Lachenalia, which belongs to the Hyacinthaceae family, is a genus of bulbous plants from southern Africa. The genus consists of nearly 130 species, most of which are quite short in stature with only a few exceeding 15cm. Many have large, eye-catching and ornamental flowers in an assortment of colours ranging from sea-green or blue to rich red and clear bright pink, often accompanied by attractively marked leaves. A handful of species are found in Namibia, but most are South African endemics with the greatest diversity found in the Western Cape. The genus name Lachenalia commemorates the Swiss botanist Prof. Werner de Lachenal (1739-1800) who was stationed at the University of Basel during the late 18th century. Propagation from seed is easy and straightforward and they are well suited to rockeries and being grown in pots.

Lachenalia aurioliae, commonly known as Nipple Viooltjie, is a South African endemic perennial flowering geophyte found in the Eastern Cape and Western Cape provinces from the western Great Karoo and Tanqua Karoo between Montagu and Beaufort West. It is often found growing amongst fynbos as well as succulent karoo habitats on arid stony flats. It is adapted to drought. It is a variable species of arid habitats and flowers from June to August. It is pollinated by honeybees and grows 6-38 cm tall. The broad lanceolate to ovate glaucous leaves are heavily spotted or banded with magenta on the bases. The flowers are light blue to grey, aging to dull red.