Chincherinchee (Ornithogalum thyrsoides) is a perennial plant that is endemic to South Africa. During the summer months, it produces conical clusters of white, star-shaped flowers that have earned it the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
I. Appearance and CharacteristicsÂ
Ornithogalum thyrsoides is a bulbous plant species that is endemic to the Cape Province in South Africa. It is also known by the common names of chinkerinchee or chincherinchee, star-of-Bethlehem or wonder-flower. It produces long-lasting flowers prized as cut flowers.
The plant was first named under the Linnaean System by the Dutch-born botanist Nikolaus Joseph von Jacquin in 1776, shortly after the plant was introduced into Dutch gardens. It has been cultivated in temperate Europe ever since.
The Latin specific epithet thyrsoides refers to a specific type of inflorescence, the thyrse – and ultimately to a type of ancient Greek staff or wand, the thyrsus.
The common name chincherinchee is a translation of the Afrikaans name for this species, tjienkerientjee, which refers to the sound made by stalks rubbed together,
Chincherinchee is perennial, attaining 29–50 cm (11–20 in) in height, becoming dormant during winter. It produces half-a-dozen fleshy leaves which die after flowering – the leaves being some 15–30 cm (5.9–11.8 in) in length and 0.5 to 1.5 cm in width, lanceolate, smooth and soft-textured.
The flowers are in a compact raceme of 30-50 or in a loose columbine of 5-20 flowers. The flowers are bowl-shaped with green bracts of approximate pedicel length. Flowers are white to creamy-white, with brown or green centers fading with age. They are seen from October to February, and are phototropic (turning towards the sun). The spindle-shaped capsular fruit holds black, shiny seeds of diverse shapes.
All parts may cause severe discomfort if ingested, and the sap may irritate the skin. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.
O. thyrsoides has received the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. It is grown in a sunny or partially shaded sheltered spot. The plant becomes dormant shortly after flowering in spring and early summer. The dormant bulb must not be exposed to freezing temperatures.
II. How to Grow and Care
Chincherinchee is generally considered an easy-care plant, ideal for beginners. It thrives in well-drained soil and requires full to partial sunlight to produce its characteristic star-shaped flowers. A special care point for chincherinchee is to avoid overwatering; allowing the soil to dry out between waterings is crucial. Additionally, chincherinchee enters a dormant period after flowering, during which water and fertilization should be reduced significantly.
Sunlight
Chincherinchee thrives in environments that offer full sun exposure for the majority of the day. These optimal light levels play a crucial role in promoting vigorous growth, robust health, and an abundance of flowers. While chincherinchee demonstrates a degree of tolerance to partial sun, insufficient light may lead to weaker plants and reduced blooming.
Outdoors, chincherinchee should be positioned where it can receive unfiltered sunlight for at least 6 hours daily. For gardeners growing chincherinchee indoors, a south-facing windowsill is a favorable location to ensure adequate light. Notably, chincherinchee lacks specific adaptations for extreme light variations, maintaining consistent leaf coloration and structure regardless of the light intensity.
Watering
Originating from the arid regions of South Africa, chincherinchee has adapted to survive with minimal moisture. This species thrives in well-drained soil and can endure periods of drought due to its efficient water storage mechanisms. Watering every week will suffice for this hardy plant. Given its resilience, chincherinchee is an ideal candidate for outdoor cultivation where it can experience natural rainfall patterns. Its bulbous nature allows it to retain water effectively, making it well-suited for temperate climates that offer a balance of wet and dry seasons.
Soil
Chincherinchee thrives in well-drained soils. Water freely during the growing season, and keep dry when dormant.
Fertilizing
For optimal growth, chincherinchee thrives with balanced nutrition fertilizers, favoring those high in phosphorus during the flowering stage to enhance blossoming. Apply a diluted solution of these fertilizers bi-weekly during the active growing season, scaling back to monthly in winter to accommodate dormant phases. A standard recommended dose is 1/4 strength of houseplant fertilizer. Ensure even distribution to avoid root burn and rinse off any accidental foliage application. Adjust feeding to the plant’s response; lush foliage with no flowers suggests excessive nitrogen, warranting a switch to a phosphorus-rich formula.
Propagation
Chincherinchee is propagated through division, a practical method tailored specifically for multiplying its bulbs. To ensure successful propagation, divide the bulbs during the dormant period. Carefully separate bulblets from the parent bulb, ensuring minimal root disturbance, and replant them immediately at a depth where they were originally growing to encourage swift establishment. Water sparingly until signs of growth appear to avoid rot. This approach favors a consistent development of healthy, flowering plants.
Transplanting
Transplant chincherinchee when spring rejuvenates gardens, ensuring milder temperatures for root establishment. Choose a sun-kissed location with well-draining soil to encourage robust growth. Gently settling chincherinchee into its new site fosters a seamless transition.
III. Uses and BenefitsÂ
O. thyrsoides is a showy garden or container plant. It is also extensively cultivated for the floriculture trade. It is ideal for export as the flowers keep well and have an extended vase life.
Flower stalks are placed in food dyes and the flowers take on the colour of the dye.