Ornithogalum

Also known as Star of Bethlehem. The Greeks used the term "bird's milk" ornithos (bird) and gala (milk) to describe something incredible. The South Africans know them as "tjenkenrientjee" which is where the odd English name chincherinchee comes from.

Their flowers, bell and star-shaped, are showy and sometimes very fragrant . They bloom individually in circles carried at the top of leafless stems.

Ornithogalum thyrsoides is native to South Africa and the Ornithogalum umbellatum is native to the Mediterranean.

Colour: Usually white but also yellow and orange.

Availability: All year round Family: They belong to the Liliaceae (lily) family and grow from bulbs.

Varieties: The best known is Ornithogalum thyrsoides. Ornithogalum umbellatum has larger star-shaped white flowers and narrow leaves. This variety's most eye-catching feature is the beautiful green stripe on each flower.