Massonia pustulata

Massonia pustulata is a member of the Hyacinthaceae family. It is a deciduous, perennial, bulbous plant with two annual leathery leaves pressed against the ground. These leaves may be smooth or hairy and warty. The longitudinal channeling along the sometimes shiny leaf surfaces is also characteristic.

The rough, blistered leaf surface is reflected in the specific name, pustulata. The leaves may have scattered purple or maroon blotches on the surface. The leaf shape is broad and rounded to a slightly pointed tip. The margins are entire.

The species occurs widespread on limestone and sandy flats, often close to the sea. The distribution area ranges from Namaqualand to the Eastern Cape and includes inland areas, particularly the Little Karoo (Privett and Lutzeyer, 2010; Manning, 2007).