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Massonia pygmaea

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The subspecies M. p. ssp. pygmaea has pustulate leaves. Photo from Massonia.com.


The subspeceis M. p. ssp. kamiesbergensis U.Müll.-Doblies & D.Müll.-Doblies has glabrous leaves. Photo by Alan Horstmann, Pacificbulbsociety.org.

Author: D.F.L. von Schlechtendal, 1843
Family:  HYACINTHACEAE*
Origin:  Northern - Western Cape; South Africa
Soil:  Sand  - Mix
Water:  Medium
Sun:  Maximum
Thickness:  3 Centimetres
Height:  1 (3-6) Centimetres
Flower:  White - Light Pink
Propagate:  Seeds/Bulbs
Names:  Pygmy Massonia
Synonyms:  Might be: Polyxena bakeri, T. Durand & Schinz, 1894.
Massonia heterandra,
Jessop.
Neobakeria heterandra,
Isaac.
Massonia pygmaea subsp. kamiesbergensis, U.Müll.-Doblies & D.Müll.-Doblies.

This member of the Hyacinthaceae family was given this name by Diederich Franz Leonhard von Schlechtendal in 1843. It is found in Northern and Western Cape in South Africa, growing in a well drained soil with some water and lots of sun. The caudex can grow to three centimetres in diameter, the entire plant to one centimetres in height, although the leaves can reach six centimetres in length. The flowers are white to pale pink.

The genera name after Francis Masson, 1741-1805, a British horticulturist, collecting in South Africa. The species name means 'dwarf'.

Despite its species name, Massonia jasminiflora is a bit smaller.

*)Accordantly to the latest taxonomic system; APG IV 2016, Hyacinthaceae is now part of the Asparagaceae.