Moraea fugax flower and fruit

The flowers of Moraea fugax grow in a branched inflorescence, its shape called a rhipidium (plural rhipidia). Rhipidium is a term referring to the particular cyme-shape in which successive pedicels follow a zigzag path of buds positioned alternately on opposite sides of the peduncle. Two pale brown spathes envelop each flower base tightly, the inner one being larger.

The iris-like flowers have six tepals growing in two whorls, the corolla about 4 cm in diameter. The outer three tepals are larger with yellow nectar guides in rounded, usually delineated areas at the tepal bases. The inner three are lance-shaped and unmarked. The three style-branches above the flower centre are petal-like, angled out at the base and erect in their upper parts. Flower colour is white, yellow or any of several shades of blue.

Each flower only lasts from about noon or early afternoon to sunset on one day. The specific name, fugax, is a Latin word meaning fleeing, timorous or shy, referring to the short-lived flowers.

An oblong, green fruit with uneven bulges and vertical segments is topped by a withered corolla in picture.

The single, narrow, keeled leaf of this plant is taller than the inflorescence (Curtis-Scott, et al, 2020; Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2015; Manning, 2007; Le Roux, et al, 2005; Leistner, (Ed.), 2000).