvaal. 
Key to the Species. 
Leaves membranous. 
Bracts and perianth segments spreading ; flowers 
bright red. 1. H. Katharinae. 
Bracts and perianth-segments persistently ascending. 
Leaves distinctly petiolated ; flowers pale scarlet. 
2. H. puniceus. 
Leaves not petiolated ; flowers bright red. 
3. H. magni ficus. 
