Surprise buds

I was pleasantly surprised to see the Bush Lily, Clivia miniata, making a flower stalk, I'd given up on it because it is a plant that grows in forests, under the trees in its natural environment and my garden is so hot, sunny and dry. It was an odd survivor that emerged from the naked soil in the wasteland that I found when I moved into my house 3 years ago. I moved it to a cooler spot although I didn't even know what it was at that stage. Clivia can take up to 5 years to mature sufficiently to bloom and many indigenous bulbs will sulk for a couple of years if you move them so I didn't expect it to ever do anything.

I photographed these in my mother's garden, where they flourish under the trees. I doubt mine will look this good but it feels like a small victory anyway.

Clivia are indigenous to my country and are used medicinally, even though they are extremely toxic. They contain lycorine, the same alkaloid found in daffodils, which are known to be poisonous. Lycorine causes extreme vomiting and nausea and can cause abortion. It's also used to sprinkle around the house as a protective charm. I think I will just admire the flowers, though