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 ensifolia ssp maughanii is a South African endemic species from the Northern Cape and Western Cape Provinces. It is usually found growing in Fynbos, Nama Karoo and Succulent Karoo. It was previously known as Polyxena maughanii. It grows to 5cm tall with two prostrate leaves. During autumn it bears white flowers with the stigmas and stamens well inside the flower.