Taxon

Ornithogalum thyrsoides

Ornithogalum thyrsoides - gewonetjienkerientjiee, tjienkerientjee, witviooltjie, African wonder flower, chincherinchee, star-of-Bethlehem
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Common name: gewonetjienkerientjiee, tjienkerientjee, witviooltjie, African wonder flower, chincherinchee, star-of-Bethlehem
Family: Asparagaceae (Asparagus)
Distribution: Northern Cape, Western Cape
Habitat: Fynbos, Succulent Karoo
IUCN Red list: Not evaluated
National red list: Least Concern
Life form: Geophyte (bulb, corm or tuber - seasonally dormant)
Comments: This is a widespread and very common Cape bulb which grows in a variety of habitats, from vleis to mountain slopes. It is very hardy, not only surviving but in fact thriving in disturbed and degraded areas. The Afrikaans vernacular name "tjienkerientjie" represents the sound the fresh stalks make when they are rubbed against each other. Ornithogalum thyrsoides is very important for the horticultural trade, especially the cut flower industry as it has long-lasting flowers. Since it is easily grown in cultivation, the demand for it in the horticultural trade doesn't have a pressure on its red list status.
Links: iNaturalist.org • iSpot • Pacific Bulb Society • Red List of South African Plants • SANBI PlantZAfrica

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