Lachenalia bulbifera safety in numbers

Numerous new Lachenalia bulbifera plants have sprouted here among the older ones. They are probably growing from the bulbils produced naturally at the leaf bases of the mature plants. Bulbils are small, vegetative buds that grow on stems, leaves or flower stalks of certain species. Unlike seeds, bulbils are parent plant clones that become independent plants when detaching and landing in suitable conditions. Garlic and certain lilies produce bulbils at the base of their leaves or along their stems.

A new L. bulbifera plant grows only one or two leaves each winter season. While a bulb is still tiny, only leaves will be produced to grow the bulb for flowering in later seasons. In this multitude not all are likely to have room for performing unhindered when the bulbs increase in size. The emerging flower buds in picture give another idea of urban living where space is cramped (Manning, 2007; Manning and Goldblatt, 1996; iNaturalist).