Geissorhiza radians
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Iridaceae
Genus: Geissorhiza
Species:
G. radians
Binomial name
Geissorhiza radians
Goldblatt
Synonyms

Geissorhiza rochensis var. rochensis

Geissorhiza radians or winecup flower is a highly threatened species from the Iris family with fewer than 10 remaining sub-populations growing in south-western Cape Town, South Africa.[1] The deep purple flowers with large, red centres grow is dense colonies which makes for a spectacular flower displays from mid-September, particularly around the town of Darling. Its seasonally wet lowlands habitat is however becoming increasingly threatened with more than 80% of its original habitat now permanently transformed into agriculture or urban sprawl and the remaining populations threatened by encroaching invasive alien vegetation and fertilizer runoff. The dark-centred flowers aim to attract specific pollinators from the horsefly family (Tabanidae), but the specific interactions still require additional investigation. Each plant has 1 to 6 flowers. It is also found in smaller patches through to Gordon's Bay. The plants nearly always occur in seasonally moist wetlands which become dry in the summer months.[2]

Growing

The plant normally starts to flower after 3 years after being planted, they can be grown from a pot or lawn if sufficient moisture is provided. It might be hard to buy this plant since it is rare.[3]

References

  1. ↑ "Geissorhiza radians in Tropicos".
  2. ↑ "Geissorhiza radians | PlantZAfrica". pza.sanbi.org. Retrieved 2023-12-12.
  3. ↑ "Geissorhiza radians | PlantZAfrica". pza.sanbi.org. Retrieved 2023-12-12.
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