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 synanthifolium is a South African endemic species from Umtata to Grahamstown and Kentani. It grows to 50cm tall with a rosette of broad almost evergreen leaves and a head of white flowers. Flowers spring-summer.