Moraea ciliata flower

Strongly spicy to vanilla scented, the iris-like flowers of Moraea ciliata emerge stalked above the leaves, each enveloped in a single, leathery spathe. The tepals appear in two whorls of three, the inner three are narrower and suberect without the commonly yellow nectar guides low down on the broader, spreading outer three tepals. The flowers are about 3 cm long and 4 cm to 6 cm in diameter.

Flower colours are quite varied, mainly blue or yellow, but including white, pale green, purple or even pale brown pink, which may do justice to the one in picture. Add the variations in nectar guides and some busy, multicoloured corollas form part of the allure of the uintjie.

The pedicels contract after blooming. This means the ovary is withdrawn into the base of the spathe when the fruit develops in protective custody.

A flower lasts for about an afternoon. Bloomtime is from before midwinter to early spring (Curtis-Scott, et al, 2020; Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2015; Manning, 2009; Le Roux, et al, 2005; iNaturalist; https://pza.sanbi.org).