Pam, For lachenalias the best reference I have is "The Lachenalia Handbook" by Graham D. Duncan published by Kirstenbosch; isbn 0620119535. Don't know nuthin' 'bout birthin' ornithogalums. Dell -----Original Message----- From: pbs-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org [mailto:pbs-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of Pamela Slate Sent: Thursday, June 10, 2010 2:19 PM To: Pacific Bulb Society Subject: [pbs] Lachenalia & Other Questions Dear PBS, I've been unpotting Lachenalias and have a couple questions I'm sure some of you experts can quickly answer: 1. I have two forms of L. rubida and their bulbs differ slightly. One is more ovoid than the other (except for flat portions of new bulbils) and when unpotted has a purplish cast around the growing tip. The other is rounder and has no color cast whatsoever. (Both, by the way, have multiplied pretty much in quantities equal to one another.) Can anyone tell me if you've observed these differences in your collections and what, if any, meaning is attached to them? 2. In an unmarked pot, I have two flattish bulbs I believe could be either L. pallida or L. orthopetala. They are just under 4 cm in diameter and 1.5 cm tall with undulating edges and a color that I'd describe as opaque-white (reminding me of Albuca juncifolia which I know they are not). The flower stalks as well as the roots have persisted longer than any other Lachenalia growing here in pots. Perhaps they are something else altogether. Sorry I can't post a photo but could send one privately. 3. I have an unidentified Ornithogalum that has grassy spiraling leaves and yellow, fragrant (a bit like 7-Up) flowers. The bulbs are proportionately large compared to the delicate leaves and flowers. I'd be happy to send a bulb photo if someone could help with ID but I unfortunately have no flower photos. Do any of you know of a reference that has descriptions with drawings and/or photos of bulbs? All I've seen are photos on the wiki (and these are very interesting and helpful) and a few botanical drawings in various books but nothing in a compendium. Appreciate the help! Pam Pamela Slate P.O. Box 5316 Carefree AZ 85377