What is this white and green flower?

[Carolyn]

I have just discovered this white and green flower growing in my crevice garden. I have no idea what it is and do not recall planting it! Any ideas?

[Maggi Young]

Androcymbium striatum I think, Carolyn. African, in the Colchicum family.

[shelagh]

Yes Androcymbium striatum and aren't you lucky to have it come up in the garden, ours are being nurtured in the alpine house.

[Carolyn]

Well, how did I get that? I definitely did not plant it or sow the seeds. The seed must have been in compost with something which I planted, or maybe some different seedex seeds were mixed together. Don't you just love the excitement of gardening?
Thank you Maggi and Shelagh for your help. Now I'm off to google how to look after my new plant.

[Carolyn]

I read that this grows from South Africa to tropical Africa, in damp gravel, from 1800m to 3000m. It will take a bit of frost then. Shelagh, did you grow yours from seed? Is it like other members of the colchicum family which take several years to reach flowering size? I guess my plant has survived several winters in the crevice garden and does not need me to go and dig it up to "rescue" it? In any case, it is tucked in between 2 stones and I doubt if I could dig it out . I will admire it where it is.

[Maggi Young]

A few forumists growing it, Carolyn - I found elsewhere in the forum, this quote  from 2010:

Angie,it survived -12c last winter in a southfacing raised bed 180cm in front of the house, in a 50/50 grit and soil mix.

[Carolyn]

Maggi,
It doesn't mind a bit of rain then, if Michael grows it in Ireland!

[shelagh]

Carolyn we saw it on the show bench and George Elder the grower very kindly sent us some bulbils. It really is a beautiful flower. George had another pot on the bench at Pershore  2 weeks ago, I  don't think it is very widely known or grown.

[Carolyn]

Shelagh,
I will get my paintbrush out and try to get some seeds to set for the seedex.

[Carolyn]

I am pleased to report that androcymbium striatum has produced a few seeds in my crevice garden, despite our wet summer. Not enough for the seedex this year, unfortunately, but my question is - what now? Are the seeds best planted fresh, to experience (relative)warmth - cold - warmth? Or do I wait till spring?