A taxonomic revision of the genus Ornithogalum L. (Liliaceae) in southern Africa is presented. Three subgenera and 54 species are recognized; 8 of these species are new to science; there is one new subspecies, 3 taxa are accorded subspecific rank, one variety has been raised to specific rank, 4 were taken out of other genera and placed in Ornithogalum and one was placed under Albuca (see p. 372 for enumeration). Characters separating Ornithogalum from Albuca are defined. Historical notes on the genus are given and reference is made to poisonous and cultivated species.