Tulbaghia is a monocotyledonous genus of herbaceous perennial bulbs native to Africa belonging to the family Amaryllidaceae, subfamily Allioideae. The genus was named for Ryk Tulbagh , one time governor of The Cape of Good Hope. Most species are native to the Eastern Cape of South Africa. As is common to members of the Allioideae, when their leaves are bruised they produce a distinct garlic smell. The flowers are borne in an umbel. Each flower has six narrow tepals. A characteristic of the genus is that there is a “corona” a raised crown-like structure at the centre of the flower. This may be small and scale-like or may be larger, somewhat like the trumpet of a small Narcissus.

Grows to 25cm and is winter growing with clumped narrow leaves and gr & yellow flowers in spring.

USDA Zone – 8

Season to Sow – Autumn

Photos with credit to the late Rod and Rachel Saunders, eminent experts on South African indigenous flora.