Description
Massonia is a genus of peculiar, southern African, alien-like bulbs related to hyacinths that grow two opposite prostrate leaves that hug the ground topped with a stemless cluster of green, white or pink flowers that sit atop the leaves or rise on strange stalks. It’s a perfect group for succulent lovers and those who love oddball things! M. pseudoechinata is known only from the area around Nieuwoudtville and the Vanrhyns Pass. It is similar to and often confused with M. echinata. It has smallish green leaves with light pustulation and white flowers with purple anthers. The leaves and flowers grow in fall, winter and spring with bulbs dormant in summer. Reduce watering when dormant in summer but do not allow to go bone dry. Plant the bulbs with the top just below the soil surface. This is a borderline hardy to non-hardy bulb best grown as a houseplant or in a heated greenhouse or sunroom. It’s perfect for those interested in bulbs and houseplants and for succulent lovers looking to branch out. Our nursery-grown bulbs are adult blooming size as of 2022. Visit the webpage of the Pacific Bulb Society to view photos of this cool species.
