Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, South Africa

Family: Asparagaceae (Asparagus)

Distribution: Piketberg to Durbanville

Habitat: Clay soils

National red list: Vulnerable

Life form: Geophyte (bulb, corm or tuber - seasonally dormant)

Comments: An endemic Cape geophyte with striking white flowers. This species grows on the lowlands, a vegetation type that has seen largescale transformation in the Western Cape. In fact, Lachenalia orthopetala has already lost 90% of its habitat due to urbanisation and agricultural expansion. Despite the hardships it faces in its natural environment, this bulb is easy to cultivate and is a rewarding addition to any garden.