Hesperantha falcata (MS)

The type species of its genus, Hesperantha falcata is a cormous plant from the Cape region of South Africa, growing on sandstone or shale slopes and coastal flats. Up to 30 cm tall, it bears 3 to 5 sword-shaped, falcate leaves only half as long as the flowering stem. It flowers from July to October, producing a spike of 3 to 8 flowers with a straight perianth tube and spreading white or cream tepals, the white forms often flushed red, pink or brown outside. White-flowered plants are strongly scented and open in late afternoon and evening, while cream forms are scentless and open during the day. Grow in well-drained soil, in full sun, with summer dormancy.