Hyacinthaceae

Country of Origin: South Africa - near Friedenberg, Cape Province
Habitat: humus-rich shallow depressions on granite outcrops

Subfamily Hyacinthoideae

Lachenalia viridiflora W.F. Barker

Description: This strikingly beautiful species has a limited distribution in the Vredenburg district where it is restricted to shallow humus-rich depressions on granite outcrops. It is usually a dwarf species in nature and blooms early in the season.
The two lanceolate, pale green leaves have longitudinal impressed veins above and may be plain or darkly spotted. Leaves are occasionally pustulate. The inflorescence consists of cylindrical-ventricose flowers; the outer perianth segments vary in colour from viridian green to blue-green or turquoise, and have a viridian green central stripe and gibbosities, while the protruding inner segments have whitish tips and a viridian green central stripe.
Flowering Period: May-July (in South Africa, Nov-Jan in CT)
Height 80-200 mm

Culture: Genus restricted to the winter rainfall regions of South Africa. Bright light with good air circulation. Must have media with excellent drainage.
Bulbs begin to become active as soon as temperatures begin to fall after the summer. Once temperatures drop, pots should be watered thoroughly once and then wait until new growth appears. Infrequent heavy irrigation is preferable to frequent, light watering which can lead to rotting of the bulb. It is always preferable for the media to be slightly dry rather than too wet.
Foliage will begin to yellow as temperatures rise in summer and water should be completely withheld and containers moved to a cool, dry location once the foliage has withered.

The Lachenalia Handbook, Graham D. Duncan, 1988

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