Galtonia is a bulbous genus in the Hyacinthaceae family from the eastern summer rainfall area of southern Africa. These are summer growers dormant in winter and best grown in deep moisture retentive soil. In J. Manning, P. Goldblatt & M.F. Fay, "A revised generic synopsis of Hyacinthaceae in sub-Saharan Africa, including new combinations and the new tribe Pseudoprospereae", Edinburgh Journal of Botany 60(3): 533-568 (2004) the authors propose sinking Galtonia along with Dipcadi, Albuca, Neopatersonia, and Pseudogaltonia into Ornithogalum. It is since been determined that some of these genera should be retained. Galtonia continues to be one of the genera that authorities list under both Ornithogalum and Galtonia.
Galtonia candicans (Baker) Decne. has been renamed by some authorities Ornithogalum candicans (Baker) J.C.Manning & Goldblatt. This gracious species' native range covers the East Cape Province of South Africa and is also includes Lesotho. The first picture is of a planting I established in the private garden of the former Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens C.E.O. in South Pasadena, California, where I worked as a designer and gardener for two years. The first photograph by Jacob Knecht. The second was taken at Satan's Nek in the Eastern Cape of South Africa by Cameron McMaster.
Galtonia regalis Hilliard & B.L.Burtt has been renamed by some authorities Ornithogalum regale (Hilliard & B.L.Burtt) J.C.Manning & Goldblatt. It grows on wet cliffs up to 2800 meters in colonies in the Drakensberg and blooms January to February. Photos taken by Cameron McMaster at Sentinel Peak in the Drakensberg.
Galtonia viridiflora I.Verd. has been renamed by some authorities Ornithogalum viridiflorum (I.Verd.) J.C.Manning & Goldblatt. grows on cliffs and steep rocky slopes in drier areas in the Drakensberg. Flowers are pale green. Photos taken by Cameron McMaster at Balloch and Naude's Nek in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.
