Ornithogalum dubium

Ornithogalum dubium, common names sun star or star of Bethlehem,[2] is a species of flowering plant in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Scilloideae. It is a South African (Cape Province) endemic.

Ornithogalum dubium
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Scilloideae
Tribe: Ornithogaleae
Genus: Ornithogalum
Species:
O. dubium
Binomial name
Ornithogalum dubium
Synonyms[1]

The Latin specific epithet dubium means "dubious" or "unlike others of the genus".[3]

Description

Growing to 50 cm (20 in) tall, O. dubium is a bulbous perennial with 3-8 yellowish green leaves. The leaf margins are ciliate with scapes 10–25 cm (4–10 in) long. The flowers are borne in winter or spring, in cylindrical to almost spherical racemes consisting of 5-25 flowers. The tepals may be orange, red, yellow or rarely white, often with a green or brown center.

Cultivation

O. dubium is frost-tender and is best overwintered in a dry, frost-free place, then re-potted in spring. The main soil requirement is excellent drainage, with ample water early in the growth cycle, but dry during the dormant season.[4] The plant should be grown in a sheltered spot in full sun. It is reported to be toxic by ingestion, and the leaves cause irritation.[2]

This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[2][5]

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References
  1. The Plant List: A Working List of All Plant Species, retrieved 1 October 2016
  2. "RHS Plant Selector - Ornithogalum dubium". Retrieved 15 April 2020.
  3. Harrison, Lorraine (2012). RHS Latin for gardeners. United Kingdom: Mitchell Beazley. p. 224. ISBN 9781845337315.
  4. "Southern African Ornithogalum". Pacific Bulb Society. Retrieved 17 July 2013.
  5. "AGM Plants - Ornamental" (PDF). Royal Horticultural Society. July 2017. p. 70. Retrieved 14 April 2018.
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