Galtonia candicans (Baker.) Decne.

Summer Hyacinth

Perennial herb from a tunicate bulb. Leaves 4-6, broadly lanceolate, greyish-green, fleshy, apex tapering gradually. Inflorescence to 1.2 m, stout. Flowers numerous, about 3 cm long; late summer. Tepals white tinged pale green. Stamens attaching near the mouth of the floral tube. Seeds black.

South Africa

 

G. princeps (Baker.) Decne. from South Africa is a perennial herb from a tunicate bulb. Leaves 4-6, narrow-lanceolate, sheathing, green, apex tapering gradually. Inflorescence to 90 cm. Flowers numerous, about 3 cm long; late summer. Tepals green with greenish-white lobes. Stamens attaching near the middle of the floral tube. Seeds black.

G. viridiflora Verdoorn from South Africa is a perennial herb from a tunicate bulb. Leaves about 7, tightly sheathing, narrow-ovate, yellowish-green, apex tapering abruptly. Inflorescence to 1 m. Flowers numerous, about 3 cm long; late summer. Tepals pale green, lobes with paler margins. Stamens attaching near the middle of the floral tube. Seeds brown.

Source: Forster, P. (2005). Drimiopsis. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 5. Flowering plants. Monocotyledons. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.

Distribution map

Galtonia candicans 'Moonbeam'

Inflorescence up to 2 m, larger, more robust plants.