All Cyanella species are native to Souyh-Africa, from sandy or rocky areas. In cultivation need cool greenhouse conditions in colder climates, but hardy in warmer parts of Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand.

Tunicate corms give rise to a rosetta of prostrate or erect leaves and more or less leafless flower stems, which are simple with one large flower, or branched and many-flowered. In most species flowers are attractive, with as many as 20-30 flowers per spike or more.

Cyanella orchidiformis: Usually has a flattish rosetta of rather broad leaves and few-branched inflorescenses 30-40 cm in height. Flowers light mauve 2 cm in diameter Wild in south-west Cape. Flowering in Oct-Nov.

Bill Dijk (27 Nov 2002)