Pauridia spp.

Cape star

Hypoxidaceae Southern Africa and Australia

Attracts Pollinators Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

HardinessZones 8–10

Overview

Pauridia spp. is a genus of small cormous perennials in the family Hypoxidaceae, native to southern Africa and parts of Australia; the genus now includes species once placed in Spiloxene spp. and parts of Hypoxis spp.. Plants grow from a small underground corm and reach 2 to 12 inches (5 to 30 cm) tall, with a few narrow, grass-like or channelled leaves rising from the base. In their growing season, slender stalks carry one or several star-shaped flowers, 0.4 to 1.5 inches (1 to 4 cm) across, with six spreading segments in yellow or white, sometimes with a darker or metallic-green center. The flowers open in sun and close in dull weather or at night. A small capsule of many seeds follows. The plants are dormant as corms through the dry or cold season and reappear when moisture returns. The genus grows in full sun on seasonally moist, well-drained sandy soils and tolerates the summer-dry or winter-wet patterns of its native climates. Plants are small and suit rock gardens, containers, and seasonal bulb plantings. Heavy, wet soil during dormancy rots the corms, which limits the genus to sharply drained sites.

Native Range

Pauridia spp. is native to southern Africa, with a strong concentration in the Cape region, and to parts of Australia. Plants grow in seasonally moist grassland, heath, and sandy flats that dry out during dormancy.

Suggested Uses

Pauridia spp. is grown in rock gardens, troughs, containers, and seasonal bulb beds where its small size and drainage needs can be met. The star-shaped flowers suit collections of small geophytes. It is also used in naturalistic plantings that mirror its seasonal grassland habitat.

How to Identify

Look for small plants growing from an underground corm, with a few narrow, grass-like or channelled basal leaves. Slender stalks carry star-shaped flowers with six spreading segments in yellow or white, sometimes with a dark or metallic-green center, that open in sun and close in dull weather. The plants die back to the corm in the off-season.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2" - 1'

Width/Spread2" - 6"

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

white

Foliage Colors

green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks

Spring

Flowering occurs during the growing season, which is spring in summer-rainfall areas and late winter to spring in the winter-rainfall Cape, varying by species. The star-shaped flowers open in sun and close when overcast. A small seed capsule follows before the plant returns to dormancy.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

sand loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Pauridia spp. grows in full sun on sandy, sharply drained soil that is moist during the growing season and dry during dormancy. The corms need a dry rest after the leaves die back, and heavy or wet soil at that time causes rot. Plants suit containers and rock gardens where drainage and the seasonal cycle can be managed. Watering follows the natural pattern, increasing as growth begins and tapering off as the foliage fades. Corms multiply slowly and can be lifted and separated while dormant.

Pruning

No pruning is required for these small geophytes. The foliage is left to die back naturally so the corm can store energy for the next season. Spent flower stalks can be removed, or left if seed is wanted.