A white inflorescence by Cheryl Kirsten, Inaturalist.nz.
Wild plant by Nick Helme, Inaturalist.nz.
Photo by Rafaël Govaerts,
Powo.science.kew.org.
Darker flowers from Facebook - can't find
it again.
|
Author: |
Graham D. Duncan, 2012 |
Family: |
HYACINTHACEAE* |
Origin: |
Western South Africa |
Soil: |
Grit, Clayish, Sandy |
Water: |
Medium |
Sun: |
Medium - Maximum |
Thickness: |
1 - 2,5 Centimetres |
Height: |
3 Centimetres |
Flower: |
White - Light Mauve |
Propagate: |
Seeds/Bulbs |
Names: |
Pygmy Hyacinth |
Synonyms: |
Polyanthes pygmaea,
von Jacquin, 1796.
Massonia violacea, Andrews, 1799.
Hyacinthus bifolius, Boutelou 1802.
Polyxena pygmaea, Kunth1843.
Manlilia pygmaea, Salisb.1866. |
This member of the
Hyacinthaceae* family
was given this name by Graham D. Duncan in 2012. It is found in the Northern
Cape from Kamieskroon to Garies, and 400 kilometres away in Anysberg to
De Hoop on the southern coast of west South Africa. It is growing in a well drained soil
from clay over gravel to sandy, with some water and some to lots of sun. The bulb
can grow from one to 2,5 centimetres in diameter, the entire plant
to three centimetres in height, although the leaves reach five to eight
centimetres in length, with some distinctive grooves. The almond-scented
flower are from white to mauve with a strong almond scent.
The genera name is
in honour of the Swiss botanist Prof. Werner de Lachenal (Warnerus de la
Chenal )1739-1800. The species name pygmaea refers
to its diminutive size.
*)Accordantly to the latest taxonomic system; APG IV 2016, Hyacinthaceae
is
now part of
the Asparagaceae.
This is a
winter-grower. |