Ornithoglossum undulatum leaves and bud

When leaves predominate in early Ornithoglossum undulatum growth, the fact that some plants bear straight leaves, not undulating ones as the specific name indicates, becomes glaring. The smooth arches of the channelled, greyish blue-green blades like ship prows succeed each other from the base firmly and elegantly.

The raceme-shaped inflorescence rises from the gap between the opposing leaves.

The plants grow here in stony veld near Oudtshoorn. The photo was taken in May (Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2015; Shearing and Van Heerden, 2008; Leistner, (Ed.), 2000; Bond and Goldblatt, 1984; iNaturalist).