Lachenalia variegata

This bulbous geophyte grows {{Convert|10-45|cm|in|abbr=on}} tall.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 It has a single lance- or strap-shaped leaf with thickened margins.{{Cite book |last1=Manning |first1=John |url=https://www.sanbi.org/sites/default/files/documents/documents/strelitzia-29-2012.pdf |title=Plants of the Greater Cape Floristic Region : 1: the core Cape flora |last2=Goldblatt |first2=Peter |date=2012 |publisher=South African National Biodiversity Institute, SANBI |isbn=978-1-919976-74-7 |location=Pretoria |oclc=852384288}} In rare cases, a plant may have two leaves. The upper surface is plain, with longitudinal grooves. The lower surface is marked with purple marks and splotches. The bulb has a diameter of {{Convert|1-2|cm|in|abbr=on}}. The tunic is made of multiple layers. The outer layers are dark brown and spongy and the inner cataphyll is translucent white, tinged with magenta above.

Dense racemes of flowers are present between August and October. They are a greenish-grey in colour with darker green, blue, purple or brown markings. They have white tips.

This species is endemic to the Western Cape of South Africa, where it grows between Clanwilliam and the Cape Peninsula. It is most common in coastal areas with deep sand. It prefers calcareous and acidic soils.

This species is classified as being of least concern by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI).{{Cite web |last=Duncan |first=G.D. |last2=Mtshali |first2=H. |date=2019 |title=Lachenalia variegata W.F.Barker. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1 |url=http://redlist.sanbi.org/species.php?species=3814-110 |access-date=26 September 2023 |website=SANBI Red List of South African Plants}}

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Category:Plants described in 1949

Category:Endemic flora of the Cape Provinces

variegata