Clivia miniata

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution that spans across several different regions. In Southern Africa, it is commonly found within the Cape Provinces and the KwaZulu-Natal region. Its presence also extends to the Northern Provinces and throughout Eswatini. Beyond the African continent, the species can be located in Mexico, specifically within Mexico Central. This diverse range highlights the plant's ability to inhabit varied environments across two continents.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Clivia miniata is characterized by a broad altitudinal distribution that spans diverse topographical gradients. This species is capable of thriving across a significant elevational range, beginning at low-lying coastal or lowland areas at a minimum of 30 m AMSL and extending up to a maximum of 1200 m AMSL. Across its native habitats, the plant maintains an average elevation of approximately 2600 m AMSL, indicating a high degree of adaptability to various mountain and forest ecosystems.

Elevational range max:

1200 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

2600 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

30 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Clivia miniata is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, ensuring its long-term presence and ability to thrive through multiple growing seasons. As a plant adapted to specific environmental niches, its biological structure is defined by its classification as both a geophyte and a cryptophyte. This means that its essential regenerative organs are protected underground, allowing the plant to endure unfavorable conditions by storing nutrients and moisture within its robust rhizomatous root system. This specialized life form enables it to maintain stability and recover effectively, contributing to its enduring survival in its natural habitat.

Life form :

geophyte

Life form :

cryptophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Clivia miniata is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb, existing primarily as a terrestrial plant rather than an aquatic, semiaquatic, or epiphytic species. It is an independent organism that does not function as a parasite, maintaining a self-supporting structure without the need for climbing or liana-like behavior. The plant typically reaches a height ranging from a minimum of 0.4 m to a maximum of 1 m. As a non-woody herb, its physical structure is defined by its terrestrial habit and its relatively compact stature within its natural habitat.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

1 m

Plant height min:

0.4 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Clivia miniata has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Leaf

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Conditions

Clivia miniata has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include pregnancy.

Pregnancy

1. Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis

Preparations

Clivia miniata has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include Decoctions.

Decoctions

1. Life sciences