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Lachenalia carnosa

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Photo by Mary Sue Ittner.


Early stage of the inflorescences.

Author: John Gilbert Baker, 1871
Family:  HYACINTHACEAE*
Origin:  South-Western South Africa
Soil:  Grit - Mix
Water:  Medium
Sun:  Maximum
Thickness:  6 Centimetres
Height:  3 (22) Centimetres
Flower:  White / Magenta - Dark Purple
Propagate:  Seeds/Bulbs
Names:  -
Synonyms:  Lachenalia ovatifolia, L. Guthrie, 1927

This member of the Hyacinthaceae family was given this name by John Gilbert Baker in 1871. It is found in the south-western part of South Africa, growing in grit or an other well drained soil with some water and some to lots of sun. The subterranean bulb can grow to six centimetres, the two leaves up to twelve centimetres long.

The genera name is in honour of the Swiss botanist Prof. Werner de Lachenal (Warnerus de la Chenal )1739-1800. The species name from Latin carnis; 'fleshy' for the colour of the flowers.

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

This is a winter-grower.


Grown under wrong conditions, I guess. Or mis-ID.