My first introduction to this very pretty, though in this case rather weather-worn, flower was in the garden surrounding the reception building at the Mountain Zebra National Park.
This Ground Lily – also known as Karoo Lily, Berglelie or Seeroogblom – must have looked beautiful in its prime, I thought, and it was a pity that we had missed that. In fact, I was to discover that this summer-flowering bulb blooms from about September to March and was fortunate to see several more blooming in the veld.
Ammocharis coranica is a perennial bulb that grows in summer rainfall areas where its habitat is characterised by lengthy dry periods and severe droughts. The leaves usually lie flat on the surface of the soil and the rounded inflorescence of pink or reddish pink, trumpet-shaped, sweetly scented flowers protrudes above ground after the leaves have appeared.
The genus name is derived from the Latin ammo, meaning ‘sand’ and charis, meaning ‘grace’, referring to the locality where the plants occur, as well as the beauty of the plant. The species name coranica is derived from the Korana Bushmen tribe, which used to live in the dry areas this plant inhabits. The profusion of beautiful deep pink, sweetly-scented flowers attract night-flying moths, which serve as pollinators.
Two interesting sources to consult should you wish to find out more:
http://pza.sanbi.org/ammocharis-coranica
http://www.llifle.com/Encyclopedia/BULBS/Family/Amaryllidaceae/32896/Ammocharis_coranica
NOTE: Click on the photographs if you wish to view a larger image.
Something Over Tea 
They bring the image to my mind of someone scattering partly spent corsages over the dry earth and grass to cheer things up a bit.
LikeLike
This is an apt description. They certainly provided wonderful splashes of colour amidst the dry grass!
LikeLike
But why “seeroog blom”?
LikeLike
I see it is also called ‘sore eye flower’ in English but can find no explanation for that awful name for such a pretty flower.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I found this – seems to be a similar type of plant with similar traditional uses.
https://www.news24.com/Archives/Witness/Poison-bulb-a-sight-for-sore-eyes-20150430
LikeLike
Thank you for this information: “The name “sore-eye flower” refers to the fact that if a person is exposed to the open flowers in a confined space it may lead to sore eyes and even to a headache.” could apply to a number of flowers similar to this – it is still an awful name!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Always amazing that such beauty can flourish in such harsh environments.
Your images are really sharp and show the flowers’ beauty of to great effect, Anne!
LikeLike
Thank you, Dries.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Goeie inligting, dankie Anne.
LikeLike
Ek hou daarvan om interessante inligting oor ons natuurskoon uit te vind.
LikeLike
They are stunning!
LikeLike
Clusters of them blooming in the veld look very beautiful.
LikeLike
Such a lovely flower species. Interesting post.
LikeLike
Thank you. They brighten up the drab surroundings of brown grass and give one a ‘lift’,
LikeLiked by 1 person
“Sand Grace,” such an evocative name. Beauty emerges as if through prayer (my interpretation of “grace.”) Joy in a dry time.
LikeLike
I love finding out the etymology of plant names and this one is particularly evocative, I agree. They are very beautiful flowers and a miracle in a way that they bloom during such a dry period.
LikeLike