Baeometra uniflora

Baeometra uniflora, the beetle lily, is a cormous, deciduous perennial that reaches heights from 10 cm to 25 cm. The genus is monotypic, the species the only member of its genus. The generic name is derived from the Greek words baeo meaning small and metra meaning a measure, referring to the plant's small size.

The species distribution is in the southern parts of the Western Cape from Malmesbury to Riversdale.

The habitat is seasonally damp, rocky sandstone and granite flats and lower slopes in the winter rainfall region. The plants grow among fynbos, in renosterveld, and often where the soil has been disturbed, such as in road verges. The habitat population is deemed of least concern early in the twenty first century.  

The plant is believed to be poisonous and may cause stock losses. It is also a frost sensitive garden plant for rock gardens and containers, needing to be kept wet in winter and spring, dry in summer (Pooley, et al, 2025; Curtis-Scott, et al, 2020; Manning, 2007; Bean and Johns, 2005; iNaturalist; https://www.worldfloraonline.org; http://redlist.sanbi.org).