Delicate

South Africa features an unbelievably rich flora of 20,000 species, i.e. approximately 10% of all plant species in the world, and a lot of them are growing only there. Many genera are well known, such as Protea, Strelitzia, a bunch of succulents and a number of bulbous plants as well, for instance the hybrids of Gladiolus and Freesia.

Massonia pustulata is one of the lesser known South African relatives of the hyacinth. In autumn, the bulb forms exactly two broad and pustulate leaves lying flat on the ground, with the long-lasting flowers later appearing between them. The Massonias are easily grown in a frost-free greenhouse but when they start blooming, I move some of them to a window in the living-room. Thus, their hyacinth-like fragrancy can be enjoyed for a long time.

Full-size view for the details, of course!