How to identify Climbing onion (Bowiea volubilis)

How to identify Climbing onion (Bowiea volubilis)

Climbing onion, also known as Zulu potato

Climbing onion features a distinctive bulb with overlapping green scales, forming a spherical structure that can extend up to 8 inches (20 cm) above the soil. It exhibits twining, branched stems that are leafless, green, and may reach varying lengths, with the stems' side-branches tending to detach. The plant remains dormant in winter as the outer scales desiccate to a papery texture. Come springtime, climbing onion produces inconspicuous greenish-white blooms amid the leafless stems.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Succulent, Herb

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Climbing onion

Spherical bulb with green scales, reaching up to 8 inches (20 cm) in height.

Leafless, twining stems with side-branches that can detach, remaining dormant in winter.

Small, greenish-white flowers in racemes, with six tepals forming a star-like pattern.

Reduced, nearly invisible leaves as small scales along the stem, aiding in habitat adaptation.

Slender, twining stem of 0.1-0.2 inches (2-5 mm) diameter, forming intricate, vining branches.

Detailed Traits of Climbing onion

Leaf Features

Climbing onion is a fascinating plant, especially notable for its leaflessness. Unlike many other plants, it does not have traditional leaves. Instead, it has reduced leaves, which are nearly invisible, often manifesting as small scales along the stem. These scales are minimal in size, usually no larger than 0.1 inches (2-3 mm), and lack the broad surface that typical leaves possess. This unique adaptation allows climbing onion to thrive efficiently in its native habitats.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of climbing onion are small, measuring approximately 0.2-0.4 inches (5-10 mm) in diameter. They have a greenish-white hue and appear along the slender, twining stems of the plant. The flowers are arranged in racemes, typically blooming in late spring to early summer. Each flower consists of six tepals that are arranged in a star-like pattern. They lack a noticeable scent, making them primarily identifiable by their delicate color and arrangement along the stems.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

The stem of climbing onion is slender and twining, emerging in late winter. It is light green and smooth, with a diameter of approximately 0.1-0.2 inches (2-5 mm). As it matures, it forms intricate, lacy branches that create a dense, delicate network. The stem climbs and supports itself by entwining around nearby structures, giving it a distinctive vining appearance. The growth persists through the warmer months and dies back in the fall.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

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