What is Lackenalia?

Lackenalia is a genus of about 100 species of flowering plants in the Hyacint family, hyacinthhaceae . These flower bulbs are commonly known as Cape Cowslip or Leopard Lilies, originally from South Africa. They are adapted to regions that receive rains in winter, but have dry years. These types of plants grow well in a warm dry climate - as in parts of Australia and the United States such as southern California - or in cold greenhouses. The bulbs have been grown in South Africa and Australia for many years, but have become popular in the United States only in the last few decades. One of the advantages of growing these plants is that they do not tend to cause problems in people with allergies.

The bulbs are approximately 2 inches (5 cm). They lead to two to three leaves in the shape of a tulip. The stems that are high (0.3 m) high produce 1 to 1½ inches (2.5-3.75 cm) tubular flowers. Each plant produces one stem of flowers. Flowers come in a wide range of colors and often foldThey are from several different colors. When these grow up in size full of bulb, they are referred to as offsets . They can be removed from the parent bulb and planted separately. It may take several seasons to reach the size of flowering.

bulbs should be planted deep 1 to 2 inches (2.5-5 cm). If they are planted in the garden, they must be located between 3 and 5 inches (7.5 and 12.5 cm) apart. In pots, six flower bulbs should be planted in a five -inch (12.5 cm) pot.

Cape Cowslip should be grown in full sun, except for the hottest climate. When planted in the garden in the dry area with wet winter, the bulbs should be planted late in summer or at the beginning of autumn on flowers from December to March. The bulbs should only receive a minimum amount of water until the leaves appear. Then they should be kept moist until yellow leaves. The land should be a tionOlena to dry and the bulbs remained dry until next season planting.

In most of the world, Lackenalia is grown in cold greenhouses. Bulbs can also be grown as houseplants. However, they prefer a cold night temperature, not more than 50 ° F (10 ° C). Newly planted bulbs should be kept in a cool and dark place until the leaves appear. As with garden bulbs, the coows should be held dry in the flower pot after the flowering is completed until they are brought again to the flower.

In Australia, the type of Lackenalia reflex - known as yellow soldiers - became a weed. She took over the regions of the Bush country. There are systematic attempts to eradicate and restore native vegetation. In rural South Africa, the sale of a spoon of Achenalia has become a primary source of employment for at least one city.