Kniphofia (Red hot poker, Torch lily, Poker plant) is a genus of plants in the family Asphodelaceae that includes 70 or more species native to Africa. Some species have been commercially used for horticultural use and are commonly known for their bright, rocket-shaped flowers. These plants produce spikes of brightly-coloured, hanging, red-to-orange flowers. This gives names such as “torch” and “red hot poker” to many of them.

Kniphofia brachystachya, also known by its synonym Notosceptrum brachystachyum, is a South African indigenous species found in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces. It produces flowers 30 to 50 cm tall from July to August, with colours ranging from yellow to dark brown. The plant’s leaves spread to about 60 cm in width. This low-maintenance plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and requires moderate watering. Its fragrant, showy flowers attract birds, bees, and butterflies, and they make excellent cut flowers, lasting up to two weeks in a vase. Kniphofia brachystachya grows best in moist, well-draining soils and is drought-tolerant once established. It is hardy in USDA Zones 7-9. The plant sets seed and can also be propagated by division.