Cyanella lutea

Cyanella lutea02

Cyanella lutea is a species of flowering plant in the family Tecophilaeaceae, native to the Western Cape region of South Africa. It is one of several species within the genus Cyanella, which are characterized by their attractive flowers and are commonly referred to as "lady's hand" due to the shape of their petals. Cyanella lutea is particularly noted for its striking yellow flowers, which distinguish it from other species in the genus that typically have blue or purple flowers.

Description

Cyanella lutea is a bulbous plant that produces slender, erect stems up to 30 cm in height. The leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, appearing mainly at the base of the stem. The plant blooms in the summer, producing racemes of bright yellow flowers. Each flower has six tepals, which are the collective term for petals and sepals when they are similar in appearance. The flowers are star-shaped, with each tepal spreading outward, giving the bloom a distinctive appearance. The fruit of Cyanella lutea is a capsule, which contains several seeds.

Habitat and Distribution

Cyanella lutea is endemic to the Western Cape province of South Africa, where it is found in sandy soils in fynbos habitats. Fynbos is a unique vegetation type that is part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, one of the six floral kingdoms of the world, known for its high biodiversity and a large number of endemic species. The specific habitat requirements and limited distribution range of Cyanella lutea make it of interest to conservationists and botanists.

Cultivation and Uses

While not widely cultivated, Cyanella lutea can be grown in gardens that can mimic its natural sandy and well-drained soil conditions. It requires a sunny position and is best grown in areas with a Mediterranean climate, similar to its native habitat. The plant is valued for its ornamental flowers, which can add a splash of color to rock gardens or borders. It is also of interest in the field of horticulture for its potential use in breeding programs to develop new ornamental plants.

Conservation

The conservation status of Cyanella lutea has not been extensively studied, but like many native South African plants, it may be threatened by habitat loss, invasive species, and climate change. Conservation efforts in the Western Cape region focus on protecting fynbos habitats and the unique flora they support, including Cyanella lutea.

See Also

• Tecophilaeaceae
• Flora of South Africa
• Conservation in South Africa