Ornithogalum rupestre is an attractive small bulb that occurs from the

Bokkeveld Mountains to the Klein Karoo, often preferring bare patches

where little else grows.


The bulbs have curved and narrow gray-green leaves that whither after

the plants have flowered in spring. The inflorescence is up to about 15

cm high. The flowers are white, but in the Little Karoo they are

yellow with a green centre.


The cultivation of Ornithogalum rupestre is easy. The bulbs grow just

below the soil surface and should be watered occasionally mainly in

autumn and winter as this corresponds to their natural growing period.

A well drained soil is preferred.


Ornithogalum rupestre, the yellow flowering form, growing in a bare patch in the Little Karoo.


Leaves.


The plants can produce one or two flowers at a time.


Reference:

Vlok,J and A. Plants of the Klein Karoo. Hatfield: Umdaus Press, 2010.

Family: Hyacinthaceae
Distribution: Little Karoo: Calitzdorp and Oudtshoorn.
Images: Desert Plants

Ornithogalum sardienii is a small bulb that is found only at a few isolated places in the Calitzdorp and Oudthoorn districts. The bulbs grow above the ground and multiply by making offsets. The flowers are small and white. At this specific locality the bulbs nestle in small shale crevices on a hill slope.

Ornithogalum sardienii