Scadoxus multiflorus (Haemanthus multiflorus)

Scadoxus multiflorus (historically classified as Haemanthus multiflorus and commonly known as the Fireball Lily, Blood Lily, or Katherine Wheel) is a bulbous perennial herb in the amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae). Native to tropical Africa and widespread throughout the riverine and shaded woodland ecosystems of southern Somalia, the plant is renowned for its spectacular spherical umbel, which bears dozens of delicate, scarlet-to-pink blossoms with prominent, protruding stamens that resemble an exploding firework.

The plant plays an important role in regional ethnobotany and traditional pharmacology; like many amaryllids, its bulb and roots contain powerful alkaloids utilized in folk medicine while also requiring caution due to their natural toxicity. Issued within the same definitive flora series, this stamp illustrates the solitary, upright flowering stalk and basal green foliage of the species, celebrating the vibrant and diverse plant life found across the coastal and river valley regions of Somalia.