Lachenalia


Lachenalia is a genus of bulbous perennials in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Scilloideae, which are usually found in Namibia and South Africa. Most of these plants have a dormancy period, and the new roots of these plants will always grow every year. Lachenalia is named after the Swiss botanist Werner de Lachenal. Species are sometimes known as "Cape cowslip" though they are not directly related to the true cowslip Primula veris.

Species

, the World Checklist of Selected Plant Families accepted 115 species:

In addition, Lachenalia nordenstamii W.F.Barker was listed as "threatened" in the 2006 IUCN Red List, but as of 2012 the name was not accepted by the World Checklist of Selected Plant Families''.

Cultivation

Several species are cultivated as garden plants. The following have gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.