Winfried Bruenken (Amrum) [CC BY-SA 2.5 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5)], from Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1f/Ornithogalum_thyrsoides-P9210031.jpg)
Chincherinchee
Ornithogalum thyrsoides
Animal-friendly
Tolerances & suitability
Growth features
Aspect
Plant types
Succession
Soils
Flowering
- white
First described in 1776, this beautiful long lasting white flower is now cultivated as a valuable cut-flower. "The species is found in vleis, sandy flats, lower mountain slopes and in disturbed ground" but prefers moist fertile soil.
The flowers follow the light (phototrophic) and take up the colour of the food dye the flower is put in.
"The Afrikaans vernacular name tjienkerientjee is the simulation of the chink sound made when fresh stalks are rubbed against one another and is based on the name given by Thunberg in 1772 as tinkerintees... The species was introduced to gardens in Holland before 1700 and is known to cultivation in Europe from about 1750" and was used to treat diabetes but is poisonous to cattle and a skin irritant.