Schizobasis intricata
Hannon (Tue, 19 Aug 2008 17:34:25 PDT)

Schizobasis is generally considered to comprise only one species, S.
intricata, but a modest sampling from different localities shows there are
probably at least two taxa (species or subspecies) involved. The form most
often seen has greenish flowers with an ovoid perianth that seems to open
only very slightly (nocturnal?); these flowers may be autogamous or
self-pollinating, so to speak. Growth habit may be lax and sprawling and
highly branched or small (only 3-4" tall 10 years from seed) and compact and
upright. I have one clustering form from Tanzania that is well-branched and
upright.
The most attractive Schizobasis I have seen is also interesting in that the
flowers are very different from those described above. They are white,
pendent, decidedly delicate-looking and with perianth segments spreading. It
seems never to set seed (of course) and the foliage is a compact mass of
extremely fine, angular branches of the inflorescence. The bulbs can be
large, lemon-sized, whereas the bulbs of the first form only grow to about
walnut size.

Culture of these strange bulbs is straightforward: keep on the dry side in
winter and frost free. They can be more or less evergreen and prefer some
shade. They don't need much root room or organic matter and are good
candidates for 'succulent culture'.

Dylan Hannon
Dylan Hannon Rare Bulbs

On Tue, Aug 19, 2008 at 4:43 PM, James Waddick <jwaddick@kc.rr.com> wrote: