Albuca is a fascinating African genus of bulbous plants in the asparagus family, Asparagaceae, with its native range extending across Africa and into the Arabian Peninsula. What makes the genus so compelling to growers is its sheer variety of form: some species carry neat strap-like leaves, others make dramatic curls or spirals, and many produce elegant white, cream, yellow or greenish flowers marked with darker stripes. Taken together, Albuca offers exactly the combination collectors love most – botanical character, seasonal rhythm and a remarkable ability to look both delicate and sculptural in cultivation.

Albuca kirstenii, synonymously known as Ornithogalum kirstenii is a rare South African endemic perennial bulb found in the Western Cape around Malgas and De Hoop. It grows to 30cm tall with two linear leaves. From autumn to winter it bears drooping racemes of nodding yellow flowers with green keels.