About Liparia splendens (Burm.f.) Bos & de Wit
Despite its common name, Liparia splendens is unrelated to dahlias and is a member of the legume family. It is a multi-branching, flowering shrub that re-sprouts after disturbance, growing to approximately 1 metre in height. Its flowers are arranged in nodding heads that appear from autumn through summer. Each flower head contains over 15 individual flowers, which are orange-yellow in colour. The flowers of this species resemble those of Protea because both have adapted to the same pollinator: the sunbird. This species can survive the frequent fires that occur in fynbos, thanks to its large, strong underground rootstock that it uses to resprout after fire. It can be difficult to grow in cultivation unless its specific requirements are met: moderate temperatures, moderate humidity, and well-draining soil. Liparia splendens is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN global Red List. It grows in mountain and lowland fynbos in the Western Cape of South Africa, where its range extends from the Cape Peninsula in the west eastward to Albertinia and Riversdale. It has two main subspecies: subsp. splendens is found around the Cape Peninsula, while subsp. comantha occurs further east.
