Massonia depressa

Massonia depressa, the hedgehog lily, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asparagaceae. It is a bulbous geophyte native to the Cape Provinces and Free State of South Africa.[3] Growing to 10 cm (3.9 in) tall by 50 cm (20 in) broad, it is a bulbous perennial with two opposite leaves lying flat on the ground. A spiky cluster of white, yellow or brown flowers appears at the centre of the plant in winter. The flowers are uniquely scented like yeast, to attract pollination by gerbils and other rodents. The anther is exceptionally long - up to 2mm. The seed capsules are inflated, enabling them to be wind-borne.

Massonia depressa
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Scilloideae
Genus: Massonia
Species:
M. depressa
Binomial name
Massonia depressa
Houtt. (1780)[1][2]
Synonyms[1]
  • Massonia brachypus Baker
  • Massonia coronata Jacq.
  • Massonia grandiflora Lindl.
  • Massonia grandifolia Ker Gawl.
  • Massonia latifolia L.f.
  • Massonia namaquensis Baker
  • Massonia obovata Jacq.
  • Massonia sanguinea Jacq.
  • Massonia triflora Compton

This species has been observed to be variable in the wild, and numerous attempts have been made to resolve its true relationships within the genus Massonia, so far without success.[4]

The Latin specific epithet depressa means “having a flattened appearance”, a feature common to all in this genus.[5]

When cultivated in a temperate environment, M. depressa does not tolerate freezing temperatures, so must be grown under glass in a cold greenhouse or similar. It requires full sun, and dry conditions during the dormant season (starting in spring). It has been given the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.[6][7]

See also

References
  1. "Massonia depressa Houtt". The Plant List. Retrieved 4 April 2018.
  2. "Massonia depressa Houtt". International Plant Names Index. Retrieved 4 April 2018.
  3. Massonia depressa Houtt. Plants of the World Online. Retrieved 24 September 2023.
  4. "Massonia". The Pacific Bulb Society. Retrieved 4 April 2018.
  5. Harrison, Lorraine (2012). RHS Latin for Gardeners. United Kingdom: Mitchell Beazley. ISBN 184533731X.
  6. "RHS Plantfinder - Massonia depressa". Retrieved 4 April 2018.
  7. "AGM Plants - Ornamental" (PDF). Royal Horticultural Society. July 2017. p. 64. Retrieved 4 April 2018.
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