About Lachenalia unifolia Jacq.
Lachenalia unifolia Jacq. is a bulbous geophyte that grows 8–35 cm (3.1–13.8 in) tall. It produces a single linear leaf, 8–32 cm (3.1–12.6 in) long, whose lower portion is marked with alternating green and maroon stripes. The leaf clasps the stem at its base. The plant's bulb has a multi-layered tunic: outer tunic layers are dark brown and spongy, while inner layers are translucent white. Flowering occurs between August and October. Flowers can be pale blue, pink, or pale yellow, and each flower has white tips. Flowers are arranged in a raceme that may hold few or many flowers. After flowering, it forms an ellipsoid seed capsule that holds glossy black, spherical seeds. This species is endemic to the Northern Cape and Western Cape provinces of South Africa, where it grows between Namaqualand and Bredasdorp in deep sandy flats and stony clay slopes. It is valued as an ornamental plant.
