Moraea villosa subsp. elandsmontana

The fragrant flowers of Moraea villosa subsp. elandsmontana are usually orange like the one in picture. As far as known these plants only remain in nature today in the Elandsberg Private Nature Reserve where this specimen was photographed.

The corolla is bright orange or yellow. The three outer tepals are large with yellow nectar guides near the centre. Next to the nectar guides are brightly coloured curved bands. These green or blue iridescent, contrasting patches are guaranteed to catch the eye. The patches resemble male peacock tail feathers, giving rise to the common name of peacock moraea.

The three inner tepals are small and three-lobed, rounded on the sides with the central lobe very long and narrow, almost a linear spike. The flower’s style presides over the corolla, its three flat branches parted down the middle from their tips. The anthers are hidden below the style branches (www.plantzafrica.com).