ON THIS PLANT
Lachenalia aloides (opal flower) is a species of flowering plant in the family Asparagaceae, native to the Western Cape of South Africa. It is a bulbous perennial growing to 15–28 cm (6–11 in) tall by 5 cm (2 in) broad, with strap-shaped spotted leaves and fleshy stems bearing pendent tubular yellow flowers, red at the tips, in winter and spring. The Latin aloides literally means "aloe-like"; though L. aloides, despite its similarity, does not belong to the same family of plants as aloes. Numerous cultivars have been bred for garden use. They require a sheltered, frost-free position or under glass. The following have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit:
L. aloides var. aurea L. aloides var. quadricolor
CHARACTERISTICS
Botanical profile.
- Genus
- Lachenalia
- Family
- Asparagaceae
ALSO KNOWN AS
Other names.
en Cape cowslip en Opal flower
PLATES
