Massonia echinata
Widespread in the Eastern Cape and into the Free State, at relatively high altitudes in montane grassland and stony ground. Leaves sometimes with reddish streaks, sometimes with pustules or knobbly, up to 6 cm long. White flowers strongly scented like jasmine. Multiplies vegetatively too. Curious that this one and Neobakeria comata grow in a summer-rainfall area, but keep their winter growing and flowering habit.
The genus
Most of the plants have two oval spreading opposite leaves from 4 - 15 cm long, often pressed to the ground, are winter-growing and dormant in summer. The flowers are clustered in a posy between the leaves, at ground level, usually white, sometimes with a bit of pink, yellow or blue. Many have a sweet scent. The seeds are about one mm in diameter, usually shiny, round and black. The leaves are attractive and the flowers are often quite beautiful. The plants are usually not more than 5-6 cm high, but some need space for the leaves to spread horizontally
- Family :Liliaceae
- Subfamily :Hyacinthaceae
- Native to :Afrique du Sud (Cap O)
- Native climate :méditéranéen (humid winters)
- Colour :White
- Hardiness :little
- Exposure :full sun
- Storage organ :bulb
- Growth :winter grower
- Flowering height :0-15 cm
- Uses :Containers or pot - Rockery
Growing cycle
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