Ornithogalum longebracteatum habit - flowering

Ornithogalum longebracteatum - bulbils forming on a bulb-skin

Compare this plant to:

Bowiea volubilis

Drimia maritima

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Ornithogalum longebracteatum   Jacq.

Hyacinthaceae or Liliaceae

false sea onion, pregnant onion

South Africa (Cape Province, KwaZulu-Natal, & Transvaal), Swaziland

Synonymy : Ornithogalum caudatum Jacq., Ornithogalum longibracteatum Jacq.

This curious plant is often found among the collection of succulent fanciers, because of the largish, succulent, exposed bulb and evergreen, fleshy leaves which can reach a length of up to 3ft (1m)! But perhaps the most interesting reason to grow this species are the curious little bulbils that form on the bulb layers, causing 'pregnant' looking bumps until the layer sloughs off to reveal the bulbils. After being shed, these root easily and begin new plants, often congesting the original plant unless moved to a new location or, as is very common, given away to unsuspecting fellow gardeners. For this reason, this plant is also a fun plant for grade-school projects. Due to the potential choking hazard, one should be wary these small bulbils do not get into the hands of toddlers. Contact dermatitis from the juicy sap can also be a problem for some people.

Usually grown as an indoor plant, Ornithogalum longebracteatum is hardy to about 25°F (-4°C) and can be grown outside, in partial shade, as long as it is kept relatively dry in winter. Any well-drained soil will be fine for this easily grown plant in a raised bed, top of a wall, or container. A thorough watering should followed by a proper drying out. A prolonged dryness will cause the plant to go dormant. Because of the potentially long leaves, placement of a specimen on a pedestal or in a hanging basket makes a handsome display for this unusual plant.

See also:

Pregnant Onion (William's Web)

How to Grow the Pregnant Onion

See also this selection of photos: