| Eriospermum paradoxum Select and click for a larger image. |
| Distribution: | South Africa: Western Cape Province: Little Karoo: Eastern Cape Province: Northern Cape Province: Namaqualand: |
|
Eriospermum paradoxum is a member of an odd and unique genus that is mainly distributed in the desert and semi-desert areas of Sub-Saharan Africa. Eriospermum paradoxum occurs in arid areas of South Africa. The plants are winter growing with a freely rooting potato-like tuber. The enations (bifurcating protrusions) of the single leaf demonstrate the diversity in the genus and gives the appearance of a small Christmas tree. In spring the leaf dies off, leaving the tuber to rest underground for the next season. During autumn a raceme of white fragrant flowers is produced. Cultivation of the plants is relatively easy. The tuber should be planted about a cm or 2 below the surface of a well drained soil. Water only very occasionally during the summer months and in winter only when the soil is dry. Propagation is by seed or by dividing the tuber. |
 |
 |
 |
| A very attractive hairy plant from unknown origin. | This is an adult bulb from the Oudtshoorn area measuring only a few centimeters across. At some localities the bulbs can grow to a considerable size. | A flowering plant from Keurkloof Nature Reserve. This image is for sale at http://public.fotki.com/soilandroots/plantsandflowers/rimg0022.html |
| Complete plantnames alphabetically |