Albuca nelsonii

Albuca nelsonii, commonly known as Nelson’s slime lily (that is unlikely to have ever been seen by Nelson), is a robust bulbous perennial. It tends to form clumps, reaching 1 m in height including the inflorescence. The top part of the fleshy bulb tends to protrude above-ground, covered in dry, papery tips of the bulb scales.

The leaves produced annually are strap-shaped, broad with upturned margins and a little succulent in texture.

The species distribution in South Africa is coastal in the Eastern Cape, throughout KwaZulu-Natal and into the eastern parts of Mpumalanga and even Limpopo. The plant is found in diverse grassland and rocky places, sometimes benefiting from some shade, but not needing much moisture. It is not threatened early in the twenty first century (Manning, 2009; iSpot; www.plantzafrica.com).