Graham Duncan, the current authority on the genus Lachenalia has elevated L. suaveolens to specific rank considering it distinct from L. elegans, of which it was formerly a subspecies. Its leaves can be spotted or not, and the flowers have a sweet, carnation scent. These are spreading, urceolate, and dark purple with white petal margins. It has been one of the more persistent species of this winter growing bulbous genus, reseeding itself in our shade house where it thrives in our Namaqualand-like mediterranean climate, with winter rains and long, dry summers. We offer seedlings, HBG 137464, from two bulbs originally collected by John Trager, JNT 97-11, Aug 5, 1997: S. Africa; N. Cape; Melkkraal, 13 km S of Papkuilsfontein, road to Doringbos. $10.
Published in the Cactus and Succulent Journal, Vol. 96 (2), Summer 2024