Albuca concordiana Baker
Concordia albuca
Medium-sized bulbous plant from the fynbos of the Western and Eastern Cape of South Africa. Forms a cluster of semi-erect linear leaves from a subterranean bulb. The nodding white flowers have yellow-green keeled outer petals. Enters summer dormancy following the climatic rhythm of the fynbos biome.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Genus | Albuca |
| Growth Habit | Summer-deciduous bulbous geophyte, semi-erect linear leaves |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern; present in multiple localities of the South African fynbos |
| pH Target | 5.5–6.5 |
| Type | Quartz sand or poor sandy substrate with excellent drainage |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Linear and semi-erect, 15–35 cm long, mid-green, slightly channelled; emerge in a cluster from the neck of the subterranean bulb.
ecoSubterranean ovoid bulb 2–4 cm in diameter, covered by brown tunics; erect flowering scape 30–60 cm.
ecoNodding, white with three yellow-green keeled outer petals; gathered in a loose raceme of 6–15 flowers; flowering in winter to spring.
ecoContractile roots that anchor the bulb in sandy soils and can pull the bulb to greater depth during the dry season.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Quartz sand or poor sandy substrate with excellent drainage
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Collect seeds at the end of spring when capsules turn yellow.
- 2 Sow in autumn in moist quartz sand at 15–18 °C.
- 3 Cover minimally (1–2 mm); keep moist and in full light.
- 4 Transplant seedlings in the second autumn after first dormancy.
- 1 Separate bulblets at the end of summer before they start growing.
- 2 Let dry for 24 hours and plant individually in sand.
- 3 Start watering with the first autumn rains.
- 4 Bulblets flower in the third or fourth year.
Mimic the seasonal rhythm of the fynbos: wet in winter, hot and dry in summer.
Watering in summer during dormancy, which rots the bulb.
Every 3–4 years, at the end of summer before the start of the growing season
Low-nitrogen fertilizer (fynbos or cactus type) diluted to half strength, twice in autumn
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
No significant known toxicity to humans; keep away from pets as a precaution.
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"Like many fynbos bulbs, A. concordiana has co-evolved with the fire cycles of the biome: the subterranean bulb survives fire and resprouts vigorously in the first wet season afterwards, taking advantage of soil cleared of competitors."
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Scientific Integrity
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Sources
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Discussion
Disclaimer
This species record is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Jardín Roca Negra does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the data. Content is community-curated and may be subject to revision; it should not replace advice from a qualified botanist. This species may be toxic, invasive, or subject to legal restrictions — verify before handling or cultivating. Jardín Roca Negra accepts no liability for any harm arising from reliance on this information. Images are reproduced under Creative Commons or equivalent free licenses; credits are noted below each image.