Lachenalia hirta

Native to South Africa, Lachenalia hirta belongs to one of the most varied genera of Cape bulbous plants, flowering from late autumn through winter. This species is distinguished by its single, narrow leaf, marked at the base with dark purple horizontal banding and fringed with hairs, hence the epithet "hirta" (hairy). The flowering stem bears a raceme of tubular flowers whose outer segments are pale blue at the base, shading to yellow, and marked with small brownish protuberances. It requires a sunny position, well-drained sandy soil, and completely dry summer dormancy.