A Hypoxis from Virginia in SC

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We have quite a few of these plants in our shaded backyard in suburban Charleston. I see that there are several species of Hypoxis native to our area, but I don’t know how to tell them apart. Usually, the flowers have 8 tepals, but sometimes there are 6. Some of the tepals have tufted tips.

Thanks for your help,
Virginia

Hi Virginia,

you are correct that this is a Hypoxis.  I would call it Hypoxis hirsuta var. leptocarpa primarily because of where it is growing and because this is our most common species. This one has leaves more than 1 mm wide, a scape more than 2 cm long, and blunt, not sharp, sepals. The hairs are variable, and the number of tepals can vary but is usually 6.

I apologize for the delay in my reply. I had software issues that only now have been fixed. Thank you for your patience.

Sincerely,

Dr. Steven Hill, Botanist, SCNPS

 

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