MASSONIA DEPRESSA

This member of the Hyacinthaceae family was given this name by Maarten Houttuyn in 1780. It is found in southern South Africa, growing in grit or other well drained soil with some water and lots of sun. The bulb will grow to 4,5 centimetres in diameter, the leaves won't raise to more than two centimetres, but can get up to 26 centimetres long. The flowers are greenish-white and are mainly pollinated by rodents.

The genera name after Francis Masson, 1741-1805, a British horticulturist, collecting in South Africa. The species name means 'depressed' or 'sunken' for the growth form. *) Accordantly to the latest taxonomic system; APG IV 2016, Hyacinthaceae is now part of the Asparagaceae. This is a winter-grower. Photo by Panos & Stavros.