Moraea tulbaghensis

The rooiflappie (red iris) in Afrikaans used to grow in the renosterveld of the Swartland where extensive wheat production has severely reduced the plant’s habitat, threatening its future. The distribution extends eastwards across the mountains to the vicinity of Tulbagh. This photo was taken in the Elandsberg Private Nature Reserve where spectacular spring flowering of the species may still be witnessed.

This would be a good garden flower. It is rightly admired although not yet widely planted. The plant grows in the winter rainy season, becoming dormant and reduced to the underground corm in summer. Each flower lasts about three days, but several will flower in sequence, appearing from the leaf-like green spathes. They open fully on the bright sunny days only (www.plantzafrica.com).