Drimia calcarata ?

Dave Fenwick

Perhaps one of the smallest bulbs I've ever seen and I nearly missed it coming into flower.

It came to me as a possible Litanthus, but doesn't seem to be as it's summer growing, and just about to flower. The most noticeable feature is the two cylindrical dark green leaves that are about six inches long.

You can tell the width and size of the bud from the lines in my finger print, it nearly needs a microscope to see it.

I would say that it's very likely to be of South African origin, but just what it is -- who knows.

Best Wishes and thanks for any info.
Dave

David Fenwick (Sept 9, 2003)
NCCPG National Plant Heritage Collections of Crocosmia with Chasmanthe and Tulbaghia
The African Garden
96 Wasdale Gardens
Estover
Plymouth
Devon
England
PL6 8TW
Websites
www.theafricangarden.com
www.crocosmiaheritage.com

Sept 13, 2003

It is likely that the picture of a small South African species of bulb posted recently is most likely a Drimia species. We need to wait until flowering to confirm which one.

David Fenwick

Dave Fenwick

The bulb has just come into flower today. Looks like we might have a very small Ornithogalum species!!!
Flowering Time - September (Autumn Equinox) in the northern hemisphere, thus 'probably' a summer rainfall species.

Leaf Length - 290mm, cylindrical, dark green.
Leaf Width - + or - 1.5mm diameter
Scape - Height 135mm, red, shading to a pale olive green on maturation, narrow, wirey, just under 1mm wide.
32mm from lowest bud to tip of inflorescence.
5mm x <1mm green bracts occur below peduncle
Flowers - White, 7mm diameter.
Buds - 2mm wide with six brown median stripes.
Perianth Segments - 3mm x 1.5mm; 6, white, upper; with <1mm wide brown median stripe on reverse, which is strong enough to show through to the upper surface.
Ovary - Superior
Any ideas now ?
Best Wishes,
Dave

David Fenwick (Sept 24, 2003)

Webmaster note: Drimia calcarata was formerly named Ornithogalum calcaratum Baker.

---