Synonyms:

Nicipe sardienii

Habitat:

Ornithogalum sardienii is endemic to South Africa: this means that it is exclusively found in the northeastern base of Bakenskop, a mountain in South Africa, 1254 m a.s.l. high, at an elevation of 1100 meters. These plants thrive at the top of Enon Conglomerate rock formations, nestled in shallow, gravelly soil and exposed to full sunlight. Flourishing amidst rounded quartzitic sandstone pebbles, the inconspicuous grey-white bulbs pose a challenge to detection. In the dry season, the outer leaves of O. sardienii wither, taking on a greyish-white hue. Within this distinctive habitat, O. sardienii coexists with various succulent species such as Crassula pyramidalis, C. cotyledonis, C. orbicularis, C. perforata, C. rupestris, C. tecta, Tylecodon leucothrix, Ruschia pungens, Cerochlamys pachyphylla and Conophytum truncatum.

Description:

Ornithogalum sardienii stands out from other Ornithogalum species due to its above-ground bulbs that are grey-white in color. These bulbs form a circular arrangement of dense, elongated green leaves with six rows of fine fringe-like structures along the edges. Another distinctive characteristic is the bumpy texture of the upper part of the ovary. O. sardienii blooms from December to March. When grown, its flowers open in the late morning and close in the late afternoon. The first seed capsules burst open starting from the end of February, releasing tiny black seeds. Ornitogalum sardienii is a small perennial plant, reaching a height of up to 35 mm, with bulbs above the ground. The bulbs can be solitary or form small clusters, and the mature bulb is round to oval, measuring 8-20 mm in height and 5-18 mm in diameter. It has a grey-white to light grey-green color, with fleshy coverings, the outer layer being papery and slightly see-through. The initial bulb that grows from a seed is below the ground, whitish, and round, while the roots are fibrous and cylindrical. The evergreen leaves are numerous (20-50) and form a dense circular arrangement at the base of the plant. During dry periods, the outer leaves wither, and the lower parts of the leaves are sheathed at the base, pointing upward. Young leaves are green and translucent, with a cylindrical, smooth shape. Mature leaves are long and narrow (15-25 mm long, 1 mm wide at the base), with a triangular cross-section and a keeled structure. The upper surface is flat, and the edges have small hair-like structures. The lower surface is convex, with up to six rows of white, see-through hair-like structures standing at right angles to the leaf. The tip of the leaf has a small yellowish-green point (mucro) measuring 1-1.5 mm. The flower arrangement consists of 1-5 racemes, each bearing up to 30 flowers. The racemes are 15-24 cm tall, erect, and may lean towards the north. The flowers are open during the day, facing upwards, and typically 3-4 flowers open on a single raceme. The perianth, the outer part of the flower, is about 12 mm in diameter when open, and 6 mm high when closed. The lower bracts are 3.5 mm long, becoming smaller upwards, and are attached to the stem. The flowers have six white, narrowly ovate segments in two whorls, spreading and measuring 5-6 mm long. The stamens, male reproductive parts, are six in total, arranged in two whorls, with lengths of 3 mm for the outer and 4 mm for the inner. The filaments, which support the anthers, are obclavate (club-shaped) and ovate-acuminate (pointed at the tip). The anthers, containing pollen, are dorsifixed, versatile, introrse, bilocular, and yellow, measuring 7.5 mm long. The ovary, where seeds develop, is green with a whitish base, 3-locular (having three compartments), and measures 2 mm in length. It is obovoid-ellipsoid to globose, with six grooves and light green tubercles along the middle part, where ovules are found. The style, a tube-like structure, is erect and 2 mm long, with six grooves, and supports a small, obscurely 3-lobed stigma that is yellow with fringed margins. As the flowers mature, a capsule develops, which is ovoid, upright, and 3.5 mm long. It is light brown and 3-locular, opening to release the seeds. Each capsule can contain up to 42 black, pyriform (pear-shaped), many-angled seeds with a sharp point, measuring 5 mm in length, and having a surface with wrinkled patterns and small projections. The plant typically blooms from January to March.

Cultivation:

Ornithogalum sardienii can thrive in either full sunlight or partial shade. When grown in full sun, it’s essential to water more frequently, especially during the summer, to prevent potential damage to the bulbs caused by overly dry soil. Cold resistance varies among Ornithogalum species, with some capable of withstanding short frosts.
Throughout the growing season, maintain a slightly moist soil between waterings to avoid desiccating the bulb. Exercise caution not to overwater, as excessive moisture can lead to rot. During the dormant phase, consider excavating the bulb and storing it in a cool, dark, and dry environment.
Utilize a well-draining soil mix that is rich and peat-based, incorporating a layer of draining clay at the pot’s base to prevent damage from excessive humidity. Fertilize monthly in spring and summer using a flowering plant fertilizer enriched with microelements.
Repot Ornithogalum sardienii approximately every three years, ensuring care during the process to preserve the plant’s soil clump and introducing fresh soil.

Propagation:

Propagation of Ornithogalum sardienii primarily involves the division of its bulbs, a technique integral to its successful cultivation. To initiate this process, carefully retrieve the bulbs from the soil during the plant’s dormant phase, ensuring gentle handling. Once extracted, take the time to clean the bulbs thoroughly, removing any debris or soil adhering to them. Subsequently, allow the bulbs to undergo a drying period, promoting optimal conditions for subsequent growth.
For the drying phase, it is advisable to place the cleaned bulbs in a designated area that is both dry and devoid of light. This controlled environment contributes to the preservation of the bulbs and sets the stage for their subsequent development. Timing is crucial in the cultivation of Ornithogalum sardienii; therefore, any division of bulbs should be carried out with precision during the spring season. This strategic timing aligns with the plant’s natural growth cycle, ensuring a seamless transition for the divided bulbs when they are eventually reintroduced into the soil.
By adhering to these cultivation practices, enthusiasts can foster the health and vitality of Ornithogalum sardienii, nurturing its growth through thoughtful propagation and meticulous attention to seasonal considerations.

Curiosity:

The species is bestowed with the name in tribute to Mr. Tommy Sardien, who dedicated three decades of service and nurturing to South African succulent plants at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens.

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