Moraea macrocarpa

Moraea macrocarpa is a cormous perennial that only reaches about 12 cm in height annually in its above ground, deciduous parts.

The flowers are violet or blue with conspicuous yellow and white nectar guides on the outer three tepals. Dark blue or violet lines radiate out beyond these nectar guides. The inner tepals are smaller and unmarked, also with rounded tips; in the case of the flower in this photo they also twist variously, as if to hide their tips. The style is branched and erect, coloured like the tepals, covering the stamens.

The flowers arrive in spring; individual flowers being short-lived. This species is found in the Northern Cape where it grows in sandy soil among arid fynbos. Macrocarpa means big fruit in Greek (www.pacificbulbsociety.com).