Red Root

Did you know

• Wachendorfia has vivid red rhizomes packed with a red dye historically used by the Khoikhoi and San peoples.
• It thrives in vleis (seasonal wetlands) and along stream margins, blooming spectacularly in late winter and spring.
• The tall spikes can hold hundreds of small star-shaped yellow flowers, creating striking vertical columns of color.
• It belongs to the bloodwort family (Haemodoraceae), named for the blood-red pigments found in many family members.
• Wachendorfia is increasingly planted in sustainable gardens as it tolerates both waterlogging and summer drought.

Color meanings

Uses

• ornamental
• wetland garden
• natural dye