Wurmbea is a genus is the Colchicaceae family from sub-saharan Africa and Australia. The rootstock is a corm and flowers are star or trumpet-shaped.

Wurmbea variabilis is a South African endemic species found in the Eastern Cape, Northern Cape and Western Cape Provinces. It grows to 20cm tall and has ovate to lanceolate leaves. During spring it bears greenish or cream flowers with purple markings. The seeds are best sown at the start of autumn.