Buttonhole Flower

Written by FNA

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6 July 2026

Buttonhole Flower; Afr: Veldskoenblaar: Massonia jasminiflora.

Common Names include:
Buttonhole Flower, Abraham’s book: In the book, Wild Flowers of Southern Africa by Sima Eliovson; 1980),

Massonia species are also called “Ugly Duckling or Velskoenblaar” in Afrikaans.

Buttonhole Flower Massonia jasminiflora have only two leaves which are flat on the ground, arise from a small bulb, like an open book, hairy and is not easily spotted.

The flowers are usually white to pink and emerge out of the centre of the leaves and have a jasmine like scent, from where the botanical name originates. This unique plant is wide spread in South Africa and can be found in the Free State, Gauteng, Northern Cape, North West, and Lesotho. In Fichardt Park the species were observed in Phillips Park where the photos were taken.

The genus Massonia is used by traditional healers who roast the bulb, grind it into a powder and rub it into cuts and sores and to treat certain illnesses.

This plant is a protected species and may not be collected or damaged in nature.