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 vanzyliae, synonymously known as Lachenalia aloides var. vanzyliae and commonly known as Milk Viooltjie, is a rare range restricted South African endemic perennial flowering geophyte found in the Western Cape province. This species is localized to mountain summits including Piketberg, Elandskloof, Cederberg and Twenty Four Rivers Mountain ranges, often growing along with fynbos. It occurs in sandstone rock crevices or at the base of large boulders. It has one or two variable leaves, sometimes unmarked, but often marked purplish brown on the upper surface. Outer flowers are pale blue to white with green or yellow green gibbosities. The inner segments are yellow green with white margins. Plants grow up to 25 cm tall and flowers are produced during spring.