Drimia species woolly leaf

This hairy leaf of what is probably a Drimia plant, photographed near Oudtshoorn in the Little Karoo, was initially thought to be an Eriospermum.

There are several hairy leaved eriospermums, but the flower of this one gave its family affiliation away. There is a possibility that this Drimia is not yet described. It is hoped that a flower picture will soon be obtained to post with this leaf.

The solitary, heart-shaped leaf with rounded basal lobes and rounded tip lies flat on the ground. Whatever stalk it has is invisible, connecting to the subterranean, perennial bulb. The plants appearance made naming easy for the locals: in Afrikaans it is known as woloor (wool ear).

Parallel rows of dense, off-white hairs in need of brushing arch in the basal lobes of the leaf, continuing longitudinally across the dull green to dark green surface to the upper margin.

The green mossy growth on the moist, gravelly soil around the leaf appears like appropriate accompaniment. The season of the photo is probably winter or close to it (Personal communication from Louis Jordaan).