Cyanella orchidiformis flower

Corolla colour intensity varies in Cyanella orchidiformis flowers among different plants, as well as in different parts of each flower.

Sometimes almost white apart from the segment bases, this plant has deep purplish maroon, more of it on some of its segment bases. Parts of the flower in picture are almost black, while darker hues are enhanced in the parallel vein lines.

The two groups of three stamens each differ in the downwards curving or flexing of their filaments. Upper and lower anthers both point down until they’re dropped.

There is a long, narrow, pointed bract at the base of each pedicel enfolding it; another one some distance up its length (Manning, 2007; Le Roux, et al, 2005; iNaturalist; www.pacificbulbsociety.org).