Moraea brevistyla flower

The Moraea brevistyla flower leads with three spreading, partly reflexed and slightly wavy petals around its busy, spider-like centre. The three thin, brown and erect inner tepals each has three lobes, some of their surfaces darker brown or black-spotted, bringing the plant the common name of partridge moraea. An insect analogy might have been more appropriate than the bird one.

The three spreading style lobes, each forking into two brown tips contribute to the seemingly confusing inner floral structure. The specific name, brevistyla, is derived from the Latin words brevis meaning short and stilus meaning style, referring to the short styles in flowers of this species. There are three stamens as well in the mix of the bisexual flower.

As long as seed is set after flowering, everything is in its proper place and invites closer inspection for better appreciation. No wonder such a complex design lasts for a few days, as early withering would rather spoil the trouble taken in growing it (Manning, 2009; Pooley, 1998; iNaturalist).