Hypoxis hemerocallidea

This is a tuberous perennial with strap-like leaves and yellow star-shaped flowers. The broad, stiff leaves are neatly arranged one above the other in three ranks.  The densely hairy leaves arch outwards with prominent ribs and tapering towards the tips. Leaves appear above ground in spring before the flowers.

The star-shaped flowers are short-lived and close at midday. The flowers are carried on 5 or 6 slender erect inflorescences, each carrying 5-13 bright yellow, star-shaped flowers with 6 tepals. Six free stamens arise from the base of the tepals with prominent anthers. Usually one to three flowers are open at the same time, thus encouraging cross-pollination.

Conservation Status

Hypoxis hemerocallidea is not listed as a threatened. However the natural grasslands in the urban metropolitan areas are under extreme pressure because of urban sprawl. Many plants, including related species, are also dug up due to their popularity as a medicinal remedy. Since the plants do not reseed easily, the demand for the tubers may cause the plants in the wild to decline.