Oxblood Lilies Hypoxis

The scientific name is derived from the Greek words hypo, which translates to below and oxy, referring to the pointed fruit base. This herb overcomes harsh winter months in the form of a corm, which is hard and fleshy and forms an underground rootstock. 

Worldwide, there are approximately 90 species of Hypoxis, with the majority of the species occurring in Africa. 

In the fall through the winter months, it is leafless, while its corm remains underground.  Springtime brings new leaves that grow from the top of the corm. Typically, the leaves are one above the other, forming three rows of outward spreading foliage.  While most varieties boast hairy foliage, some are almost hairless.  The leaves can range from stiff and twisting to soft and drooping.  

The flowing stems, which are unbranched, appear after the spring rains.  Each stem can have 2 to 12 flowers.  The varieties with smaller corms and soft leaves tend to grow quicker, allowing the plant to spread through a garden.  

Rootstock obtained from Hypoxis hemerocallidea and Hypoxis colchicifolia have been used by some Zulu healers as treatment of urinary infections and nervous conditions.  The rootstock of another variety, Hypoxis argentea has been used as a food source.  

The most common of the Genus is Hypoxis hirsuta, or Yellow Star Grass.  This US native plant can be found growing in open locations such as fields, lawns, meadows and open woodlands.  Although it is not an invasive species, it can form colonies. See /plants/hypoxis-hirsuta/

Space:  4 in. (10 cm)

Depth:  Cover 1 in. (2.5 cm)

Organ:  Corm

Hardiness:  Tender III - Injured below 25 degrees F (2C)

Storage:  Store corms dry at 35 degrees F (2C)