Dwarf Paintbrush Lily

Scadoxus membranaceus is the smallest of the species in the genus Scadoxus. It grows from a bulb from which three or four thin leaves appear. The leaf stalk (petiole) is 3–6 in (8–15 cm) long and the leaf blade 4–6 in (10–15 cm) long. The flowers are borne in an umbel about 1.5 in (3.8 cm) across on the end of a leafless stem (scape). Bracts underneath the umbel (usually four) enclose it, more or less to the same height as the tips of the flowers. The bracts, which are usually coloured, persist throughout flowering and fruiting. Individual flowers are described as being green, pink or pale red in colour. The tepals are fused at the base forming a tube about a third of the length of the flower. The stamens and style are slightly longer than the flowers and so protrude. The ripe berries have been described as "especially showy".

Scadoxus membranaceus is native to the east coast of South Africa, from the east of Cape Province in the south to KwaZulu-Natal in the north. It grows in areas of coastal sand, and on rocks as a lithophyte where there is sufficient accumulated material to form an open rooting medium.

Scadoxus membranaceus is not common in cultivation, but can be grown with a minimum temperature of 5 °C (41 °F), such as provided by a heated greenhouse in less favourable climates. An open growing medium is required, such as that used for orchids. Propagation is by seed. Pests are those of Scadoxus generally.