The only place I've seen Albuca shawii growing wild is on a rocky outcrop on the slopes below the Ampitheatre in the Royal Natal National Park, in very thin soil. Rapid germination when moisture was adequate would make much sense in such a site. It is also a very fast grower, easily producing an inflorescence in its first growing season. For some reason I don't grow it now, alas. John Grimshaw Dr John M. Grimshaw Sycamore Cottage Colesbourne Nr Cheltenham Gloucestershire GL53 9NP Tel. 01242 870567