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 hispidum is found on clay flats and stony clay slopes from Namaqualand to Worcester. Leaves are distinctive, three to six, often with spotted sheathing bases and hairy. Flowers are white in a narrow raceme.