VELTHEIMIA bracteata (V. viridifolia). South Africa. I have long enjoyed this beautiful bulb but have been slow to build its quantities, due mostly to the unintended shielding of the plants from birds and bees. This is one of many showy South African lilies, making large, long-lived bulbs which slowly proliferate into small colonies. The leaves are bright green, glossy and wavy-edged, making their appearance as the weather cools in fall and finally extending to a foot or more. In late winter, a stout reddish stem springs from the center of the leaf-crown, carrying dozens of closely packed buds. These expand into slightly pendulous, tubular pink blossoms, each nearly an inch long. The whole plant dies down by early summer and can be allowed to dry out completely. This is a wonderful plant for large (over 1') pots and tubs, and equally fine for the open garden, where winter temperatures permit. It thrives in sun or light shade and most soils, with only moderate watering (the winter rains should suffice, unless it is kept under cover). However, the leaves and flowers are burned by temperatures of 25oF or less.