Cyanella alba

Cormous (swollen underground stem) geophyte of about 25 cm. Leaves thread-like cylindrical. Flowers (August to October) are white to pink; inner petals sometimes differ somewhat from outer petals in colour and shape; style curved away from centre; 5 upper stamens and 1 larger lower stamen resembling fingers of a hand; fragrant.

The subspecies occurring in the Hex is C. alba alba. C. alba is a vulnerable species typically found from Nieuwoudtville to the Koue Bokkeveld Mountains. It’s presence in the Hex is somewhat surprizing.

Distribution in the Hex

Sandstone slopes in De Doorns Renosterveld.

References

• Manning, J. & Goldblatt, P. 2012. Plants of the Greater Cape Floristic Region 1: the Core Cape flora, Strelitzia 29. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.
• https://www.operationwildflower.org.za/index.php/albums/bulbs/cyanella-alba-750
• Von Staden, L. 2015. Cyanella alba L.f. subsp. alba. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. Accessed on 2021/09/08

Acknowledgements

Deon Palm for sharing the location.