The Ornithogalum genus belongs to the Hyacinthaceae family. This genus has very many species but is practically unknown in cultivation except for the yellow and orange species. The genus has a number of striking species, small compact plants with rather large flowers, excellent for pot cultivation. The flowers of all have a silky texture that is very attractive.

Ornithogalum dubium is a long blooming plant with beautiful large flowers, yellow to orange or rarely white, often with a green or brown centre. This species is found on mountains and flats over a broad area in the Cape Province of South Africa.