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Small Yellow Stargrass
Hypoxis argentea
SA tree number
English: Small Yellow Stargrass, Small Silver Star-flower, Yellow Stars, Star Lily, Silver Star, Common Star Flower, Silver Hypoxis, Star-grass
Afrikaans: Geelsterretjie, Sterretjie
Xhosa: Inongwe, Ixalanxa
Zulu: Inongwe, Isinana
S. Sotho: Leihlo-khoma Le Leholo, Lesikitlane
Synonyms, misapplied or old scientific names: Hypoxis rigidula var. argentea
Hypoxis argentea, or Small Yellow Stargrass, is a charming little plant that brings a burst of sunshine to the veld. With its delicate, star-shaped yellow flowers and slender, grass-like leaves, it's a subtle yet captivating presence, often found tucked away in grasslands and rocky outcrops. It's a reminder that even the smallest plants can hold immense beauty and contribute to the rich tapestry of the natural world.
Not 100% certain of this identification as they normally have 6 petals, rarely do they have 4 or 8 (as with this one). Otherwise the identification is consistent.
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Distinguishing features:
Perennial herb growing from a corm.
Grass-like leaves often covered in silvery, silky hairs.
Star-shaped, bright yellow flowers.
Flowers open in response to sunlight.
Resilient and fire-adapted.
Overall appearance:
Hypoxis argentea is a small, tufted perennial herb with narrow, grass-like leaves and bright yellow, star-shaped flowers that appear on slender stalks above the foliage. Its silvery-hairy leaves are a distinctive feature.
Height:
Typically between 5 cm and 20 cm.
Width:
Rosette of leaves typically spreads to about 10 cm.
Leaves:
Grass-like leaves are around 15cm long.
Often covered in silvery, silky hairs.
Narrow, linear shape.
Originate from the corm.
Flowers:
Solitary or in small clusters, bright yellow, and star-shaped.
Borne on slender stalks (scapes) that emerge from the corm.
Normally 6 petals, but rarely do they have 4 or 8.
Flowering season:
Primarily spring and summer (September to March in South Africa), often after rain.
Fruits:
Small, capsule-like fruits that split to release seeds.
Seeds:
Abundant small and dark seeds.
Roots:
Grows from a corm (a solid, swollen underground stem).
The corm acts as a storage organ, allowing the plant to survive adverse conditions like drought and fire.
Soil type:
Well-drained, sandy, or rocky soils.
Aspect:
Prefers full sun to partial shade.
Uses:
Horticultural: Suitable for rockeries, mass planting, or as a component in a mixed border. Its bright yellow flowers add a cheerful splash of colour.
Medicinal: While Hypoxis hemerocallidea is the most famous for its medicinal uses (African Potato), other Hypoxis species, including H. argentea, are also used traditionally. The corm (underground part) is often the medicinally active part.
Ecology:
Survival: The corm allows the plant to survive veld fires and dry seasons, resprouting when conditions are favourable.
Pollination: Flowers are pollinated by insects, likely bees, attracted to the bright yellow colour and open shape.
Habitat: Grows in grassland and open, sunny areas.
Distribution and habitat:
Endemic to South Africa.
Found in the Eastern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West, and Western Cape provinces.
Occurs in grassland and fynbos biomes, typically in open, sunny areas.
Derivation of name:
The genus name Hypoxis is derived from Greek 'hypo' (under) and 'oxys' (sharp), possibly referring to the pointed base of the fruit.
The species name argentea is Latin for 'silvery', referring to the characteristic silvery, silky hairs on its leaves.
Common names like "Star Flower" and "Sterretjie" (Afrikaans for 'little star') refer to the star-like shape of its yellow flowers.
Interesting facts:
Hypoxis argentea is sometimes called "Silver Hypoxis" because its grass-like leaves are often covered in tiny, sparkly silver hairs – it's like the plant is wearing a fancy, shimmery coat!
This plant is a little sun-worshipper! Its star-shaped yellow flowers only fully open up when the sun is shining brightly, so you know it's a good day when you see them wide open.
It's got a secret weapon underground – a corm! This is like its personal food and water storage unit, helping it survive tough droughts and even veld fires, ready to pop up again when conditions are better.
While its famous cousin, the African Potato (Hypoxis hemerocallidea), is well-known for medicine, Hypoxis argentea also has traditional uses, proving that many plants hold natural healing secrets!
Growing tips:
Planting location: Hypoxis argentea is a great choice for sunny rock gardens, mass plantings, or as a cheerful addition to a mixed perennial border.
Soil and watering: It prefers well-drained soil, especially sandy types, but it's pretty adaptable. Once established, it's quite drought-tolerant due to its corm, but it will appreciate regular watering during its growing season.
Aspect: Full sun is key for this plant to flower abundantly.
Propagation: Easily grown from seed or by dividing its corms.Seeds: Sow the small, black, hard seeds in spring.
Corms: Divide established clumps by separating the corms, preferably during their dormant period (winter) or just as new growth begins in spring.
This plant is a fantastic alternative for:
Common name
Scientific Name
Plant type:
Plant type
Plant family:
Hypoxidaceae (Greek plant name) - Order: Asparagales