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 maculatum is found in sandy soils, often in rocks from Namaqualand to the southwest Cape and the western Karoo. Of all the Ornithogalum species, this is probably the most striking! It is a very striking plant with orange to orange-red or yellow flowers with the outer tipal tips often having a dark blotch. An absolute beauty!