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 suaveolens is a South African indigenous species from the Eastern Cape, Northern Cape and Western Cape Provinces. It was previously known as Albuca brevipes and Albuca suaveolens. It is found on dry slopes and flats and grows from 10cm to 50cm tall. From spring to summer it bears yellow flowers with green keels.