Ornithogalum dubium dark eyes

The flowers of Ornithogalum dubium grow in a rounded to flat-topped raceme on a slender scape that occasionally presents its flowers at a height near 50 cm.

The tepals are broadly obovate, tapering to acute, incurved tips to forming a shallow corolla bowl. The flowers in picture have the dark green to olive green central "eyes" at the tepal bases that are often present and may also be brown. Corolla diameter varies between 1,5 cm and nearly 3 cm.

The six stamens pointing outwards are here dark coloured, taking the colour of the eye if it is present, otherwise pale. Filaments are short and sturdy, carrying large yellow anthers. The bases of the inner three filaments may be winged, clasping the ovary. The style is short and dark.

Blooming lasts for a long period on a thriving plant. Pollination is done by monkey beetles and other pollinators. The fruit capsule is rounded, deeply three-angled and prominently ribbed. The seeds are discoid, black and shiny.

This species is commonly grown, also in containers. Good drainage is essential with ample watering early in the growth season and discontinued when the plant is dormant (Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2010; Bean and Johns, 2005; Wikipedia; www.plantzafrica.com).