Albuca batteniana

Albuca batteniana, the wild coast albuca, grows in the Eastern Cape on sea-facing cliffs where conditions may be conducive. The plant is evergreen, the bulb positioned almost entirely above-ground, displaying fibrous scales and lanceolate to strap-shaped leaves.

Individual flowers appear on long pedicels. They are white with green keels on the upper, outer sides of tepals. The plant is easily recognised as belonging to the Albuca genus. The inner tepals remain together, erect around the stamens and style, while the outer three open widely. It blooms in late winter and spring.

Offsets will grow around mature bulbs, so that clumps are formed. These can be removed for growing separately, best in composted, sandy soil (www.plantzafrica.com).