Lachenalia unifolia
| Lachenalia unifolia | |
|---|---|
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| A cultivated banded viooltjie | |
Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Asparagaceae |
| Subfamily: | Scilloideae |
| Genus: | Lachenalia |
| Species: | L. unifolia
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| Binomial name | |
| Lachenalia unifolia Jacq.
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| Synonyms[1] | |
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Lachenalia unifolia, the banded viooltjie, is the most common Lachenalia species in the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa.
Description[edit]
This bulbous geophyte grows 8–35 cm (3.1–13.8 in) tall.[2] It has one linear leaf, the lower part of which is banded with green and maroon stripes.[3] It is 8–32 cm (3.1–12.6 in) long and clasps the stem at the base.[2] The tuber contains a multi-layered tunic. The outer layers are dark brown and spongy while the inner layers are a translucent white colour.[2]
Flowers are present between August and October. They are pale blue, pink or pale yellow in colour with white tips.[3] They are borne in a raceme, which may have few or many flowers.[2]
The ellipsoid capsule contains glossy black spherical seeds.[2]
Distribution and habitat[edit]
This species is endemic to the Northern Cape and Western Cape of South Africa.[4] It is found on deep sandy flats and stony clay slopes between Namaqualand to Bredasdorp.[2]
Conservation[edit]
Lachenalia unifolia is the most common Lachenalia species and is considered to be of least concern by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI). While it is declining due to a combination of habitat loss and alien vegetation, the rate of decline is not currently considered high enough to put this species at risk of extinction.[4]
Uses[edit]
This species is valued as an ornamental plant.[5]
References[edit]
- ^ "Lachenalia unifolia". Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Retrieved 24 September 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f e-Flora of South Africa. v1.42. 2023. South African National Biodiversity Institute. http://ipt.sanbi.org.za/iptsanbi/resource?r=flora_descriptions&v=1.42
- ^ a b Manning, John; Goldblatt, Peter (2012). Plants of the Greater Cape Floristic Region : 1: the core Cape flora (PDF). Pretoria: South African National Biodiversity Institute, SANBI. ISBN 978-1-919976-74-7. OCLC 852384288.
- ^ a b Duncan, G.D.; Mtshali, H. (2019). "Lachenalia unifolia Jacq. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1". SANBI Red List of South African Plants. Retrieved 24 September 2023.
- ^ van Rooyen, P.; Spies, J.J.; Kleynhans, R. (2002). "The Species Delimitation of Lachenalia Unifolia and L. Hirta". Acta Horticulturae (570): 395–401. doi:10.17660/ActaHortic.2002.570.56. ISSN 0567-7572.