ISI 2025-28 Lachenalia pusillaJacq.
This genus of South African bulbs is not usually considered to be succulent. Ernst van Jaarsveld lists only four “weakly succulent” species in his treatment for theIllustrated Handbook of Succulents, Monocotyledons, Vol. 2, Second Edition, though Graham Duncan lists 133 species in his 2012 monograph, The Genus Lachenalia. Nevertheless, these plants often grow in association with succulents and are compatible companions, especially for those from the winter-rainfall areas of South Africa and Namibia. The genus is named in honor of Swiss botanist Werner de Lachenal (1736 – 1800). Lachenalia pusilla is named for its small stature. It forms a rosette of 3 – 8 (12) leaves that lie flat on the ground. These are elliptical, 20 – 55mm long by 5 – 20 mm wide, dark or glaucous green and spotted with purple. Flowers are white and in a compact, shaving-brush-like raceme nestled in the center of the rosette. The sweet, spicy scent of the flowers by day and the brush of white stamens attracts bee pollinators while the yeasty aroma of the flowers at night suggests rodent pollination as well. Inflorescences detach when dry and are carried by the wind like miniature tumbleweeds that disperse the seed. Seeds are more locally distributed by ants. The species is therefore widespread from near Cape Agulhas (the southernmost point of the African continent) north to the Clanwilliam area of the Western Cape. We offer HBG 137465, plants from seed sown September 26, 2016. The seed was produced by Steven Hammer on a plant originally collected by John Lavranos (29738) in 1995: S. Africa; W. Cape; 18 km N of Piekenierskloof on the road to Citrusdal.
Photo © 2025 by Karen Zimmerman.
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