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Ornithogalum thyrsoides-P9210031 by Amrum (CC BY-SA 2.5)Chincherinchee
Ornithogalum thyrsoides
Wonder-flower, Star-of-Bethlehem (Eng.), Tjienkerientjee, Tjienk, Wit-tjienk, Viooltjie (Afr.)
The chincherinchee is a bulbous perennial originally from Namaqualand to the Cape Penisula to Caledon and the Agulhas Plain in South Africa. This species grows in shallow pools, sandy flats, lower mountain slopes and in disturbed ground. It is a winter rainfall species, but it grows well in gardens in the summer rainfall region too. It is also grown commercially as a cut flower. Produces pure white, bowl-shaped flowers. This species has evolved to survive hot, dry summers through dormancy.
Planning
Difficulty
Easy
Flowering time
Summer, Spring
Harvesting
Flowers are cut for the vase, cut early in the mornings and place stems into water.
Propagation
Seed
Seed can be sown in autumn or spring into well draining potting mixture, keep moist.
Division
Propagated mainly by separation of bulbils from bulbs, during dormancy.
Geography
Origin
Africa, South Africa, Northern and Western Cape Provinces.
Natural climate
Vleis (shallow pools), sandy flats, lower mountain slopes and in disturbed ground.
Environment
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Soil moisture
Dry
Soil type
Loam
Soil PH preference
Neutral, Acid, Alkaline
Frost hardiness
Tender
Personality
Family
Hyacinthaceae
Flower colour
White or creamy-white, usually with a brown or green centre., White
Scent
Mild
Problems
Generally problem free.
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