LACHENALIA PYGMAEA

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. Habitat by Nick Helme, Inaturalist.nz