Home > Herbs > Kniphofia Uvaria

Red Hot Poker

Kniphofia uvaria · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (4 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Red Hot Poker, scientifically known as Kniphofiia uvaria, is a striking perennial celebrated for its torch-like, bicolor flower spikes. Beyond its ornamental beauty, this plant holds traditional medicinal significance, historically utilized in various cultures for its potent properties. Its vibrant displays make it a captivating addition to any botanical collection.

Family
Asphodelaceae
Native range
Europe
Parts used
Root · Shoot
Common names
Red-Hot-Poker · Red-Hot Poker · 6 more
Scientific synonyms
Tritomanthe Uvaria · Kniphofia Uvaria Var. Nobilis · 20 more

Names

Common Names

Regional and Traditional Names

Spanish:

  • Bandera española
  • Molenillo

German:

  • Schopf-Fackellilie
  • Traubige Fackellilie
  • Schopf-Fackellilie

French:

  • Tritoma uvaria
  • Tison de Satan
  • Tritome
  • Tritome à longues grappes

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Kniphofia uvaria

Synonyms

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, specifically falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Asparagales, it is classified under the family Asphodelaceae and the genus Kniphofiia.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Asparagales WCVP
Family Asphodelaceae WCVP
Genus Kniphofia WCVP

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread distribution across various regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its presence is documented in both Great Britain and Ireland. Moving toward Middle Europe, the species can also be found throughout Germany. Its range extends further south into Southwestern Europe, specifically within the borders of Portugal. Finally, the geographical reach of this medicinal plant includes the country of Spain.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP
Southwestern Europe Portugal WCVP
Southwestern Europe Spain WCVP
Macaronesia Madeira WCVP
Southern Africa Cape Provinces WCVP
Middle Atlantic Ocean St.Helena WCVP
Western Asia Türkiye WCVP
Australia Tasmania WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, commonly known as Red Hot Poker, features a distinct morphology that includes a robust shoot and a specialized root system. The shoot consists of long, strap-like leaves that grow in a basal rosette, supporting a tall, erect flowering stalk that bears dense clusters of tubular, nectar-rich flowers. Below the surface, the plant utilizes a thick, fleshy root system, often characterized by rhizomes, which allows it to store energy and anchor itself firmly in the soil.
Plant Part Sources Confidence
root African health sciences (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆
shoot African health sciences (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Kniphofia uvaria has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include methanol.

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
methanol African health sciences (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Kniphofia uvaria has 1 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant.

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antioxidant African health sciences (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆