Another species of red-hot poker, Kniphofia nelsonii, was featured on BPotD last year. Kniphofia northiae is a brute in comparison; the inflorescences are roughly twice as large, and the leaves more closely resemble those of Agave instead of the grass-like foliage of Kniphofia nelsonii (image search). It is with good reason that the common name for this plant is giant poker or giant red-hot poker (though I've seen one reference call it octopus red-hot poker).
Kniphofia northiae is found in South Africa, the centre of diversity for the genus. However, the genus is more broadly distributed throughout continental Africa. Species can also be found in Madagascar and Yemen.
Photography resource link: Transient Light, the photography of Ian Cameron of Scotland. The gallery section is the highlight, but also visit the new images section for a few more photographs.
Great photo! We visited the UBC garden last week when we were in Vancouver--because of this web site, it was a "must see" on my list of things to visit.
While at the garden, we saw red-hot poker plants and they were my husband's favorite.
and from three feet away it looks like....??
And where do I acquire such a beautiful specimen?
Phillip (this pic is from last year May 12, while today's was from this year on June 2):
K Baron - I'd prefer questions about acquiring plants go on the forums in the Sourcing Plants section.
What a beautiful and artistic photo! Nice job Daniel :-) I particularly enjoy macro photos such as this one that give otherwise unseen, amazing details.
K Baron - I don't know about this variant (and Daniel, I hope you don't mind me mentioning this on your gorgeous page here!), but seeds for lesser "red-hot pokers" are widely available from many vendors.
Susan, I edited your comment to say “many vendors” instead of the nursery you specified + other vendors.