ERIOSPERMUM RATELPOORTIANUM

This member of the Eriospermaceae* family was given this name by Pauline Lesley Perry in 1989. It is found around Steinkopf in north-western South Africa, growing in a well drained soil with some water and lots of sun. The caudex can grow to 2,5 centimetres in diameter and eight centimetres long, the entire plant from six to ten centimetres in height. The flowers are white with a light green midnerve.

The genera name from Greek; erion; 'woll' and Greek sperma; 'seed'. The species name after the farm it first was found on: Ratelpoort, just 30 kilometres south of Steinkopf - or 30 kilometres north of Springbok. Should mean 'ratchet gate'. *) Accordantly to the latest taxonomic system; APG IV 2016, Eriospermaceae is now part of the Asparagaceae. Blooming in late autumn, then the leaves emerges in winter.