Hypoxis hygrometrica

Hypoxis hygrometrica is a small perennial in the Hypoxidaceae family. Its common names include golden star and golden weather glass. It comes from southeastern Queensland through southeastern Australia. Kew describes its climate as subtropical. It grows from an underground tuber that persists between seasons. In the wild, it grows in moist grassland and heath. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

Plants reach about 0.7 feet (0.2 metres) tall. Their spread is about 0.3 feet (0.1 metres). This small size suits a place in a cultivated bed. Plants For A Future lists flowering from May to July. Seeds ripen from July to August in that account. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects pollinate the flowers, and plants can also set seed without another plant. The seeds respond to changes in moisture. People have used this trait for simple weather forecasting.

Grow this plant in full sun or light shade. It needs light soil that lets excess water drain away. Sandy and loamy soils both suit it. It accepts mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline soil. Keep the soil moist rather than choosing a dry site. Plants For A Future gives USDA zones 8–11. It also reports survival down to about 23°F (−5°C). Its guidance limits outdoor growing in Britain to the mildest areas. These limits matter when choosing a lasting garden position.

Avoid moving established plants, as root disturbance can harm them. Set plants in their final sites as soon as practical. Sow seeds in a greenhouse in spring. Move seedlings into separate pots once large enough to handle. Keep young plants under glass through at least their first winter. Plant them out after the last expected frost. Late spring or early summer is the suggested planting time. Divide offsets in spring or early autumn as another propagation method.

The tuber has a reported food use, but carries a warning. It contains calcium oxalate crystals that can irritate the throat. Plants For A Future advises against eating it raw. That source reports that thorough cooking removes the hazard. It describes the taste as starchy and earthy. People prone to kidney stones or gout should take extra care. The same warning includes arthritis, rheumatism, and excess stomach acidity. The source lists no known medicinal uses.